Edex

Edex^® is an injectible prescription medication used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). It contains the active ingredient alprostadil, a vasodilator that relaxes blood vessels and smooth muscle tissue in the penis, and increases blood flow to the penis. 

Edex is administered via intracavernosal injection directly into the penis, typically producing an erection within 5 to 20 minutes that can last up to an hour. It should not be used more than three times per week, and should not be used multiple days in a row. This medication is not recommended for men with penile implants or those at risk for priapism (a painful erection that lasts longer than four hours).

Common side effects of Edex include mild to moderate pain, irritation, or minor bleeding at the injection site. More serious complications, such as persistent redness, swelling, lumps, or abnormal curvature of the penis, should be evaluated by a healthcare provider. Priapism is a rare but serious side effect that requires immediate medical attention in order to prevent permanent damage.

Edex (alprostadil) is indicated for:

• The treatment of erectile dysfunction due to neurogenic, vasculogenic, psychogenic, or mixed etiology

Prostaglandin E1 agonist

Local adverse reactions reported in studies including 1,065 patients treated with Edex for up to two years include but aren't limited to:

• Penile pain

• Prolonged erection/Priapism

• Hematoma/Bruising

Systemic adverse experiences may also occur

The cost of Edex may vary depending on factors such as your insurance plan, the dosage, the quantity, and where you buy it.

Without insurance, the average retail price of two 20-microgram doses of Edex is about $290, but coupons and discount cards are available that may bring down the price. Insurance plans may cover all or some of the cost of this medication.

The Edex savings card can help eligible people save on the price of the medication, with most paying no more than $15 per eligible prescription.

You can get a prescription for Edex after being evaluated by your primary care provider or a specialist who can determine if the medicine is right for you based on factors like your symptoms and medical history.

Edex should not be used:

• In men who have conditions that predispose them to priapism, such as sickle cell anemia or sickle cell trait, multiple myeloma, or leukemia

• For the treatment of erectile dysfunction in men with fibrotic conditions of the penis, such as cavernosal fibrosis or Peyronie’s disease

• In men with penile implants

• Drug interactions: Caution should be exercised with concomitant administration of heparin and Edex

• Intracavernous injections of Edex can lead to increased peripheral blood levels of PGE1 and its metabolites, especially in those patients with significant corpora cavernosa venous leakage

• Regular follow-up of patients, with careful examination of the penis at the start of therapy and at regular intervals is strongly recommended to identify any penile changes

• The safety and efficacy of combinations of Edex and other vasoactive agents have not been systematically studied

• After injection of the Edex solution, compression of the injection site for five minutes, or until bleeding stops, is necessary

• Underlying treatable medical causes of erectile dysfunction should be diagnosed and treated prior to initiation of therapy with Edex

• Edex uses a superfine needle. As with all superfine needles, the possibility of needle breakage exists

• The patient should be instructed not to reuse or to share needles or cartridges

• There is a potential for cardiac risk of sexual activity in patients with preexisting cardiovascular disease

• To ensure safe and effective use of Edex, the patient should be thoroughly instructed and trained in the self-injection technique before he begins intracavernous treatment with Edex at home

• Patients should be aware of possible side effects of therapy with Edex

• The patient should report any penile pain that was not present before or that increased in intensity, as well as the occurrence of nodules or hard tissue in the penis to his physician as soon as possible

• Individuals who are sexually active should be counseled about the protective measures that are necessary to guard against the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, including the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)

• Prolonged erections greater than four hours in duration occurred in 4% of all patients treated up to 24 months

• Pregnancy/Breastfeeding: Edex is not indicated for use in women

There are other medications prescribed to treat ED. Some of these drugs may be better suited to you than others. If you’re interested in finding an alternative to Edex, talk with your provider to learn more about other medications that may work well for you.

Other penile injection medications for ED include:

• Caverject^® (alprostadil)

• Papaverine

• Phentolamine

• Combination medications such as Bimix, Trimix, and Quadmix

Oral medications that can treat ED include:

• Viagra^® (sildenafil)

• Cialis^® (tadalafil)

• Stendra^® (avanafil)

• Vardenafil

• Chewable ED meds available through Hims that contain one or more of the active ingredients in Cialis and Viagra

In addition to ED medications (or as an alternative), your healthcare provider may suggest therapy for mental health issues that may be contributing to your ED symptoms. They may also suggest lifestyle shifts to support sexual health, like following a healthy diet, exercising, and cutting back on alcohol.

Other treatments for ED include a topical gel, a penis pump with or without a constriction ring, penile implant surgery, and testosterone replacement therapy (if you have low testosterone).

*This information is from the label for brand name Edex^®. See the Full Prescribing Information for more complete information. Alprostadil, the active ingredient in Edex, may also be the active ingredient in other medications, and this information may not be accurate for all medications that include the active ingredient alprostadil.