Vitaros

Vitaros is a topical medication for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction is when a man has problems getting or keeping an erection for the time required for adequate foreplay or sexual intercourse.

Can I buy Vitaros Online?

The Online Clinic can offer to prescribe Vitaros after you complete an online consultation. Simply complete the questionnaire on the website after clicking on the Free Consultation button. If a doctor approves you for Vitaros, then you can buy the product online for next day delivery. Please note that Vitaros is refrigerated and will be sent overnight in a cool pack.

What is Vitaros?

Vitaros is a topical cream containing the active ingredient, alprostadil. Alprostadil is classified as a prostaglandin. It is a vasodilator, which works by dilating or widening the blood vessels to increase the flow of blood to the penis, leading to an erection. The cream also contains a permeation enhancer to help deliver the active ingredient into the blood stream.

How to use Vitaros

Use Vitaros in the way that your doctor has explained. The cream is supplied in an AccuDose container, which holds one dose. There are two available doses of Vitaros cream, 2 mg/g and 3 mg/g. Your doctor will tell you which dose strength to use. Vitaros can be used once only in a 24-hour period and should not be used more than two or three times a week.

After washing your hands, remove the AccuDose from its foil sachet and take the protective cap off. Hold the tip of the penis in one hand in an upright position and manoeuvre the skin to widen its opening. Take the AccuDose with the other hand and position the tip of the container over the opening of the penis. Do not insert the tip into the opening of the penis. Push the plunger down slowly, taking about 5-10 seconds to expel all the cream. Continue to hold the penis upright for about 30 seconds so that the cream can penetrate. Some cream may be left around the edge of the opening of the penis, and this can be rubbed into the skin. Do not use the contents of another AccuDose container to make up the dose. Finally, replace the protective cap on the container before returning it to its foil sachet and wash your hands. The erection occurs within 5 to 30 minutes after applying Vitaros cream. The effect will last for about 1-2 hours but this varies between men.

Who can use Vitaros?

Vitaros is for use by men 18 years of age or older with erectile dysfunction. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding or of childbearing potential should not be exposed to Viraros and therefore it is recommended to also use a condom.

Talk to your doctor about your recent past and present medicines, and any that you might take. Particularly mention any medicines to prevent your blood clotting as you may be at increased risk of bleeding, or medicines to control your blood pressure as you may feel dizzy and faint, or Vitaros may not work as well. Due to the risk of dizziness, fainting or prolonged erections, Vitaros is not recommended for use in combination with other medicines for erectile dysfunction or with penile implants.

Vitaros should not be used by men who have an allergy to alprostadil or to any of the other ingredients in the cream. You should not use Vitaros if you have a blood vessel disease, heart disease, a blood disorder, leukaemia, bone marrow cancer, or have had a heart attack or a stroke. Furthermore, you are advised not to use Vitaros if you have an abnormality of the penis, infection of the penis, or told not to have sex, or have a disorder that might cause a long-lasting erection.

Vitaros side effects

Most commonly reported side effects include pain, burning, itching and redness of the penis, which are of mild to moderate severity. A female partner may experience mild burning or itching of the vagina. Uncommonly, dizziness, fainting, rapid pulse, and fullness in the penis are reported by men. Most side effects are short lasting and disappear within 1-2 hours. You should contact your doctor immediately if your erection lasts for longer than 4 hours.

What are the advantages of Vitaros?

Oral phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (PDE-5) are usually offered to men for erectile dysfunction, unless they cannot take them. Vitaros provides an alternative therapy for men who either cannot take or who do not get a satisfactory erection with PDE-5 inhibitors.

Free Consultation for erectile dysfunction

There are several different types of medicine to treat erectile dysfunction. To improve your sexual relationship, request a free and personal online consultation with one of our doctors who is experienced in such matters by clicking on the Free Consultation button and completing the short questionnaire.

Reviewed by: Dr Loraine Haslam MBBS, DRCOG, DFSRH, LoC SDI, LoC IUT, MRCGP
GMC registration number: 4524038
Date: 9 June 2024
Next review: 8 June 2026
All UK registered doctors can have their registration checked on
The Medical Register at the GMC website.

Information Leaflet

Source and further information

Download Vitaros Patient Information Leaflet