THIS IS NO LONGER SOLD AS "EDEX". PLEASE BUY THE 100% EQUIVALENT HERE, VIRIDAL DUO

THIS IS THE CONTINUATION PACK. THIS DOES NOT CONTAIN THE APPLICATOR. FOR THE APPLICATOR, PURCHASE THE STARTER PACK.

EDEX IS MARKETED AS Viridal Duo (alprostadil) in the UK and is a vasodilator used in treating erectile dysfunction. Administered by injection, it temporarily relaxes muscles and widens blood vessels in the penis, increasing blood flow to the area. Ultimately it allows men to achieve and maintain an erection firm enough for intercourse. 

Edex (alprostadil), also known as Viridal Duo, is an erectile dysfunction treatment used as-needed to help men achieve and maintain an erection firm enough for intercourse. It is effective in the majority of men who use it, regardless of the underlying cause of the erectile dysfunction, be it physical, psychological, or a side effect of other medications.

The medication is delivered via injection. The active ingredient, alprostadil, is found in a number of other products, most of which are also administered via injection. There are alternatives, such as penile suppositories, but many men find administration by injection to be considerably more effective.

Taking Back the Bedroom

Edex is sold in single-use cartridges which fit an applicator, which comes in starter kits. You will need an applicator to actually administer the medication. Use of the applicator is often demonstrated when the medication is prescribed, but instructions are also included with the unit and can be found on the manufacturer's website. Dosage is ideally determined by a doctor; the lowest effective dose is best.

The medication should be administered 10 to 20 minutes prior to anticipated sexual activity:

• Clean and dry hands and penis.
• Inject the medication directly into the side of the penis, avoiding any obvious blood vessels.
• The injection should be delivered slowly over 5 to 10 seconds; do not press plunger down quickly.
• Injection should be easy and should not produce serious pain or burning; if injection is difficult or painful, reposition the syringe.
• Apply pressure to the injection site for 2 to 5 minutes to prevent bruising.
• Alternate injection sites with each use to prevent skin irritation.
• Do not use Edex more than once every 24 hours or more than 3 times a week.

Edex should start working 5 to 20 minutes after administration. Sitting, standing or walking will improve blood flow to the penis; laying down will inhibit blood flow. Sexual stimulation will also help encourage an erection if one does not occur spontaneously.

The medication typically remains effective for about one hour, during which time erections may be maintained even without stimulation or after ejaculation. This is not cause for concern unless the erection is painful or lasts for more than four hours.

Edex may be used indefinitely, as long as it is needed, for months or years, if the underlying cause of the dysfunction is not rectified.

Unfortunately some men find Edex simply isn't very effective; in others, the medication loses effectiveness over time. In these cases there are plenty of alternative treatments to try, with different active ingredients; speak with a doctor about options.

Negative Effects

For the most part Edex is a very safe treatment, if it is not used in excess. Men with certain preexisting conditions are at greater risk of serious complications from use:

• History of priapism (prolonged erections)
• History of bleeding problems (such as poor blood clotting)
• Use of blood thinners
• Penile implants or deformities
• Conditions which cause thickened blood
• Inflammation, infection or other issues in the penis or kidneys
• Any condition which makes intercourse inadvisable

The above conditions do not necessarily rule out Edex use, but the medication should be used with caution and patients should be alert for any adverse reactions.

Otherwise side effects are typically mild and not cause for concern unless severe or persistent:

• Skin irritation, bruising or scarring at injection site
• Flu-like symptoms
• Dizziness

Rarely more serious adverse reactions may occur. Stop using Edex until speaking with doctor if the medication produces:

• Pain or aching in the penis, testicles or groin area
• Sensation of burning at penis opening
• Unusual headaches or back pain
• Rapid heartbeat
• Changes in vision
• Prolonged erection (more than 4 hours)
• Swelling or curving of the penis when erect
• Swelling of veins in legs or groin area