Alprostadil belongs to a family of medications known as prostaglandins. Prostaglandins like alprostadil cause increased blood flow to certain areas of the body by causing the blood vessels in the area to widen. Muse (Alprostadil-urogenital) is used to treat Erectile Dysfunction by causing increased blood flow to the penis in particular.

The goal of Muse (Alprostadil-urogenital) is to achieve erections that last from 30 minutes or up to one hour. Alprostadil relaxes the smooth muscle of the penis, allowing more blood to flow into the penis to produce an erection. It can produce an erection in about 5 to 10 minutes, but this varies from person to person.

Muse (Alprostadil-urogenital) may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of Muse (Alprostadil-urogenital) may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of Muse (Alprostadil-urogenital) may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.

Your doctor may have suggested Muse (Alprostadil-urogenital) for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are being given Muse (Alprostadil-urogenital), speak to your doctor. Do not stop using Muse (Alprostadil-urogenital) without consulting your doctor.

Do not give Muse (Alprostadil-urogenital) to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to use Muse (Alprostadil-urogenital) if their doctor has not prescribed it.

The MUSE system uses an applicator to insert a pellet of medication into the urethra (the tube that urine passes through in the penis). This is usually done just after urination. The pellet then dissolves and the medication enters the blood-filled spaces of the penis (corpora cavernosa), where it works to cause an erection.

Your doctor will choose the appropriate dose of alprostadil for you.Once the correct dose has been found, the doctor will teach you to insert the medication properly. Once your doctor is assured that you are comfortable with the procedure, you will be given a prescription for a kit to use at home. Please refer to the package insert for details on how to use the medication properly.

The usual starting dose of alprostadil is 250 µg, and depending on your response to the medication, it may be increased up to 1,000 µg as directed by your doctor. The medication should not be used more than twice in a 24-hour period. The applicator should be used only once and then discarded safely. For best results, sit, stand, or walk for the first 10 minutes after you use the medication.

If the erection lasts for 2 hours, try to reduce the erection by methods suggested by your doctor. A prolonged erection (4 hours or more) should be reported to your doctor immediately.

Do not insert alprostadil into an erect penis. Never increase or decrease the dose without consulting your doctor. It is important to visit your doctor regularly, at least every 3 months during therapy, to ensure that the medication is working safely and effectively.

Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to use Muse (Alprostadil-urogenital) exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

Store unopened foil pouches in a refrigerator. Do not expose Muse (Alprostadil-urogenital) to temperatures over 30°C. MUSE can be stored at room temperature (below 30°C) for up to 14 days prior to use. Protect Muse (Alprostadil-urogenital) from light and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

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Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent. The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Muse (Alprostadil-urogenital). If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Muse (Alprostadil-urogenital) with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking Muse (Alprostadil-urogenital). Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• dizziness
• flu-like symptoms or general body aches
• infection
• lowering of blood pressure
• mild bleeding or spotting from urethra
• pain at site of insertion
• pain of the penis, urethra, or testes
• painful erection
• runny nose
• stinging of urethra
• vaginal itching and burning (in female partners of men taking alprostadil for erectile dysfunction; it is unknown whether these side effects are a result of the medication itself)

Although most of these side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not check with your doctor or seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• fainting
• rapid pulse
• swelling or pain in the testes

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• curving of penis with pain during erection
• priapism (erection that lasts over 6 hours with severe and continuing pain of the penis)
• prolonged erection (lasting for 4 to 6 hours)

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Muse (Alprostadil-urogenital).

250 µg
Each transurethral delivery system contains alprostadil 250 µg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: polyethylene glycol 1450 USP.

500 µg
Each transurethral delivery system contains alprostadil 500 µg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: polyethylene glycol 1450 USP.

1,000 µg
Each transurethral delivery system contains alprostadil 1,000 µg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: polyethylene glycol 1450 USP.