People's Pharmacy

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What Can You Do When ED Drugs Fail?

Posting Date: 12/05/2005

Q. For the past few years, I have been experiencing erectile dysfunction. My urologist had me try all the oral medications on the market. They helped a bit, but none gave me the results needed for intercourse. I tried the vacuum pump and got an adequate erection, but it faded after about 60 seconds.

Now my doctor is suggesting Caverject, but I shudder at the thought of injecting a needle in my penis. He has assured me the pain is minimal, and the results will be very impressive. Do the Caverject injections really create suitable erections?

A. Despite the hype, drugs for ED don?t work for everyone. Other options that were used even before Viagra became a household name include vacuum pumps or injections.

Caverject contains the prescription drug alprostadil, which usually produces an erection within five to ten minutes. The needle is so small (like those used for insulin) that it causes very little discomfort. There can be pain from the medication, however.

We are sending you our Guide to Treating Sexual Dysfunction for more details on ways to treat both male and female sexual difficulties. Others may obtain a copy for $2 by downloading it from the Web site www.peoplespharmacy.com. It can also be purchased by check or money order sent with a long (no. 10) stamped, self-addressed envelope to: Graedons' People's Pharmacy, No. P-93, P. O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027.

If injections are too intimidating, you can get the same medicine in MUSE. It is inserted into the urethra and has similar effectiveness.

Q. I read in your column that Sonata might be a good solution for early morning wakening because it only lasts for a few hours. Have you any idea of its cost? I was charged around $100 for couple dozen pills. What a rip-off! I find cutting a Tylenol PM in half just as effective.