Intracavernosal Self-Injection Guide

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GATHER YOUR SUPPLIES for your intracavernosal injection as part of your erectile dysfunction treatment. You will need: Alcohol swabs, a sterile syringe with needle, your medication vial (store it in the original light-protective container), a sharps container for safe disposal, and the prescription label with dosage instructions. 

Note: If your medication was shipped frozen, allow it to thaw naturally. Do not heat the vial.

PREPARE YOURSELF FOR YOUR ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION TREATMENT

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, then dry. Sit upright or recline slightly in a comfortable position. Select your injection site for the intracavernosal injection: Between the base and mid-shaft of the penis, focusing on the 10 to 2 o'clock areas on either side. Avoid the top, bottom, and visible blood vessels. Gently pull the head of the penis to one side. Clean the injection site with an alcohol swab and allow it to dry completely to avoid stinging. This self-injection guide will help ensure a successful procedure.

PREPARE THE MEDICATION FOR ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION TREATMENT

Open an alcohol swab and clean the rubber stopper on the vial used for your intracavernosal injection. Let it air dry. Remove the needle cover from the syringe. Draw in air equal to your prescribed dose (e.g., 0.2 mL). Insert the needle straight into the rubber stopper and inject the air to equalize pressure. Turn the vial upside down with the needle still inserted. Slowly pull back the plunger to draw up your dose. Tap the syringe to remove any air bubbles, then push the plunger to the correct dose. Remove the syringe from the vial carefully, without touching the needle. This self-injection guide will help ensure you prepare your medication correctly.

ADMINISTER THE MEDICATION FOR ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION TREATMENT

Grasp the head of the penis and pull it straight out. Hold the syringe at a 90-degree angle and inject into the side of the penis with steady pressure, following the self-injection guide for best practices. Inject the medication over about 4 seconds. Withdraw the needle gently and immediately apply pressure to the site using an alcohol swab for 1-2 minutes (3-5 minutes if taking aspirin). Alternate injection sites each time to ensure effective intracavernosal injection. Safely dispose of the syringe and needle in a sharps container.

Only use the dose prescribed by your doctor for your erectile dysfunction treatment. Limit intracavernosal injections to 3 times per week and ensure doses are spaced at least 24 hours apart. If an erection lasts longer than 2 hours, take 30 mg of pseudoephedrine and apply an ice pack. If the erection persists after 3 hours, contact your doctor or visit the ER immediately. Remember to follow the self-injection guide and discard the vial 28 days after first use or by the labeled expiration date, whichever is sooner.

Penile pain, bruising or burning at the injection site, headaches, or dizziness can occur as side effects of erectile dysfunction treatment. It's important to be aware of the possibility of a prolonged erection, known as priapism, as well as swelling, curvature, or tenderness. If you experience any of these symptoms after an intracavernosal injection, please contact your doctor. For those looking for guidance on self-injection, refer to our self-injection guide. 

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