Viridal Duo (Alprostadil)

Viridal Duo is a version of Alprostadil which is administered via an injection into the penis. It is used to treat impotence (erectile dysfunction) and works by relaxing and widening the blood vessels within the penis which increases blood flow.

More blood is able to flow into the penis and at the same time, other blood vessels contract and prevent blood from flowing out of the penis. This results in an erection.

There are two other versions of Alprostadil - MUSE and Caverject.

Alternatives to Alprostadil include Viagra, Cialis and Levitra.

Preparation for using Viridal Duo

This version of Alprostadil is injected into the penis. Viridal Duo is a re-constituted solution which is intended for a single use only. So, any remaining solution must be thrown away and not used for a second injection.

Do NOT use Viridal Duo more than once a day and no more than 3 times a week.

Viridal Duo caution

Caution must be exercised when using Viridal Duo in the following cases:

• Blood clotting disorders
• Heart failure
• Vascular disease, e.g. coronary artery disease
• Lung disease
• History of mini strokes
• History of mental illness
• History of drug abuse

Follow carefully any instructions which accompany this medication.

Viridal Duo avoidance

Viridal Duo must be avoided in the following cases:

• Men who have undergone a penile implant
• Teenagers under 18
• Women
• Physical abnormalities of the penis, for example, Peyronie’s disease
• Medical conditions in which sexual activity is not advisable, e.g. heart disorders
• Bone cancer
• Leukaemia
• Sickle cell disease

Do not use Viridal Duo if you are allergic to any of its ingredients.

If you experience an allergic reaction then stop taking Viridal Duo and consult your GP.

Viridal Duo side effects

All medication causes side effects to some extent but the extent of these depends upon the individual.

Some people are affected more than others but there are a few people who don’t experience any side effects.

No-one can be 100% certain how they will react to a particular medication.

Here is a list of side effects for Viridal Duo:

• Pain in the testicles
• Pain in the penis
• Arrhythmia (abnormal heart beat)
• Haematoma (blood clots which swell at the injection site)
• Low blood pressure
• Abnormal ejaculation
• Urgent need to pass urine
• Yeast infection
• Tight foreskin
• Swelling, redness or itching at the injection site
• Fibrous tissue develops in the penis
• Bleeding in the urethra
• Inflammation of the tip of the penis (balanitis)

If you require more information about these and other side effects then speak to your GP or pharmacist.

Warnings about Viridal Duo

It is important that you follow any printed or verbal instructions with this medication. If you are unsure about anything to do with your medication then ask for advice from your GP or pharmacist.

Viridal Duo must not be used with other medication for impotence. Also, be careful if you are about to start using Viridal Duo but are already taking prescribed medication such as anti-coagulants (e.g. Warfarin) as these can react with each other.

A combination of drugs may pose health risks so check first with your GP if you are planning on taking more than a single medication. It is also a good idea to check with him/her if you are already taking a prescribed medication (or an over the counter or herbal remedy), and are thinking of using Viridal Duo.

Have regular check ups with your GP as Viridal Duo can cause fibrous tissue to develop within your penis. Your GP will be able to detect any early signs of this.

Viridal Duo does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). So continue to use a condom in order to provide this protection. It does not prevent a pregnancy either so you need to continue using contraception if you do not want to start a family.

Finally, if you sustain an erection for more than 4 hours you have developed a condition called priapism which requires urgent medical treatment. Do not delay seeking help as priapism can lead to permanent damage to the tissue within the penis. This can result in irreversible impotence.