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Caverject Impulse
Alprostadil · Injection, Powder, Lyophilized, for Solution
Overview
Active ingredients
Source: NDC DirectoryForms, strengths and routes
Source: NDC DirectoryPharmacologic classes are listed in the class section below.
Pharmacologic class
Source: NDC Directory| Class | Type | Browse |
|---|---|---|
| Genitourinary Arterial Vasodilation [PE] | PE | 4 members — no class page |
| Prostaglandin Analog [EPC] | EPC | All 14 members |
| Prostaglandin E1 Agonist [EPC] | EPC | 4 members — no class page |
| Prostaglandin Receptor Agonists [MoA] | MoA | 5 members — no class page |
| Prostaglandins [CS] | CS | All 14 members |
| Venous Vasodilation [PE] | PE | 4 members — no class page |
Regulatory status
Source: Drugs@FDANDC Directory| Product | Trade name | Form | Strength | Ingredient | Status | TE | Flags |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 021212-001 | CAVERJECT IMPULSE | INJECTABLE | ALPROSTADIL | Prescription | — | ||
| 021212-002 | CAVERJECT IMPULSE | INJECTABLE | ALPROSTADIL | Prescription | — |
Approval history
Source: Drugs@FDA| Type | No. | Action | Status | Date | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Supplement | 18 | Labeling | Approved | December 23, 2022 | Standard |
| Supplement | 13 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | December 1, 2016 | Standard |
| Supplement | 16 | Labeling | Approved | October 25, 2016 | Standard |
| Supplement | 15 | Labeling | Approved | October 25, 2016 | Standard |
| Supplement | 14 | Labeling | Approved | May 5, 2016 | Standard |
| Supplement | 11 | Labeling | Approved | October 27, 2015 | Standard |
| Supplement | 12 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | January 12, 2015 | Standard |
| Supplement | 10 | Labeling | Approved | June 11, 2014 | Standard |
| Supplement | 7 | Labeling | Approved | December 19, 2013 | Standard |
| Supplement | 2 | Labeling | Approved | September 2, 2003 | Standard |
| Original application | 1 | Type 3 - New Dosage Form | Approved | June 11, 2002 | Standard |
Review documents
- 0 · Supplement · December 27, 2022
- 0 · Supplement · December 27, 2022
- 0 · Supplement · November 1, 2016
- 0 · Supplement · November 1, 2016
- 0 · Supplement · October 28, 2016
- 0 · Supplement · October 28, 2016
- 0 · Supplement · May 6, 2016
- 0 · Supplement · May 6, 2016
- 0 · Supplement · November 4, 2015
- 0 · Supplement · October 28, 2015
- 0 · Supplement · June 12, 2014
- 0 · Supplement · December 23, 2013
- 0 · Supplement · December 20, 2013
- 0 · Supplement · September 9, 2003
- 0 · Original application · June 11, 2002
- 0 · Original application · June 11, 2002
- 0 · Original application · June 11, 2002
Prescribing information
Source: openFDA Drug LabelingReproduced verbatim from the Structured Product Labeling submitted to the FDA (effective 20240229). This is the manufacturer's labelling text, not a summary and not advice.
Indications and Usage
openFDA Drug Labeling1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE CAVERJECT IMPULSE is a prostaglandin E1 agonist indicated • For the treatment of erectile dysfunction ( 1.1 ) • As an adjunct to other diagnostic tests in the diagnosis of erectile dysfunction ( 1.2 ). 1.1 Erectile Dysfunction CAVERJECT IMPULSE is indicated for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. 1.2 Diagnostic Test CAVERJECT IMPULSE is indicated as an adjunct to other diagnostic tests in the diagnosis of erectile dysfunction.
