OraVerse

1 What is OraVerse?

Brand: OraVerse, Regitine

Generic: Phentolamine

OraVerse is a nonselective alpha-adrenergic antagonist given by injection that causes blood vasodilation thereby increasing blood flow. When this drug is injected into the penis, it increases blood flow to the penis resulting in an erection.

This drug is contraindicated for use as a sexual aid in men who do not have erectile dysfunction. Permanent damage to the penis and loss of the ability to have erections could result from improper use of this drug.

This can be used to reverse the effects of anesthetics. This drug requires a prescription.

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2 What to Know Before Using

Before using OraVerse, you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it. Inform your healthcare provider for any allergic reactions to these drugs or any other drugs, foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals.

Carefully read the label of non-prescription drugs for any possible allergic reaction or contraindications. Studies in children younger than 6 years of age regarding the correlation of age to the effects of phentolamine for the reversal of soft-tissue anesthesia have not been performed while the safety and efficacy have not been established.

It is still unknown whether this drug works exactly the same way in younger adults or if it causes different side effects or problems in older people. This drug is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in older people than it does in younger adults.

Adverse effects have been reported in animal studies but studies in pregnant women or animals are still inadequate. Infant risk is still undetermined when using this drug during breastfeeding. Discuss with your healthcare professional about the potential risks and benefits of taking this drug while breastfeeding.

Drugs should not be taken together to prevent any interactions but in necessary cases inquire your healthcare provider regarding the adjustments in dosage or any other necessary precautions to prevent any unwanted side effects.

Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other drugs such as:

  • Asenapine
  • Tadalafil
  • Acebutolol
  • Alprenolol
  • Atenolol
  • Betaxolol
  • Bevantolol
  • Bisoprolol
  • Bucindolol
  • Carteolol
  • Carvedilol
  • Celiprolol
  • Dilevalol
  • Esmolol
  • Labetalol
  • Levobunolol
  • Mepindolol
  • Metipranolol
  • Metoprolol
  • Nadolol
  • Nebivolol
  • Oxprenolol
  • Penbutolol
  • Pindolol
  • Propranolol
  • Sotalol
  • Talinolol
  • Tertatolol
  • Timolol
  • or Vardenafil

Intake of specific food or using alcohol or tobacco with this drug is associated with an increased risk of certain side effects. Your healthcare professional can give you special instructions about the use of food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Inform your healthcare provider for any other medical problems such as bleeding problems, priapism, or sickle cell disease.

3 Proper Usage

To use OraVerse properly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor. The injection site must be cleansed with alcohol. Inject the drug slowly and directly into the base of the penis using a sterile needle as instructed by your healthcare professional.

Injecting the drug just under the skin is not recommended. The injection is usually not painful, although you may feel some tingling in the tip of your penis. If the injection is very painful or you notice bruising or swelling at the place of injection, that means you are injecting the drug under the skin. 

The needle must be withdrawn and repositioned properly before continuing with the injection. Pressure must be applied on the place of injection to prevent bruising.

Massage your penis to spread the drug to all parts of the penis for better effects. It takes about 10 minutes for the drug to work. Intercourse should be attempted within 2 hours after injecting the drug.

This drug is usually injected at the same spot where you have received the local dental anesthesia to reverse the effects of a soft-tissue anesthetic drug. The dose of this drug will be variable for different patients.

The directions on the label or the prescription by your healthcare professional should be followed. The dosage of this drug you take depends on the medical problem for which you are using this drug.

Adults with impotence are injected 0.5 to 1 milligram very slowly into the area of your penis as directed by your healthcare professional. Allow one or two minutes to completely inject the dose. Inject more than one dose in a day is not recommended. Also, do not use this drug more than two days in a row or more than three times a week.

Store the drug in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing. Keep out of the reach of children. Dispose any outdated or expired drugs and ask your healthcare professional for the proper disposal of the drugs.

4 Precautions to Take

Before using OraVerse, there are some precautions you must take. The injection must be used exactly as directed by your healthcare professional to prevent any risk or priapism.

The blood supply to the penis may be cut off and permanent damage may occur if the priapism is not reversed. Contact your healthcare professional immediately if the erection lasts for longer than 4 hours or if it becomes painful.

Put pressure on the spot until the bleeding stops if you notice bleeding at the site when you inject the drug. Check with your healthcare professional if it does not stop. It is important for you to examine your penis regularly.

Check with your healthcare professional if you find signs of fibrosis such as a lump where the drug has been injected or if you notice that your penis is becoming curved.

5 Potential Side Effects

As with many medications, there are several potential side effects associated with OraVerse. Side effects may vary for each individual and prompt medical attention should be given if they occur.

Seek advice from your healthcare professional immediately if you experience any unusual symptoms such as dizziness, erection continuing for more than 4 hours, painful erection, or lumps in the penis.

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. As your body adjusts to the medicine, the side effects will slowly disappear. Ask your healthcare professional about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

If any of the following side effects persists or are inconvenient, or if you notice any other effects, or if you have any questions about them, consult with your health care professional. Report any side effects to the FDA hotline at 1-800-FDA-1088.

6 Related Clinical Trials

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