Vitaros (alprostadil) Cream
"A cream you apply directly to your penis to help you get an erection that’s firm enough to have sex. Only available with a prescription, it can be an effective alternative for men who can’t take other ED treatments like tablets."
What is Vitaros?
Vitaros cream is a tablet-free treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED). You apply it to the tip of your penis, it’s effective in 5-30 minutes and lasts for up to 2 hours. In studies, 52% men reported better erections after using Vitaros cream.
How does it work?
With the active ingredient alprostadil, Vitaros increases naturally occurring chemicals in your penis. This causes blood vessels to swell, which should give you a firmer erection that lasts longer.
Like all erectile dysfunction treatments, Vitaros won’t resolve any underlying physical cause of your ED or increase the intensity of sexual desire.
How to use Vitaros
Vitaros cream for erectile dysfunction works in 5 to 30 minutes, as long as you’re sexually aroused.
- Wash and dry your hands.
- Hold your penis upright and gently squeeze the tip to widen the opening (retract your foreskin to do this if you're uncircumcised).
- Hold the tip of the applicator directly over the opening of the penis (urethra), getting as close as possible without inserting the tip inside.
- Push the plunger down carefully with your thumb or finger, until all the cream is in the opening of the penis.
- With a clean finger, push any excess cream on the surrounding skin gently into the urethra.
Don’t use Vitaros cream at the same time as any other ED treatments, or more than three times a week.
Treatment results
In studies, Vitaros was effective in treating ED for 52% of men.
It’s best to urinate before applying Vitaros as passing urine can make it less effective.
Before you consider other options, we recommend you try an ED treatment on at least eight separate occasions.
Side effects of Vitaros
As with all medications, some people may experience side effects when taking Vitaros.
Common side effects, which 1 in 10 people may experience, include:
- Burning, aching or pain
- Tingling or throbbing numbness
- Redness
- Rash and irritation
- Genital itching
- Swelling
- Inflammation (balanitis)
There are some uncommon but potentially serious side effects, which may affect 1 in 100 people, including:
- Light-headedness
- Fainting
- Dizziness
- Increased sensitivity or a lack of sensation
- Erections that last more than four hours
- Low blood pressure or a rapid pulse
- Pain where you apply the cream
- Pain in the scrotum
- Urethral stenosis (narrowing of the opening)
- Urinary tract inflammation
Always let your partner know if you’re using Vitaros. Having erectile issues is nothing to be ashamed of, and your partner could be able to offer support. Female partners may experience side effects, such as mild vaginal burning or itching or vaginitis. It may help make vaginal sex easier if you use a water-based lubricant.
There’s a risk of abnormal pregnancy when using Vitaros cream. Always use condoms if your partner is of childbearing age, pregnant or breastfeeding.
For full details of side effects and correct use, please see the Vitaros patient information leaflet. And if you’re worried about side effects, contact us in your Patient Record.
Product features
Effective for 52% of men
Works in 5-30 minutes and the effects last for up to 2 hours
You apply it gently into the opening at the top of your penis
What is Vitaros?
Vitaros cream is a tablet-free treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED). You apply it to the tip of your penis, it’s effective in 5-30 minutes and lasts for up to 2 hours. In studies, 52% men reported better erections after using Vitaros cream.
How does it work?
With the active ingredient alprostadil, Vitaros increases naturally occurring chemicals in your penis. This causes blood vessels to swell, which should give you a firmer erection that lasts longer.
Like all erectile dysfunction treatments, Vitaros won’t resolve any underlying physical cause of your ED or increase the intensity of sexual desire.
How to use Vitaros
Vitaros cream for erectile dysfunction works in 5 to 30 minutes, as long as you’re sexually aroused.
- Wash and dry your hands.
- Hold your penis upright and gently squeeze the tip to widen the opening (retract your foreskin to do this if you're uncircumcised).
- Hold the tip of the applicator directly over the opening of the penis (urethra), getting as close as possible without inserting the tip inside.
- Push the plunger down carefully with your thumb or finger, until all the cream is in the opening of the penis.
