Caverject Injection – Patient Information

What happens during the procedure?

The base of the penis will be cleaned with a cold alcohol wipe and Caverject is injected into one side (it does not matter which side is used). The needle is very fine and very short – most patients do not feel it being inserted. After the needle is removed, the area may be massaged to spread the medicine through the penis.

Most patients develop an erection automatically within 30 minutes of the injection. This may not be “full”, but should be sufficient to improve the quality of the scan you are having.

Very occasionally, a repeat injection may be required.

Asking for consent

The radiographer will ask you if you are happy for the injection to go ahead (verbal consent). If you do not wish to have the injection or are undecided, please tell the radiographer. It is your decision and you can change your mind at any time. Please remember to ask the radiographer any questions you have at any time.

Does the procedure hurt?

Most patients do not find the procedure painful. There may be a mild stinging at the site of the injection.

How long will the procedure take?

The injection only takes a few minutes. The subsequent scan should then take between 30 minutes (for an ultrasound) and one hour (for an MR scan).

What happens after the procedure?

Your erection should settle over the next few hours. Exercise, such as walking up and down stairs, will help the erection to go down. Very rarely, the erection does not go down after four hours, or becomes painful. If so, you should contact us or go to a hospital immediately, as this will require further treatment. If the radiology department is closed, you should attend an Emergency Department.

Very few patients (less than 1 in 100) experience itching or a rash at the site of injection. Occasionally if the penis is scarred, or the foreskin is tight, the erection may be uncomfortable. It is very uncommon to have an allergic reaction to Caverject.

What happens to the results?

The ultrasound or MRI scan will be reported by a radiologist, and the report will be sent to your consultant.

Please contact the Imaging team about any general concerns on 0207 467 4317. However, if you experience any symptoms of concern please contact your GP or go to your local Emergency Department (A&E).

Your comments and concerns

If you have any questions or concerns about your medicines, please speak to the staff caring for you. For support or advice please speak to your consultant or the Imaging department on 0207 467 4317.

Language and accessible support services

If you need an interpreter or information about your care in a different language or format, please get in touch.