Complications to be aware of
Bruising may occur at the injection site or along the penile skin. However this is not serious and like any bruise disappears after a couple of days.
About 15% of patients experience an aching discomfort in the penis for some hours after the injection. On occasions this can be severe. An alternative injection (Invicorp) can be considered - although the downside is that this must be kept in the fridge until used.
Prolonged use may result in small scars forming in the erectile tissue of the penis which may reduce the effectiveness of the injection, or can lead to curvature of the penis during erection. Despite the manufacturers guidelines that the injection can be performed again within 24 hours, and upto three times a week we would recommend that it was used no more than three times in two weeks to allow the injection sites to heal.
Very occasionally (fewer than 1 in 200 patients) the injection can work too well and a prolonged erection can occur - that is one lasting for more than 6 hours (priapism). If this occurs it is important to attend the nearest A/E department so that an antidote can be injected. It is sometimes necessary to admit patients for this. Prolonged rigid erections lasting 8-10hours or more are likely to cause permanent damage to the penis.