Dosage and Administration
openFDA Drug Labeling2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION • Determine the most suitable dose and presentation of CAVERJECT to use. Use a new syringe for each dose of CAVERJECT ( 2.1 ). • Administer first intracavernosal injections in the health care provider’s office and titrate the dose for each patient to the lowest effective dose ( 2.1 ). • Instruct the patient on proper use and assess that they are well trained in the self-injection technique prior to initiation of at-home use ( 2.1 ). • Recommended dosage for erectile dysfunction ( 2.2 ): o Erectile dysfunction of vasculogenic, psychogenic, or mixed etiology: Initiate dosing with 2.5 mcg o Erectile dysfunction of pure neurogenic etiology (spinal cord injury): Initiate dosing with 1.25 mcg • Follow dose titration procedures for each type of erectile dysfunction and determine the maintenance dosage for patient home use in the health care provider’s office ( 2.2 ). • The recommended frequency of injection is no more than 3 times weekly, with at least 24 hours between each dose ( 2.2 ). • While on self-injection treatment, the patient should visit the prescribing health care provider’s office every 3 months to assess the efficacy and safety of the therapy ( 2.1 ). • Follow procedure for CAVERJECT IMPULSE syringe preparation ( 2.3 ). • Follow the procedure for CAVERJECT IMPULSE administration ( 2.4 ). • To diagnose erectile dysfunction (pharmacologic testing), inject CAVERJECT IMPULSE intracavernosally and monitor patients for the occurrence of an erection ( 2.2 ). 2.1 Important Dosage and Administration Instructions • Alprostadil is available in different strengths and presentations. Determine the most suitable dose and presentation for each patient. Use a new syringe for each dose of CAVERJECT. • Titrate the dose of CAVERJECT IMPULSE for each patient to the lowest effective dose. • CAVERJECT IMPULSE doses greater than 60 mcg are not recommended. • Administer the first doses of CAVERJECT IMPULSE in the health care provider’s office by medically trained personnel. • Instruct the patient on proper use and assess that they are well trained in the self-injection technique prior to initiation of home use. Refer to the Patient Information and Instructions for Use. • Re-evaluate patients regularly (every 3 months or as clinically appropriate) and determine if dosage adjustments are needed. 2.2 Recommended Dosage for Erectile Dysfunction Erectile Dysfunction of Vasculogenic, Psychogenic, or Mixed Etiology. • Initiate dosing with 2.5 mcg of CAVERJECT IMPULSE intracavernousally as recommended [see Dosage and Administration 2.4 ] . • If there is a partial response at 2.5 mcg, administer another dose of 2.5 mcg within 1 hour. • During titration, no more than 2 doses should be given within a 24-hour period. • If additional titration is required, administer doses in increments of 5 to 10 mcg at least 24 hours apart. • The optimal dose should produce an erection suitable for intercourse that does not exceed a duration of 1 hour. • The patient must stay in the health care provider’s office until complete detumescence occurs. Repeat the titration as necessary until the optimal dose is achieved. Doses greater than 60 mcg are not recommended. Erectile Dysfunction of Pure Neurogenic Etiology (Spinal Cord Injury): • Initiate dosing with 1.25 mcg of alprostadil using CAVERJECT. • If there is a partial response, administer another dose of CAVERJECT of 1.25 mcg within 1 hour. • No more than 2 doses during initial titration should be given within a 24-hour period. • If additional titration is required, administer a dose of 5 mcg at least 24 hours later. • The optimal dose should produce an erection suitable for intercourse that does not exceed a duration of 1 hour. • The patient must stay in the health care provider’s office until complete detumescence occurs. Repeat the titration as necessary until the optimal dose is achieved. Doses greater than 60 mcg are not recommended. Maintenance Dosage for Patient Home Use: • Once the dos …
Dosage Forms and Strengths
openFDA Drug Labeling3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS Caverject Impulse (alprostadil) for injection contains sterile, freeze-dried alprostadil for reconstitution and sterile bacteriostatic water in a prefilled dual chamber glass cartridge. It is available in 10 mcg and 20 mcg strengths. For injection: 10 mcg and 20 mcg of alprostadil freeze-dried powder for reconstitution in single-dose, pre‐filled, dual chambered glass cartridge syringe. The front chamber contains alprostadil and the rear chamber contains sterile bacteriostatic water. A 29 gauge needle system is also included. The reconstituted solution is clear. For injection: 10 mcg or 20 mcg freeze-dried powder for reconstitution in a dual-chamber syringe ( 3 ).
Contraindications
openFDA Drug Labeling4 CONTRAINDICATIONS CAVERJECT IMPULSE is contraindicated: • in men who have a known hypersensitivity to the drug [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] • in men who have conditions that predispose them to priapism, such as sickle cell anemia or sickle cell trait, multiple myeloma, or leukemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] • for the treatment of erectile dysfunction in men with fibrotic conditions of the penis, such as anatomical deformation, angulation, cavernosal fibrosis, or Peyronie's disease [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] • in men with penile implants. • Known hypersensitivity to the drug ( 4 ). • Men who have conditions that predispose them to priapism, such as sickle cell anemia or sickle cell trait, multiple myeloma, or leukemia ( 4 ). • Treatment of erectile dysfunction in men with fibrotic conditions of the penis, such as anatomical deformation, angulation, cavernosal fibrosis, or Peyronie's disease ( 4 ). • Men with penile implants ( 4 ).
