Muse (Alprostadil) Side Effects

Muse, also known as alprostadil, is a urethral suppository drug used to treat sexual impotence (erectile dysfunction) in men. This medication belongs to a family of drugs known as prostaglandins which work by relaxing and widening the blood vessels in certain body parts, thereby causing increased blood flow to them. 

With its fast onset of action of about 5 - 10 minutes and effectiveness period of up to 60 minutes, Muse is undoubtedly one of the most effective FDA-approved medications for managing erectile dysfunction. 

However, as with all prescription drugs, Muse can cause unwanted side effects in certain users, making it unsuitable for them. So, if you're thinking of using this drug to treat symptoms of erectile dysfunction, it's vital to be aware of the potential side effects. 

What Are Some of the Common Side Effects of Muse?

As a urethral suppository drug, Muse is typically administered by directly inserting small drug pellets into the urethral opening. Once inserted into the urethra, the pellets dissolve and are absorbed by the spongy tissues of the penis, where the drug works to induce an erection. 

Most of the common symptoms of this drug are associated with this invasive method of administration. They include:

Penile Pain

Many users of Muse often experience moderate penile pain during and after the insertion of the drug into the urethra. In fact, a staggering 32% of men who were administered the drug during clinical trials reported penile pain during and after the exercise. Other related pain symptoms reported during clinical trials include testicular pain and a burning sensation in the urethra. However, according to the findings of clinical trials, these pain symptoms typically disappear once the drug's action wears off. 

Low Blood Pressure

Low blood pressure (hypotension) is another common symptom associated with the use of Muse. In clinical trials, 3% of the men who participated experienced a significant drop in blood pressure. This symptom is closely associated with others, such as dizziness and lightheadedness.

Prolonged Erection (Priapism)

While Muse is typically used to induce and sustain erections for short periods, it can cause prolonged erections lasting up to 6 hours or longer. This condition, also known as priapism, is an unwanted side effect of the drug that can permanently damage the soft penile tissue (corpora carvenosa) if not treated early enough. Untreated priapism can also exacerbate the symptoms of erectile dysfunction. Therefore, seeking medical attention is important if you experience an erection lasting several hours after using this medicine. 

Severe Symptoms Of Muse

In addition to the aforementioned commonly reported symptoms, some users of Muse may experience adverse reactions to the drug. Some of the more severe symptoms and complications associated with the use of Muse include:

• Curved penis accompanied by painful erections
• Swollen testes
• Severe low blood pressure
• Infection
• Syncope (fainting)

How Long Do The Side Effects of Muse Last?

Most of the common side effects of Muse, such as penile pain, mild urethral bleeding, low blood pressure, and testicular pain, usually wear off once the drug's duration of action has elapsed. However, this may not always be the case. Therefore, you should consult your physician immediately if you're experiencing any side effects several hours or days after using the drug. 

In Closing 

Muse is only one of many FDA-approved medications used to treat erectile dysfunction. While the drug is safe for the most part and poses no risk of overdose, a few of the side effects associated with it are pretty brutal. So, if you're considering using it in your home treatment for erectile dysfunction, speak to your doctor first to determine whether this specific drug suits you.