![\"vitaros](\"\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/vitaros-cream-online.jpg\")
<\/a>A cream which treats erectile dysfunction<\/a> (ED) is now available on prescription in the UK.<\/p>\nThe cream \u2013 called Vitaros<\/strong> \u2013 now gives hope to the 2.3 million men over 18 across the country who currently try to deal with the problem by taking a variety of other treatments, such as Viagra (sildenafil<\/a>).<\/p>\n Vitaros cream is available in a single-use, disposable applicator. A pre-prescribed amount is applied to the tip of the penis and, once absorbed, claims to yield an erection within five to 30 minutes.<\/p>\n The cream, which contains the drug alprostadil<\/em>, means that men in the UK are the first in the world to have access to this new form of treatment to combat their sexual dysfunction issues.<\/p>\n Vitaros cream must be kept refrigerated<\/strong> and is unsuitable for mail order without specialist packaging to keep the medicine cooled.<\/p>\n Oral erectile dysfunction drugs are not suitable for people with angina or who have had a heart attack or stroke, and they can also cause a variety of other side effects<\/a> including dizziness, blurred vision and headaches. Vitaros is a prescription only medicine and medical checks and advice are required before use.<\/p>\n Men engaging in intercourse with women of childbearing age whilst using Vitaros should use condoms. This protects against possible vaginal irritation and against potential risks to pregnancies.<\/p>\n 250 UK men who have been diagnosed with ED were recently surveyed \u2013 and 35% of them said they suffered side effects after taking a pill. Nevertheless, the majority of the remaining men persevered with the treatment so they could produce an erection.<\/p>\n Experts have said that because Vitaros cream is applied directly to the genitals, such generalised side effects are unlikely, and any that are suffered will be mild and short-lived.<\/p>\n Dr David Edwards, a GP in Chipping Norton, and President of the British Society for Sexual Medicine<\/a>, said:<\/p>\n The availability of Vitaros is an exciting milestone in erectile dysfunction treatment.<\/p>\n Many men miss out on the chance of treatment because they either cannot tolerate a pill or simply do not want to take one, or are put off by the existing forms of Alprostadil, such as an injection into the penis or a pellet inserted into the urethra.<\/p>\n The importance of finding the right treatment for the right person cannot be underestimated.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n Vitaros\u00a0cream is only available on prescription and is self-administered by the patient after instruction from a GP or healthcare professional. Vitaros is available in two dosage strengths of 200 and 300 mcg alprostadil in 100 mg of cream.<\/span><\/p>\n Many of the current ED treatments, including Vitaros, are restricted on the NHS, meaning not all sufferers are eligible. Nevertheless, men who need ED treatment but fall outside the usual free NHS prescription guidelines may still be able to able to get private prescriptions for Vitaros.<\/p>\n Further information can be found in the patient information leaflet<\/a> supplied with Vitaros 3 mg\/g cream.<\/p>\n Caverjet<\/strong>\u00a0from Pfizer is supplied as a\u00a0syringe pre-filled with alprostadil\u00a0which is injected directly into the side of the penis (how to use Caverjet<\/a>).<\/p>\nThe risks of oral ED drugs<\/h2>\n
A milestone in ED treatment<\/h2>\n
Vitaros cream on prescription<\/h2>\n
Other forms of alprostadil<\/h2>\n