Vitaros cream is an effective erectile dysfunction (ED) treatment that contains the active ingredient alprostadil. It’s applied directly into the opening of the penis (the urethra) using a syringe-like device called an applicator. It’s usually suitable if you cannot take ED tablets containing a PDE-5 inhibitor, including Cialis and Viagra.

Vitaros cream works to increase blood flow to the penis to help you get and maintain an erection that is hard enough for sex. It is a prescription-only medication, which means you will need a doctor’s approval to obtain it.

Vitaros cream vs alprostadil injection

Vitaros cream is a topical form of alprostadil, the same active ingredient that’s found in alprostadil injections, which are usually injected into the penis (intracavernosal) or the urethra (intraurethral).

Research shows that although alprostadil injections are 94% effective compared to up to 40% for the cream, Vitaros cream is less invasive, so may be a preferred treatment for some people.

The active ingredient in Vitaros cream, alprostadil, is a vasodilator. This means it helps to widen the blood vessels in the penis, increasing blood flow, enabling you to get and keep an erection that’s strong enough for sex.

How effective is Vitaros cream for erectile dysfunction?

Clinical trial data show that 300 micrograms (mcg) of alprostadil cream is between 31 and 40% effective compared to a placebo. They also found that:

• 40% of people reported a significant increase in erectile function
• 36% had improved penetration ability
• 31% of people reported a significant improvement in the ability to have successful sex

Vitaros cream should be used as needed and exactly as it has been prescribed to treat erectile dysfunction. Before using Vitaros, it is recommended that you pee first. To apply Vitaros cream, you should:

1. Wash and dry your hands thoroughly.
2. Remove the AccuDose container from the sachet, but save the sachet for discarding the container after use.
3. Bring the contents of the AccuDose container to room temperature by rolling it between your hands.
4. Twist the plunger several times to ensure it glides easily. Now, remove the cap from the tip of the container.
5. Hold the tip of the penis with 1 hand and gently squeeze to widen the opening at the tip of the penis – make sure you are holding the penis in an upright vertical position.
6. Hold the barrel of the AccuDose container between your fingers, and, without inserting it inside the penis, place the tip as close to the opening at the tip of the penis as possible.
7. Slowly but firmly push down on the plunger with your thumb or finger until all the cream has been released into the opening of the penis and down the urethra.
8. Hold the penis in the upright position for 30 seconds to allow the cream to penetrate. Gently move any excess cream to the opening of the penis with the tip of your finger.
9. Replace the cap onto the AccuDose container and place it in the opened sachet. Fold and discard in your household rubbish.
10. Wash your hands after application.
11. As the cream can irritate your partner’s genital area, you should clean the outer area after insertion.
12. Wait 30 minutes before sex.

How long does Vitaros Cream take to work?

Vitaros cream usually works 5 to 30 minutes after it has been applied.

How long does Vitaros Cream last?

Most people find that the effect of Vitaros cream lasts for 1 to 2 hours, but this can vary from person to person.

How often should I apply Vitaros Cream?

Vitaros cream should be applied once per 24 hours and no more than 2 to 3 times per week.

Vitaros cream is available in a 3mg/g dose. Each container contains 100mg of cream, including 300mg of alprostadil. One pack of Vitaros cream contains 4 single-dose and single-use containers. If you think your current dose is ineffective or if not all of the cream is applied to your penis, you should not use more than you have been prescribed.

If you think Vitaros cream is not working for you or you think you need a different dose, you should speak to your doctor for more advice.

Vitaros cream is a prescription-only medication, which means you must have a doctor's approval to get it. It’s available with a private prescription from a reputable online doctor service or clinic, or it may be available on the NHS.

Can I buy Vitaros cream online?

Yes, you can request Vitaros cream online from Superdrug Online Doctor using our quick and discreet service. To get Vitaros, simply:

1. Complete an online health questionnaire.
2. One of our doctors will review your request to make sure your chosen medication is right for you.
3. If approved, you can choose to have your medication delivered directly to your door or collect it from your local Superdrug Pharmacy.

If you have ED but do not feel confident discussing it with a healthcare professional, you can request effective, prescription treatment with us, without needing to speak with a GP face-to-face. You can also message a doctor through your private patient account for free if you have any other questions.

Can I buy Vitaros cream over the counter?

No, Vitaros cream requires a prescription, so you will need a doctor’s approval to get it, and it cannot be bought over the counter.

Can I get Vitaros cream on the NHS?

Yes, Vitaros cream is available on the NHS under certain circumstances, usually if you have other conditions that could affect your ability to get an erection, such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis, or prostate cancer. You will need to make an appointment with your doctor to find out if it is available for you.

Like all medications, Vitaros cream can cause side effects, but not everyone will get them.

Common side effects include:

• mild to moderate aching, burning, pain, or redness on the penis
• rash
• genital itching
• swollen penis
• inflammation of the glans penis
• tingling, throbbing, numbness, or burning of the penis
• vaginal burning, itching, or vaginitis (when having vaginal sex with a partner)

Uncommon side effects include:

• lightheadedness or dizziness
• an erection that lasts more than 4 hours
• fainting
• low blood pressure or a rapid heartbeat
• pain at the application site
• genital rash
• penile itching
• pain or lack of sensation in the penis
• urinary tract infection
• vulvovaginal itching experienced by your partner

For a full list of side effects, you should read the patient information leaflet that is supplied with your medication.