Warnings and Cautions
openFDA Drug Labeling5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS • Prolonged erection and priapism have occurred in patients receiving CAVERJECT. To minimize the chances of this occurring, titrate CAVERJECT IMPULSE slowly to the lowest effective dose ( 2.1 ). Advise patients to seek immediate medical assistance for an erection that persists longer than 4 hours ( 5.1 ). • Penile fibrosis has occurred in patients receiving CAVERJECT. Follow patients regularly to detect signs of penile fibrosis. Discontinue in patients who develop penile angulation or cavernosal fibrosis ( 5.2 ). • Hypotension - injections of CAVERJECT IMPULSE can lead to increased peripheral blood levels of alprostadil, especially in patients with significant corpora cavernosa venous leakage. Avoid use in patients with known cavernosal venous leakage ( 5.3 ). • Injection site bleeding may occur in patients taking anticoagulants, such as warfarin or heparin. Compress the site of injection with an alcohol swab or sterile gauze for 5 minutes ( 5.4 ). • Cardiovascular risk related to underlying medical conditions - Underlying treatable medical causes of erectile dysfunction should be diagnosed and treated prior to initiation of therapy ( 5.5 ). • Risks of use in combination with other vasoactive medications injected intracavernosally - Safety and efficacy of combinations of CAVERJECT and other vasoactive agents have not been systematically studied. Use of such combinations is not recommended ( 5.6 ). • Risk of needle breakage – A superfine needle is used for CAVERJECT IMPULSE and cases of needle breakage have been reported. Careful instruction in proper patient handling and injection techniques may minimize this risk ( 5.7 ). • Benzyl alcohol – Serious and fatal adverse reactions can occur in neonates and low birth weight infants treated with benzyl alcohol-preserved formulations in infusion solutions, including CAVERJECT IMPULSE. CAVERJECT IMPULSE is not indicated in neonates and infants ( 5.8 ). • Counsel patients about sexually transmitted diseases . Counsel patients about the protective measures necessary to guard against sexually transmitted disease including the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) ( 5.9 ). 5.1 Prolonged Erection and Priapism Prolonged erection, defined as erection lasting between 4 to 6 hours in duration, occurred in 4% of 1,861 patients treated up to 18 months in studies of CAVERJECT. The incidence of priapism (erections lasting more than 6 hours in duration) was 0.4%. In the event of an erection that persists longer than 4 hours, the patient should seek immediate medical assistance. If priapism is not treated immediately, penile tissue damage and permanent loss of potency may result. To minimize the chances of prolonged erection or priapism, titrate CAVERJECT IMPULSE to the lowest effective dose [ see Dosage and Administration (2.1 ]. In addition, do not use CAVERJECT IMPULSE in patients who have conditions that predispose them to priapism, such as sickle cell anemia or sickle cell trait, multiple myeloma, or leukemia [see Contraindications (4) ] . 5.2 Penile Fibrosis The overall incidence of penile fibrosis reported in clinical studies with CAVERJECT was 3%. In one self-injection clinical study where duration of use was up to 18 months, the incidence of penile fibrosis was 7.8%. Physical examination of the penis should be performed periodically to detect signs of penile fibrosis. Treatment with CAVERJECT IMPULSE should be discontinued in patients who develop penile angulation or cavernosal fibrosis. 5.3 Hypotension Intracavernous injections of CAVERJECT IMPULSE can increase peripheral blood levels of alprostadil which can result in hypotension. Avoid use of CAVERJECT IMPULSE in patients with known cavernosal venous leakage. 5.4 Injection Site Bleeding When Used with Anticoagulants Patients on anticoagulants, such as warfarin or heparin, may have increased propensity for injection site bleeding after intracavernosal injection with CAVERJECT IMPULSE. Compress the site of injection …
Adverse Reactions
