PGE-1
1-Drug Intracavernosal Injection
At a Glance
- A multi-dose vial of a single ingredient
- Injection should be done 5 to 15 minutes prior to intercourse
- Consists of one medication used for injection therapy
- Requires prescription
The Details
PGE-1 (Alprostadil) injection therapy is a vasodilator that, once injected into the penis, helps increase bloodflow and achieve an erection 5 to 15 minutes before intercourse.
What to know about PGE-1
How it Works
PGE-1, also referred to as Alprostadil, injection therapy consists of injecting a vasodilator medication directly into the shaft of the penis with a very fine needle. In the case of PGE-1, this injection is usually one of three medications, alprostadil being the most common to inject on its own.
Who’s it For?
PGE-1 injections are best for cases where the oral medications cause intolerable side effects, or if oral medications do not work.
Effectiveness
PGE-1 is one of the three drugs often used for Injection Therapy. Injections are one of the most effective forms of ED treatment: up to 92% of patients find it effective. According to most studies, Prostaglandin E1 (PGE-1) has been found to have an effectiveness rate of approximately 91%.1
1. NIH National Library of Medicine, [Prostaglandin E1 in the diagnosis and therapy of erectile disorders]
Off-Label Uses
A common practice, off-label prescribing is when a doctor prescribes a drug for a different condition or at a different dosage than the FDA has approved. For PGE-1, there are a few conditions prescribed off-label. Always consult your physician before beginning a new treatment or modifying your existing treatment.
FDA Approved Use
PGE-1 is often recommended for men suffering from more advanced erectile dysfunction or who have other comorbidities impacting their ED.
Prostate Cancer
PGE-1 may be prescribed for men who have just had a radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer. Injection Therapy is commonly used to aid in the recovery process.
PGE-1 Side Effects
- Scarring at injection site (if injections aren’t rotated)
- Slight pain at the injection site
- Priapism (Erection lasting more than 4 hours)
- Aching sensation in penis
Good to Know
Use of PGE-1 should not exceed 3-4 uses within a single week and no more than once in a 24 hour period unless directed to do so by your physician.
Punctured or sealed vials must be refrigerated. Trimix multi-use vials are safe to use up to 28-days after first puncture. Do not freeze.
Level Up Your Knowledge
Helpful Articles
Can A Healthy Lifestyle Improve Your ED?
In this article Dr. Loh-Doyle explains how four key lifestyle changes can not only improve your erectile function, but will help you maintain your overall good health.
Multi-dose Vials and the 28-day Sterility Rule
In this article Patrick Carpenter, Pharmacist discusses safety guidelines for the use of injectable medicines in multi-dose vials.
The Art of Optimizing Injection Therapy for ED
In this article Dr. Honig discusses why it's important to set the right dose and teach proper self-injection technique in the first office visit.
Ready to Get Results?
Use these tools to rate and track your progress.
Rigidity Scale
Use this tool to rate your erection. The goal range is 7-9 with 6 being firm enough for penetration.
Log Your Progress
Use the chart below to record your progress. This chart comes in handy when discussing your treatment success with your provider or with a menMD Personal Health Assistant.
Learn more or download the Injection Therapy Guide, which includes these tools, in the resource center.
Ready to get started?
First you’ll need a prescription.
Don’t forget to check these out
Other treatment options for erectile dysfunction.
Tadalafil
Same active ingredient found in Cialis. Taken one hour prior to sexual activity. Effective for up to 36 hours.
Available in 5mg and 20mg tablets or lozenges, prescription required.
Sildenafil
Same active ingredient found in Viagra®. Taken orally, 30 to 60 minutes prior to sexual activity.
Available in 20mg and 100mg tablets, prescription required.
Intraurethral Gel
Intraurethral gels are injected into the urethra with a needleless syringe 5-15 minutes prior to intercourse.
Available in 3 formulations, prescription required.
Vacuum Erection Devices
The VED is a plastic tube that fits over the penis and is pressed against the base of the penis and pubis. It uses suction to pull blood into the penis to create an erection.
