Activity Guidelines
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Use no more than 3 times per week | Never use more than once in 24 hours |
| Rotate injection sites | Don’t inject into the same spot repeatedly |
| Refrigerate the medication | Don’t expose the vial to heat or sunlight |
Side Effects & Safety Tips
Common, usually mild:
-
Mild discomfort or aching in the penis
-
Small bruise or bleeding at the injection site
-
Slight curvature with repeated use (can be minimized with site rotation)
Risks and Complications
While generally safe, intracavernosal injection therapy does carry some potential risks:
| Risk | Description |
|---|---|
| Priapism | A prolonged erection lasting over 4 hours. This is a medical emergency. |
| Penile fibrosis | Scar tissue can develop if the same site is used repeatedly. |
| Penile curvature (Peyronie’s) | Irregular scarring may lead to curvature or deformity. |
| Painful erection | Alprostadil (in Trimix) can cause a burning sensation in some men. |
| Bleeding or bruising | Typically mild and resolves on its own. |
| Infection | Extremely rare; minimized with proper technique and hygiene. |
If you experience a painful or prolonged erection (lasting more than 4 hours), call our office immediately or go to the ER.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does the injection hurt?
A: Most men say it feels like a quick pinch. The needle is very small (29–31 gauge).
Q: Can I adjust my dose?
A: Only under the guidance of your provider. We start low and adjust based on your response.
Q: Will insurance cover this?
A: Often not. However, compounded medication from Johnson Pharmacy is affordable and predictable in cost.
Need Help or Want to Get Started?
We’ll walk you through your first injection in the office and provide full instructions.
207-518-6600
Request an appointment online