openFDA Drug Labeling6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following are discussed in more detail in other sections of the labeling: • Prolonged Erection and Priapism [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] • Penile Fibrosis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Most common (≥10%) adverse reactions: penile pain ( 6.1 ). To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Pfizer at (1-800-438-1985 and www.pfizer.com ) or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or http://www.fda.gov/medwatch . 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice. CAVERJECT IMPULSE was evaluated in 87 patients in an open-label crossover study of 6 weeks treatment duration that compared the formulation of alprostadil for injection contained in CAVERJECT IMPULSE with the formulation contained in CAVERJECT. Doses used in this study ranged from 2.5 mcg to 20 mcg. Adverse reactions reported for the CAVERJECT IMPULSE formulation included: penis disorder (4.6%), prolonged erection (1.1%), injection site erythema (1.1%), rash (1.1%), dizziness (1.1%), and hematospermia (1.1%). Penis disorder included penile pain, post-injection pain, and pain with erection. CAVERJECT IMPULSE was also evaluated in 63 patients in a single-dose, double-blind, crossover study that compared CAVERJECT IMPULSE with CAVERJECT. Doses used in this study ranged from 2.5 mcg to 20 mcg. Adverse reactions reported for the CAVERJECT IMPULSE formulation included: penile pain (1.6%) and pruritus (1.6%). In addition to the adverse reactions observed for CAVERJECT IMPULSE in these two studies, the following adverse reactions have been reported in clinical studies of CAVERJECT: Local Adverse Reactions: Local adverse reactions derived from 1861 patients in clinical studies of CAVERJECT, including an 18-month, open-label study, are shown in Table 1. Table 1. Local Adverse Reactions Reported by ≥ 1% of Patients Treated with CAVERJECT for up to 18 Months Penile pain 37% Prolonged erection 4% Penile fibrosis 3% Injection site hematoma 3% Penis disorder Penis disorder includes: numbness, irritation, sensitivity, pruritus, erythema, skin tear, discoloration, itching. 3% Injection site ecchymosis 2% Penile rash 1% Penile edema 1% The following local adverse reactions were reported in < 1% of patients: injection site hemorrhage, injection site inflammation, injection site itching, injection site swelling, injection site edema, urethral bleeding, penile warmth, numbness, irritation, sensitivity, pruritus, erythema, painful erection, and abnormal ejaculation. In these studies, no local adverse reactions were reported in the 294 patients who received placebo, except for penile pain (2%). Penile Pain: In the majority of the cases, penile pain was rated mild or moderate in intensity. Three percent of patients discontinued treatment because of penile pain Prolonged Erection/Priapism: Prolonged erection was defined as an erection that lasted for 4 to 6 hours; priapism was defined as an erection that lasted 6 hours or longer. In clinical studies, the frequency of prolonged erection after CAVERJECT was 4%, while the frequency of priapism was 0.4% [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]. Penile Hematoma/Ecchymosis: In clinical studies, the frequency of penile hematoma and ecchymosis was 3% and 2%, respectively. Systemic Adverse Reactions : Systemic adverse reactions reported by ≥ 1% of subjects in clinical studies of CAVERJECT included: dizziness (1%). The following systemic adverse reactions were reported in < 1% of patients: testicular pain, scrotal edema, hematuria, pelvic pain, hypotension, vasodilation, vasovagal reaction, diaphoresis, rash, and non-application site pruritus. Three patients (0.2%) discontinued due to symptomatic hypotension. No systemic adverse reactions were reported in the 294 patients who received pl …
Drug Interactions
openFDA Drug Labeling7 DRUG INTERACTIONS The potential for pharmacokinetic drug-drug interactions between alprostadil and other agents administered orally or intracavernosally has not been formally studied [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] .
Use in Specific Populations
openFDA Drug Labeling8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS 8.1 Pregnancy CAVERJECT IMPULSE is not indicated for use in females. 8.2 Lactation CAVERJECT IMPULSE is not indicated for use in females. 8.4 Pediatric Use CAVERJECT IMPULSE is not indicated for use in pediatric patients [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] . 8.5 Geriatric Use A total of 341 subjects included in clinical studies were 65 and older. No overall differences in safety and effectiveness were observed between these subjects and younger subjects, and the other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between elderly and younger patients.
Mechanism of Action
openFDA Drug Labeling12.1 Mechanism of Action Alprostadil induces erection by relaxation of trabecular smooth muscle and by dilation of cavernosal arteries. This leads to expansion of lacunar spaces and entrapment of blood by compressing the venules against the tunica albuginea, a process referred to as the corporal veno-occlusive mechanism.
