Brief Answer:
Caverject is an effective treatment for erectile dysfunction due to radiation therapy- details below
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor" service,

One of the most common adverse effects of prostate radiation is erectile dysfunction. On the other hand, there are several treatments available to overcome this.

Caverject is a treatment approved for erectile dysfunction due to prostate radiation therapy. It is very important that the patient is well informed on the way it should be used and the patient should be regularly monitored by his doctor to prevent important complications:
- it is important to have the first injection in the doctor's office so you can learn the best technique to achieve the desired effect but with less risk for side effects
- it is a total of 3 injections that can be taken in a week and there should be a minimum of 24 hours between doses.
- you need to change sites of injection every time (if you injected on the right side one time, the next time should be in the left side)
- your doctor needs to monitor you every 3 months to make sure you are having the right technique and also to check for any complications or side effects
- if there are erections that last more than one hour than the patient is having a higher dose than he should (erections should not last more than one hour). If a patient gets erections that last 4 hours or he should urgently see a doctor.
- any deformity of the penile shaft should warrant a visit with the doctor. Injections may cause scarring tissues and deformity.
- there are also suppository forms (that the patient may use in the urethra and there is no need for injections) but this is effective in around 40% of the cases (while the injection works in 80% of the cases). You may explore this way of administering the drug and see if it is effective in you in this form.

I hope this answers your query.
I remain at your disposal for further medical assistance.

Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj
General and Family Physician

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