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Vitaros 3mg - Erectile dysfunction treatment
  • Applied into the opening at the top of the penis
  • Works for 52% of men
  • Works in 5-30 minutes, lasts for up to 2 hours

Vitaros (alprostadil) Cream

Vitaros 3mg - Erectile dysfunction treatment

Branded treatment

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Returning patient? Reorder
  • Applied into the opening at the top of the penis
  • Works for 52% of men
  • Works in 5-30 minutes, lasts for up to 2 hours
On this page

    What is Vitaros and how does it work?

    On this page
    1. How effective is ED cream?
    2. What are the side effects of Vitaros?
    3. Will my partner know I’m using Vitaros?
    4. How to use Vitaros
    5. What dose of Vitaros is right for me?
    6. Alternative ED treatments

    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.

    Vitaros treats ED in 52% of men

    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.

    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. 

    On this page

      Frequently asked questions about ED cream

      On this page

      Can Vitaros cream be used every day?

      Vitaros cream should not be used more than 2 or 3 times each week, and it shouldn’t be used more than once in a 24 hour window.

      The effects of Vitaros can often be felt between 5 and 30 minutes of applying cream. The desired effects usually last for 1 or 2 hours, during which time you should be able to have successful intercourse. 

      How does Vitaros work?

      The active ingredient (alprostadil) in Vitaros 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.

      The treatment will not resolve the underlying physical cause of your ED or increase your sexual desire.

      Can I drink alcohol when using Vitaros cream?

      To get the most out of any ED treatment, it is advisable to cut back on drinking lots of alcohol. Alcohol can sometimes be the cause of ED, while it might be fine to have a glass of beer or wine, it is best to avoid it for the best results.

      Dr Neel Patel explains that; “heavy and prolonged alcohol use can damage the nerves and blood vessels that are essential for healthy erectile function. This is due to alcohol interfering with messengers in the brain that stimulate blood flow. Alcohol can also affect testosterone levels resulting in a decreased libido which could be a contributing factor if you are experiencing ED.”   

      Are there any drug interactions with Vitaros?

      It is important that you let us know which prescription, over-the-counter medicines and recreational drugs you are taking so that our doctors can prescribe you Vitaros safely.

      How to re-order Vitaros cream

      To re-order Vitaros, go to your Patient Record and select ‘re-order’. You will be required to fill in the online questionnaire each time you re-order.

      What our patients say

      How our service works

      1. Complete our simple, confidential online consultation

        5 mins

      2. One of our clinicians confirms your suitability and notifies you by email

        About 30 mins (Mon-Sun 9am-5pm)

      3. Collect your treatment

        Same-day pharmacy collection

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