Description
openFDA Drug Labeling11 DESCRIPTION CAVERJECT IMPULSE contains alprostadil a synthetic form of prostaglandin E 1 (PGE 1 ) and is designated chemically as (11α,13E,15S)-11,15-dihydroxy-9-oxoprost-13-en-1-oic acid. The molecular weight is 354.49. Alprostadil is a white to off-white crystalline powder with a melting point between 115° and 116°C. Its solubility at 35°C is 8000 micrograms (mcg) per 100 milliliter double distilled water. The structural formula of alprostadil is represented below: CAVERJECT IMPULSE is available as a disposable, single-dose, dual chamber syringe system. The system includes a glass cartridge which contains sterile, freeze-dried alprostadil in the front chamber and sterile bacteriostatic water for injection in the rear chamber. The alprostadil is reconstituted with the sterile bacteriostatic water just before injection. CAVERJECT IMPULSE is available in two strengths for intracavernosal administration: 10 microgram – The reconstituted solution has a volume of 0.64 mL. The delivered volume, 0.5 mL, contains 10 micrograms (mcg) of alprostadil, 324.7 mcg of alpha cyclodextrin, 45.4 mg of lactose, 23.5 mcg of sodium citrate, and 4.45 mg of benzyl alcohol. 20 microgram – The reconstituted solution has a volume of 0.64 mL. The delivered volume, 0.5 mL, contains 20 micrograms (mcg) of alprostadil, 649.3 mcg of alpha cyclodextrin, 45.4 mg of lactose, 23.5 mcg of sodium citrate, and 4.45 mg of benzyl alcohol. During manufacture, the pH of the alprostadil for injection was adjusted with hydrochloric acid and/or sodium hydroxide before lyophilization. Chemical Structure
Overdosage
openFDA Drug Labeling10 OVERDOSAGE Overdosage was not observed in clinical trials with CAVERJECT IMPULSE. If intracavernous overdose of CAVERJECT IMPULSE occurs, the patient should be under medical supervision until any systemic effects have resolved and/or until penile detumescence has occurred. Treatment of any systemic symptoms (e.g., hypotension) would be appropriate.
How Supplied / Storage and Handling
openFDA Drug Labeling16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING CAVERJECT IMPULSE is supplied as a disposable, single-dose, dual chamber syringe system. The system includes a glass cartridge, which contains sterile, freeze-dried alprostadil in the front chamber and sterile bacteriostatic water for reconstitution in the rear chamber. The syringes contain either 12.8 or 25.6 mcg of alprostadil to allow delivery of a maximum of 10 or 20 mcg/0.5mL. Store the unreconstituted product at 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C); excursions permitted to 59°F to 86°F (15°C to 30°C) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. When reconstituted and used as directed, the deliverable amount for the 10 mcg strength is 10 mcg/0.5 mL or an increment of 10 mcg/0.5 mL: 2.5 mcg/0.125 mL, 5 mcg/0.25 mL, or 7.5 mcg/0.375 mL of alprostadil. The deliverable amount for the 20 microgram strength is 20 mcg/0.5 mL or an increment of 20 mcg/0.5 mL: 5 mcg/ 0.125 mL, 10 mcg/0.250 mL, or 15 mcg/0.375 mL of alprostadil. The reconstituted solution should be used within 24 hours when stored between 36–77°F (2°C to 25°C). Do not freeze. CAVERJECT IMPULSE is supplied in a carton containing 2 blister trays. Each blister tray contains one dual chamber syringe system, one needle and 2 alcohol swabs. It is available in the following strengths: 10 mcg NDC 0009-5181-01 20 mcg NDC 0009-5182-01
Adverse event reports
Source: openFDA FAERSAttributed to this product's most-reported active ingredient: ALPROSTADIL. Combination products with more than six active ingredients are not attributed, because a report count summed across a long ingredient list measures the list, not the medicine.
Packaging and NDCs
Source: NDC Directory| Package NDC | Product NDC | Labeler | Description | Marketing start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0009-5181-01 | 0009-5181 | Pharmacia & Upjohn Company LLC | 2 SYRINGE in 1 CARTON (0009-5181-01) / .5 mL in 1 SYRINGE (0009-5181-10) | June 11, 2002 |
| 0009-5182-01 | 0009-5182 | Pharmacia & Upjohn Company LLC | 2 SYRINGE in 1 CARTON (0009-5182-01) / .5 mL in 1 SYRINGE (0009-5182-11) | June 11, 2002 |
| 0009-5181 | 0009-5181 | Pharmacia & Upjohn Company LLC | — | June 11, 2002 |
| 0009-5182 | 0009-5182 | Pharmacia & Upjohn Company LLC | — | June 11, 2002 |
Sources for this page
| Dataset | Agency | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| NDC Directory | FDA | Identity, ingredients, strengths, forms, routes, labelers, packages |
| Drugs@FDA | FDA | Application, sponsor, submissions, review documents, marketing status |
| Drug Labeling | FDA / NLM | Prescribing information reproduced above |
| FAERS | FDA | Adverse event report counts |
Generated September 25, 2026 · 10 sections on this page.