What is Vitaros and how does it work?

Vitaros is a cream that treats erectile dysfunction. It contains the active ingredient alprostadil which increases the levels of a naturally occurring chemical in the penis. This causes the blood vessels in the penis to swell and should give you a firmer and longer lasting erection.

In studies 52% men have reported improved erections after using the cream. When using the ED cream bear in mind that it does not resolve the underlying physical cause of your ED or increase your sexual desire. 

• Treatment for: Erectile dysfunction
• How you can get it: Prescription
• Active ingredient: Alprostadil
• Dosages: 4, 8, 12, 16
• Works in: 5-30 minutes
• Effective for: 52% of men
• Common side effects: irritation, redness, swelling 

How effective is ED cream?

Studies have shown that Vitaros treats ED in 52% of men. The cream allows men to have erections hard enough and for long enough to have satisfying sex.

If you urinate after applying Vitaros, this can reduce its effectiveness. So make sure you have a wee before you apply the cream.

We also advise trying an ED treatment 8 times before giving up or seeking an alternative.

What are the side effects of Vitaros?

As with all medication some people will experience side effects when using Vitaros. 

Common side effects (1 in 10 people) include:

• Burning, aching or pain
• Tingling or throbbing numbness
• Redness
• Rash
• Genital itching
• Swelling
• Inflammation (balantitis)

Uncommon but potentially serious side effects (Up to 1 in 100 people):

• Light-headedness
• Fainting
• Dizziness
• Increase in sensitivity or lack of sensation
• Prolonged erection for more than 4 hours
• Low blood pressure or rapid pulse
• Pain at the application site
• Pain in scrotum
• Urethral stenosis
• Urinary tract inflammation 

For full information on side effects and correct use, see the patient information leaflet. If you’re worried about any side effects message us through your Patient Record or contact your prescriber.

H4: Will my partner know I’m using Vitaros?

You should let your partner know you are using Vitaros. ED is nothing to be ashamed of and your partner will be able to support you through it.

Female partners may also experience side effects, such as:

• Mild vaginal burning or itching
• Vaginitis 

Using a water-based lubricant may help make vaginal sex easier. 

There is a risk of abnormal pregnancy, and you must use latex condoms if your partner is of childbearing age, pregnant or breastfeeding. 

How to use Vitaros

Vitaros works in 5 to 30 minutes, but it won’t give you an erection if you’re not aroused.

1. Wash and dry your hands.
2. Hold your penis upright. Gently squeeze the tip of your penis to widen the opening. If you're uncircumcised, retract your foreskin.
3. Hold the tip of the applicator as close as possible to and directly over the opening of the penis (urethra). Do not insert the tip of the applicator into the urethra.
4. Carefully push down the plunger with your thumb or finger, until all the cream is in the opening of the urethra.
5. Gently push any excess cream on the surrounding skin into the urethral opening with a clean finger. 

You shouldn’t use Vitaros cream with any other ED treatments. Also do not use it more than once and no more than 3 times a week.

Storage

It must be stored in a fridge - do not freeze. The cream lasts only 3 days at room temperature, after that it may not work.

What dose of Vitaros is right for me?

Vitaros comes in as a cream in a strength of 3mg/g. Each individual 100mg container holds a full dose. Vitaros cream is available in different pack sizes containing 4, 8, 12 and 16 doses. 

All the cream in the 100mg container should be applied to the opening of the urethra with the applicator or a clean finger for the best effect.

Alternative ED treatments

If you often struggle to get and keep an erection, you may have erectile dysfunction. This can be caused by high blood pressure, stress and other factors.

Some men find counselling helpful to treat psychological causes for ED. There are also lots of treatments available for erectile dysfunction such as Viagra. View all our ED treatments.

If Vitaros does not work for you, contact us via your Patient Record so that we can discuss your treatment options.