- With a clean finger, push any excess cream on the surrounding skin gently into the urethra.
Don’t use Vitaros cream at the same time as any other ED treatments, or more than three times a week.
Treatment results
In studies, Vitaros was effective in treating ED for 52% of men.
It’s best to urinate before applying Vitaros as passing urine can make it less effective.
Before you consider other options, we recommend you try an ED treatment on at least eight separate occasions.
Side effects of Vitaros
As with all medications, some people may experience side effects when taking Vitaros.
Common side effects, which 1 in 10 people may experience, include:
- Burning, aching or pain
- Tingling or throbbing numbness
- Redness
- Rash and irritation
- Genital itching
- Swelling
- Inflammation (balanitis)
There are some uncommon but potentially serious side effects, which may affect 1 in 100 people, including:
- Light-headedness
- Fainting
- Dizziness
- Increased sensitivity or a lack of sensation
- Erections that last more than four hours
- Low blood pressure or a rapid pulse
- Pain where you apply the cream
- Pain in the scrotum
- Urethral stenosis (narrowing of the opening)
- Urinary tract inflammation
Always let your partner know if you’re using Vitaros. Having erectile issues is nothing to be ashamed of, and your partner could be able to offer support. Female partners may experience side effects, such as mild vaginal burning or itching or vaginitis. It may help make vaginal sex easier if you use a water-based lubricant.
There’s a risk of abnormal pregnancy when using Vitaros cream. Always use condoms if your partner is of childbearing age, pregnant or breastfeeding.
For full details of side effects and correct use, please see the Vitaros patient information leaflet. And if you’re worried about side effects, contact us in your Patient Record.
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Vitaros (alprostadil) Cream FAQs
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How long does Vitaros take to work?
You should feel the effects between 5 and 30 minutes after applying Vitaros cream.
How long does Vitaros last?
You should usually get the desired effects of Vitaros for 1-2 hours. Normally long enough to have satisfying sex.
How often should I use Vitaros?
Don’t use Vitaros cream more than 2 or 3 times each week, and never more than once within 24 hours.
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Vitaros dosages
Vitaros comes in 3mg/g strength cream. There’s a full dose in each individual 100mg container. Vitaros comes in packs of 4, 8, 12 and 16 doses.
For the best results, apply the full 100mg of cream in the container to the opening at the end of the penis, using a clean finger.
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Where can I buy Vitaros cream?
Vitaros is a prescription only medication. So, you need to speak to a doctor in person or online to get it.
Can I buy Vitaros over the counter?
You can’t currently buy Vitaros over the counter.
There’s an ED medication you can get over the counter without a prescription called Viagra Connect. To make sure Viagra Connect is safe for you, you’ll be asked to complete a quick and confidential online consultation.
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Vitaros warnings
You shouldn’t use Vitaros cream at the same time as any other ED treatments. Don’t use Vitaros cream more than 2 or 3 times each week, and never more than once within 24 hours.
You should talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using Vitaros if you have:
- Prolonged erections that last over four hours (priapism)
- Dizziness (symptomatic hypotension)
- Fainting
We may recommend a lowered dose of Vitaros if your metabolism is affected by a liver or kidney issue (hepatic or renal insufficiency).
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Vitaros drug interactions
As with all medications, Vitaros can interact with other medicines which could be dangerous. So that we can prescribe it safely, you’ll need to let us know which prescription and over-the-counter medicines or recreational drugs you’re taking regularly.
If you’re taking drugs that prevent blood clots, don’t take Vitaros as it could mean an increased risk of bleeding or blood in your urine.
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How to store Vitaros cream
Like any alprostadil cream, store Vitaros in a fridge but don’t freeze it. The cream will be effective at room temperature for up to 3 days but may stop working after that.
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Alternative Vitaros treatments
There are a range of approaches to treating ED. For instance, making certain lifestyle changes or identifying psychological causes through counselling.
If Viatros doesn't work for you, please contact us in your Patient Record so we can discuss your other options.
See our full range of ED treatments.
