Impotence is an extremely common health problem which affects about 20% of male population, primarily focusing on the representatives of older age groups. Caverject, an alprostadil-based medication, is one of solutions to combat impotence, but it is sold in the form of injections which is often inappropriate / unacceptable for some patients. When it is worth to use it and what are differences between Caverject and Viagra, a famous blue tablet?
Effectiveness of Viagra and Caverject
It has been officially stated that 94% of men reported successful sex after Caverject administration. Viagra has a slightly lower rate of successfulness, but it is usually more preferable, and many males start the treatment with this pill, because it is convenient and non-invasive, whereas alprostadil injections may be painful and time-consuming.
According to M. Mancini, R. Raina et al. (International Journal of Impotence Research, 2004) both Viagra and Caverject may be using as remedies in starting therapy of erectile dysfunction having vasculogenic nature. However, alprostadil is better to be avoided as a first-line treatment in males suffering from nonvasculogenic ED. Sometimes, it can be combined with Viagra or another PDE5 inhibitor, in particular, in case of monotherapy failure or vein-occlusive erectile dysfunction.
Mechanism of Action
Alprostadil is structurally similar to a natural hormone which controls dilatation of blood vessels. It facilitates erection processes by widening blood vessels through which the sufficient amount of blood reaches the penis.
Also, read our article about Viagra and Priligy.
Route of Administration
Viagra is a pharmaceutical for oral use. You just need to swallow the pillow with water. As for Caverject, there are two options:
- Caverject injection vials. Buying this, you will get a vial containing active agent, a syringe with mixing solutions and two needles. The larger needle is used to fill the vial with liquid, and once alprostadil is fully dissolved, you need to use the smaller needle to make a shot into the penis base.
- Dual Chamber Syringe System. It combines everything a patient needs bundled together. This is a grass cartridge with two chambers. The first one contains dried active ingredient, the second chamber is filled with a special sterile bacteriostatic water. Alprostadil is mixed with water just before shot, so this option is considered more convenient.
Frequency of Use
Caverject can be administered daily, but no more than 3 times per week. Viagra can be used every day, there are no weekly limitations. But you shouldn’t take more than 1 pill and more than 100 milligrams of sildenafil per 24-hour period.
Onset of Action
Viagra starts to provide the desired action 30-60 minutes after ingestion. Too fatty food may affect the rate of its absorption and thereby delay the onset of effect. So Caverject is a winner here. Due to local administration, it begins to provide beneficial effect 5 to 15 minutes after the shot.
Effect Duration
Viagra works 4-6 hours after ingestion. To get hard, a man needs to be sexually stimulated, i.e. he should wanna have sexual intercourse. Caverject is an absolute opposition to Viagra in this regard, there is no need in excitation when you administer it. It will give an erection which will lasts less than an hour.
An interesting question: does Caverject act after orgasm? Users report that it is possible to have multiple ejaculations within the timeframe when the effect of the shot takes place. ‘Not bad huh?’
As the injection acts non-systemically, the risk of whole-body side effects or adverse events in other parts of the body is minimal. Unlike Caverject, Viagra can cause several side effects (their incidence is about 10-15%):
- headache
- face flushing
- nausea, diarrhea, indigestion
- blurred vision, difficulty recognizing some colors
- backache
- nasal congestion, runny nose
- dizziness
Rarely sildenafil can cause priapism, a long-lasting (over 4 hrs) and painful erection.
However, Caverject use is associated with other risks, like:
- pain
- erection lasts too long
- scarring and bruising
- damage due to improper injection technique
Users’ Reviews
We’ve visited Drugs.com website to check user ratings of alprostadil and Viagra. The injectable medication has 7.3 points (out of 10). Practice shows it works well in patients who are frustrated with the ED pills. Those who receive dismal effects for Caverject usually have no success with Viagra and similar pills. Some patients complain about painful insertion. Viagra has 8.6/10 rating. Users report that it works pretty well when taken as directed.
So, What to Choose?
Caverject is usually not the first choice. However, if a patient has tried different and has not been satisfied with their effectiveness, it would be a good idea for him to try the injectable medication. In severe or non-usual situations, combined therapy (sildenafil plus alprostadil) might be helpful.
