What is Vitaros?
Vitaros is a cream that treats erectile dysfunction. It is suitable for adult men who are suffering from ED.
Vitaros: what do you need to know?
- 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 does Vitaros cream work?
Vitaros contains the active ingredient alprostadil. This is a vasodilator, which means it helps to open your blood vessels. When you apply Vitaros at the tip of the penis, the blood vessels there swell and should help to give you a firmer and longer lasting erection. Other treatments like Viagra work in a similar way but are taken as tablets rather than creams.
How long does erectile dysfunction cream take to work?
Once Vitaros has been applied it should begin working within 5 to 30 minutes.
How long does Vitaros last?
The effects of Vitaros should last between 1 to 2 hours. This duration can change depending on the patient. If your erection is painful and lasts for more than 4 hours, get in touch with your medical provider immediately.[
How effective is ED cream?
In studies 52% men have reported improved erections after using the cream, compared to 20% on placebo.
When using Vitaros, bear in mind that it does not resolve the underlying physical cause of your ED or increase your sexual desire. Work with your healthcare provider to pinpoint the root of your ED so that you can find an appropriate treatment plan.
What can influence the effectiveness of erectile dysfunction cream?
If you urinate after applying Vitaros, this can reduce its effectiveness. So make sure you have a wee before you apply the cream.
While this hasn’t been studied, the patient information leaflet for Vitaros suggests that treatments for high blood pressure, decongestants and appetite suppressants might reduce its effectiveness.
If Vitaros isn't working, we advise trying an ED treatment 8 times before giving up or seeking an alternative.
Who can use Vitaros
Vitaros is used by men aged 18 years or older that are suffering from erectile dysfunction.
Who shouldn't use Vitaros for erectile dysfunction?
Vitaros should not be used if:
- You are allergic to alprostadil or any of the other ingredients
- You have an abnormally formed penis
- Your penis has an inflammation or infection
- You have been told not to have sex for health reasons (i.e. heart problems)
- Your partner is pregnant, breast feeding or of childbearing potential (unless you use a condom)
- You have or are prone to venous thrombosis, a hyperviscosity syndrome, drops in blood pressure, history of heart attack, dizziness or sickle cell anaemia
For more information, consult Vitaros' patient information leaflet.
How to use erectile dysfunction cream
Vitaros works in 5 to 30 minutes, but it won’t give you an erection if you’re not aroused.
- Wash and dry your hands.
- Hold your penis upright. Gently squeeze the tip of your penis to widen the opening. If you're uncircumcised, retract your foreskin.
- 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.
- Carefully push down the plunger with your thumb or finger, until all the cream is in the opening of the urethra.
- Hold penis upright for 30 seconds (to allow the cream to penetrate)
- Gently push any excess cream on the surrounding skin into the urethral opening with a clean finger.
Can I use Vitaros every day?
Vitaros should not be used more than 2 to 3 times a week. It should also only be applied once per 24 hour period. Over-applying will not increase the chance you get an erection, but will make it more likely that you suffer from side effects.
Can I use Vitaros with other ED medications?
Vitaros hasn’t been tested for use with other ED treatments like Cialis, Viagra or Hezkue. Therefore, it’s not recommended that you take Vitaros alongside other medications as the outcome isn’t known. The patient information leaflet suggests that it could result in dizziness or fainting.
Vitaros dosage
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.
Vitaros side effects
As with all medication some people will experience side effects when using Vitaros.
| Common side effects (Can affect up to 1 in 10 people) | Uncommon but potentially serious side effects (Can affect up to 1 in 100 people): |
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Female partners may also experience side effects, such as:
- Mild vaginal burning or itching
- Vaginitis
You must use latex condoms if your partner is of childbearing age, pregnant or breastfeeding.
Using a water-based lubricant may help make vaginal sex easier.
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 account or contact your prescriber.
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.
Long-term effects of erectile dysfunction cream
Currently, there is no long-term safety data for using alprostadil cream.
However, there is still the possibility that you may experience a side effect from Vitaros when using it - even if you have applied it before with no effects. If this happens, talk to your healthcare provider.
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.
If Vitaros does not work for you, contact us via your account so that we can discuss your treatment options.
