'Caverjec't is the trade name of a preparation of 'alprostadil' - a hormone/chemical which when injected into the blood spaces of the penis mimics the natural chemical release during a normal erection. It is a very effective method of producing an erection, particularly in men where the nerves have not been spared during surgery and in whom Viagra and Cialis etc are totally ineffective. It is essential that adequate advice and training are given by a properly trained and qualified healthcare professional before this product is used as there are potential serious problems that can arise from wrong use.
Caverject is a presented in a dual chamber syringe and designed to make the mixing of the injection both simple and sterile. It is manufactured for UK by Pharmacia / Pfizer. The manufacturers stated early this year that there were going to be production difficulties because of factory problems and that it is likely they will not produce any further supplies until 2015. It is obviously not a high-volume product for them as a company and in the pharma industry profits come first and everything else second.
There is an alternative product - 'Viridal'. This is manufactured by UCB Pharma. It is the same drug, but needs to be mixed from separate vials and is thus a bit less easy to use. But dose for dose should work as well as Caverject. The GP should be able to prescribe this alternative.
What is difficult to obtain is information on long-term use and whether the potential side effect of producing fibrous scar tissue in the penis as a result of multiple injections is common or not. I have been trying to find out for one of my PCa Support Group members with little result.
Steve A