How long do Vitaros cream side effects last?

Most Vitaros side effects are short-lasting and should go away within 1 to 2 hours. If you get any side effects that last longer or are difficult to manage, contact your doctor for advice.

What to do if you get Vitaros cream side effects

If you experience any mild Vitaros side effects, they will usually get better on their own within 1 to 2 hours. However, if you get:

• an erection that lasts for more than 4 hours – stop using Vitaros cream and go to A&E straight away, this is a medical emergency that needs immediate attention to prevent permanent damage
• dizzy or lightheaded – rest and do not drive or operate machinery until you feel better

If your partner is of childbearing age, pregnant, or breastfeeding, you should use a condom during sex when using Vitaros because there is a chance of an abnormal pregnancy.

Vitaros cream is not suitable for everyone. You should tell your doctor about any other health conditions you have or any medication you are taking before starting a new erectile dysfunction treatment.

Do not use Vitaros cream if you:

• experience a drop in blood pressure when moving from a sitting or lying position to standing
• have had a heart attack
• experience dizziness
• are allergic to alprostadil or any other ingredients in the cream
• have a condition that can cause a long-lasting erection
• have an abnormally formed penis
• have a higher chance of getting a blood clot in your veins
• have been told not to have sex because of a heart problem or a recent stroke
• cannot use a condom during sex and your partner is pregnant, could get pregnant, or is breastfeeding

Vitaros cream and other medications

Before using Vitaros cream, tell your doctor about any prescribed, over-the-counter, or herbal medications you are currently taking or plan to take. Some medications can interfere with the effectiveness of Vitaros cream and make it potentially unsafe.

Do not take Vitaros cream with:

• other erectile dysfunction treatments – this could cause serious and potentially dangerous side effects
• medications to treat high blood pressure
• decongestants
• appetite suppressants
• medications to prevent blood clots

Vitaros cream is not the only erectile dysfunction medication available. There are several alternatives, including pills, sprays, gels, and medical devices that may be more suitable for you.

Prescription-only medications

The following ED treatments require a prescription from a health professional before you can get them.

Viagra:

• contains the active ingredient sildenafil
• works by increasing blood flow to the penis
• is one of the most common and recognisable branded ED treatments, but cheaper, generic sildenafil alternatives are available
• is 74% effective

Hezkue spray:

• is an oral sildenafil spray that is a suitable alternative if you cannot take pills like Viagra
• gets to work within 5 minutes
• is as effective as sildenafil tablets

Cialis:

• is the longest-lasting ED treatment, remaining effective for up to 36 hours
• contains the active ingredient tadalafil, also available in generic form
• works by increasing blood flow to the penis, helping you get an erection that’s good enough for sex
• is effective in more than 80% of people who use it

Spedra:

• is a branded version of avanafil that is the fastest acting ED pill, working as quickly as 15 to 30 minutes after taking it
• is an effective treatment for 59% of people

Vardenafil:

• is a generic ED medication that works similarly to Viagra
• is suitable for people with diabetes
• is up to 80% effective

Over-the-counter treatments

If you’re looking for an ED treatment that does not require a prescription from a doctor, then the following options may be more suitable:

Viagra Connect:

• is an over-the-counter version of Viagra that’s available in a standard 50mg dose
• works within 60 minutes
• can last up to 4 hours.
• contains sildenafil and is 74% effective

A cheaper, generic Superdrug sildenafil is also available.

Cialis Together:

• is an over-the-counter version of Cialis that contains 10mg of tadalafil
• can last for up to 36 hours
• is effective in 81% of people

Another branded over-the-counter product called Avarante is also available.

Eroxon gel:

• does not contain any active ingredients, so there are fewer side effects
• is applied directly to the head of the penis to stimulate the nerve endings, helping you get and maintain an erection.
• is effective for most people (60%) who can get an erection within 10 minutes of application

Penis pumps:

• are a manually operated pump
• can be used with or without water to increase blood flow to the penis to help you get an erection
• are a non-medicated device
• are effective for 82 to 89% of men

If you are not sure if you are experiencing erectile dysfunction, you can request an easy-to-use, at-home ED test kit to help you identify the possible causes and help you find the most appropriate treatment.

Can I drink alcohol while taking Vitaros cream?

Yes, while alcohol is unlikely to interact with Vitaros cream, it can increase the chance of erectile dysfunction. So, it’s generally recommended that you limit or avoid your alcohol intake if you experience ED.

Can I use Vitaros cream with other ED medications?

No, you should avoid using Vitaros cream with other erectile dysfunction medications because it can increase the chance of serious side effects.

How should I store Vitaros cream?

Vitaros cream can be stored in a fridge between 2 to 8°C, or unopened sachets can be stored out of the fridge below 25°C for up to 3 days before you intend to use them. If they are not used within this time, you should throw them away.

Is Vitaros cream better than Viagra?

According to clinical trial data, Viagra is 74% effective while Vitaros cream is between 31 and 40% effective. However, not everyone can take Viagra or tablets, making Vitaros a more suitable option. It is important to discuss your personal circumstances with a doctor to help find the most effective treatment for you.