Shortage of Alprostadil

User

Posted 16 May 2023 at 10:41

I had my prostate removed by RARP in 2020 and spent two years trying various medication and devices to improve erections, which are at their best only when I stand up. It's not the end of the world, but having spoken to some of the UK's foremost experts on ED, it does seem that very few gents have the same problem.

Various experts have suggested various medication and techniques but in 2022 I discovered that the best way to overcome this difficulty was to use Alprostadil MUSE. I found that the pellets delivered by urethral stick were so much easier to insert rather than use in Caverject injections.

But in March, after a few months of short supplies and long delays for deliveries to my local pharmacy, I was told that there was a national shortage of Alprostadil. Now in mid-May, I have heard that it is not know when supplies will resume.

So now I am looking for an alternative medication. Another complication is that I may have to wait months for an appointment with the consultant who switched me to Alprostadil pellets.

Edited by member 16 May 2023 at 14:38 | Reason: incorrect date

User

Posted 24 Mar 2024 at 11:40

I think Alprostadil is fine out of the fridge - mine has always been kept at room temperature and it works fine ;)

I think it's the alternative Invicorp that needs to be refrigerated.

User

Posted 24 Mar 2024 at 11:25

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member

It is however still in my bag, not had a chance to try it yet sadly!

I think that that medicine is supposed to be stored in a fridge below 5C. (I could be wrong)

Dave

User

Posted 24 Mar 2024 at 15:07

Muse pellets should be stored in the fridge but can be kept at room temperature for up to 14 days before use, as long as the packet has not been opened.

Vitaros cream should be kept in the fridge but can be kept at room temperature for a maximum of 3 days before use

Invicorp injections must be kept in the fridge or, when on the move, in a cool bag.

Caverject dual chamber does not need to be kept in the fridge but Caverject single chamber does.

"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard

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User

Posted 16 May 2023 at 11:19

I was prescribed alprostadil in 2019, but could not get it from any pharmacy. I think I have seen other posts on here about it's intermittent supply. Vitaros cream is similar to muse, I didn't have much success with that

Fortunately for me ED was only going to be temporary whilst I was on HT, and now Viagra or avanafil are sufficient to turn a semi into something useful.

Edited by member 16 May 2023 at 15:40 | Reason: Not specified

Dave

User

Posted 16 May 2023 at 15:01

Thanks Dave

My prostate cancer was well-advanced and, in my case, removal of the gland seemed to be the safest bet. The op took around three and a half hours and the surgeon and his robot proved to be a formidable team at nerve-sparing. However, the spared nerves are those that mainly control the standing-up only strong erections.

I must admit there has been a certain amout of stand-up comedy from some doctors about this problem but luckily I can chuckle with them, otherwise I would probably go mad. The doctors, consultants, technicians ands nurses have all been brilliant throughout and I have nothing but admiration from them.

Also, I do get a feeling that things are improving steadily with time, but Alprostadil MUSE certainly did make a dramatic change.

I just don't understand why there are supply shortages when it seems to be a proven product to help many gents with ED problems. Is it anything to do with the cost? Or side effects, which have not been a problem for me?

Are there any experts out there who can tell me what is going on?

Edited by member 16 May 2023 at 15:04 | Reason: clarity

User

Posted 16 May 2023 at 15:46

My guess is that they only manufacture a batch of this drug or some ingredient of it once every few months. It is not a life critical drug like heart medication, and it isn't something with a mass market, like indigestion tablet, or Viagra.

Dave

User

Posted 16 May 2023 at 22:08

The MUSE production problem is international - it hasn't been available in USA, Canada or Europe for months now.

You shouldn't need a new appointment with the consultant to get a prescription change to Vitaros cream - your GP should be able to do this!

"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard

User

Posted 23 Mar 2024 at 02:01

Alprostadil muse urethral pellets have worked perfectly for me. Oral tablets do NOT work. It is very frustrating that muse seems does not seem to be manufactured any more? Does anyone know why? Alprostadil seems to be available for other products, so why not for muse?

Does anyone have a tip where I can get hold of muse, or something similar?

User

Posted 23 Mar 2024 at 21:51

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member

I was was prescribed the vitaros muse cream a few days ago. The hospital pharmacy did not have any issues with dispensing the medication. I got 4 boxes without any issues. It is however still in my bag, not had a chance to try it yet sadly!

User

Posted 24 Mar 2024 at 11:25

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member

It is however still in my bag, not had a chance to try it yet sadly!

I think that that medicine is supposed to be stored in a fridge below 5C. (I could be wrong)

Dave

User

Posted 24 Mar 2024 at 11:40

I think Alprostadil is fine out of the fridge - mine has always been kept at room temperature and it works fine ;)

I think it's the alternative Invicorp that needs to be refrigerated.

User

Posted 24 Mar 2024 at 15:07

Muse pellets should be stored in the fridge but can be kept at room temperature for up to 14 days before use, as long as the packet has not been opened.

Vitaros cream should be kept in the fridge but can be kept at room temperature for a maximum of 3 days before use

Invicorp injections must be kept in the fridge or, when on the move, in a cool bag.

Caverject dual chamber does not need to be kept in the fridge but Caverject single chamber does.

"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard

User

Posted 24 Mar 2024 at 15:17

Makes sense as my Caverject is dual chamber so isn't active until the two parts are mixed together.

User

Posted 24 Mar 2024 at 22:24

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member

Muse pellets should be stored in the fridge but can be kept at room temperature for up to 14 days before use, as long as the packet has not been opened.

Vitaros cream should be kept in the fridge but can be kept at room temperature for a maximum of 3 days before use

Invicorp injections must be kept in the fridge or, when on the move, in a cool bag.

Caverject dual chamber does not need to be kept in the fridge but Caverject single chamber does.

Thanks a lot, I guess since my medication has been lying in the hallway for the past fortnight, it will be of no use now!

User

Posted 25 Mar 2024 at 00:15

Put them in the fridge - it might be fine. I doubt whether a box of pouches can count exactly!

"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard

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