Muse 1000mcg Suppositories
Overview
What is this medicine?
How to Use This Medicine
To use this medication correctly, follow your doctor's instructions and read all provided information carefully. This medication is designed for insertion into the urethra, the tube through which urine passes. Your doctor will provide personalized guidance on how to use it. Make sure you understand the proper technique before proceeding.
Before using the medication, empty your bladder by urinating. Wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling the medication to maintain cleanliness. For optimal effectiveness, use the medication as directed by your healthcare provider.
Storage and Disposal
Store unopened foil pouches in the refrigerator to maintain the medication's potency.
Missed Dose
Since this medication is used as needed, there is no scheduled dosing regimen. However, do not use it more frequently than recommended by your doctor. If you have questions or concerns about using this medication, consult your doctor or pharmacist for guidance.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Urinate immediately before using MUSE to moisten the urethra and help with absorption.
- Follow the instructions carefully for proper insertion technique.
- Do not use more than two doses in 24 hours or seven doses in a week.
- Avoid using alcohol before or immediately after using MUSE, as it can increase the risk of dizziness or fainting.
- MUSE does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or pregnancy. Use condoms if needed.
- Wait at least 30 minutes after insertion before engaging in sexual activity to allow the drug to work and to minimize the risk of transferring the drug to your partner.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Available Strengths:
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Condition-Specific Dosing:
Pediatric Dosing
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Hepatic Impairment:
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Distribution:
Elimination:
Pharmacodynamics
Safety & Warnings
Side Effects
Although rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects while taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek immediate medical attention:
Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Redness, lumps, swelling, tenderness, or curving of the erection (hard penis)
Irritation at the injection site
Chest pain or pressure, or a rapid heartbeat
Dizziness or fainting
Severe headache
Shortness of breath
Unexplained bruising or bleeding
Swelling of the leg veins
If you experience a painful erection or an erection that lasts longer than 4 hours, seek medical help immediately. This can occur even when you are not engaging in sexual activity. If left untreated, it may lead to permanent sexual dysfunction and impotence.
Other Possible Side Effects
Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. While many people may not experience any side effects or only minor ones, it's essential to discuss any concerns with your doctor. If you experience any of the following side effects or any other unusual symptoms, contact your doctor for advice:
Penile pain
Warm or burning sensation in the urethra
Aching in the penis, testicles, legs, or perineal area (between the penis and rectum)
This is not an exhaustive list of possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns, consult your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:
- Erection lasting longer than 4 hours (priapism) - seek immediate medical attention.
- Severe penile pain or discomfort.
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting (especially after the first few doses).
- Significant urethral bleeding or spotting.
- Signs of allergic reaction (rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing).
Before Using This Medicine
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following conditions to ensure safe treatment:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances. Be sure to describe the symptoms you experienced.
If you have been advised against engaging in sexual activity due to health concerns.
If you have a deformed penis, penile implant, or other penile problems.
If you have been diagnosed with polycythemia or thrombocythemia.
If you have any of the following health conditions: leukemia, multiple myeloma, sickle cell anemia, or other conditions that may increase the risk of painful erections (priapism) or prolonged erections lasting more than 4 hours. If you are unsure about your condition, consult your doctor.
If you are female, as this medication is not approved for use in women.
This list is not exhaustive, and it is crucial to discuss all your medications (prescription, over-the-counter, natural products, and vitamins) and health problems with your doctor and pharmacist. They will help you determine if it is safe to take this medication with your other treatments. Do not initiate, stop, or modify the dosage of any medication without consulting your doctor first.
Precautions & Cautions
It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication.
Caution with Daily Activities
Until you know how this medication affects you, avoid driving and other activities that require alertness. To minimize the risk of dizziness or fainting, stand up slowly after sitting or lying down, and exercise caution when climbing stairs.
Interactions with Alcohol
Discuss your alcohol consumption with your doctor before drinking while taking this medication.
Sexual Health and Disease Prevention
This medication does not protect against the transmission of diseases like HIV or hepatitis through sexual contact. Always use a latex or polyurethane condom during sexual activity to reduce the risk of disease transmission. If you have questions or concerns, consult your doctor.
Pregnancy and Birth Control
If your sexual partner is capable of becoming pregnant, use a reliable form of birth control to prevent pregnancy. If your partner is already pregnant, use a condom during sexual activity to minimize potential risks.
Pediatric Use
This medication is not approved for use in children. Consult with your doctor to discuss any concerns or questions you may have.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Prolonged erection (priapism)
- Severe penile pain
- Significant hypotension (low blood pressure)
- Dizziness or fainting
What to Do:
If an erection lasts longer than 4 hours, seek immediate medical attention. Management of priapism may involve aspiration of blood from the corpus cavernosum or intracavernosal injection of an alpha-adrenergic agonist (e.g., phenylephrine). For severe hypotension, supportive measures such as lying down and fluid administration may be necessary. Call 911 or your local emergency number. For general overdose information, contact a poison control center (e.g., 1-800-222-1222 in the US).
Drug Interactions
Moderate Interactions
- Antihypertensives (e.g., alpha-blockers): Potential for additive hypotensive effects, though systemic absorption is minimal.
- Other erectile dysfunction treatments (e.g., PDE5 inhibitors, intracavernosal injections): Concomitant use is not recommended due to increased risk of priapism and hypotension.
Monitoring
Baseline Monitoring
Rationale: Ensures efficacy and minimizes local side effects.
Timing: Before first use
Rationale: To identify patients for whom sexual activity is inadvisable due to underlying cardiovascular risk.
Timing: Prior to initiation
Routine Monitoring
Frequency: With each use
Target: Sufficient for satisfactory sexual intercourse
Action Threshold: If insufficient erection, consider dose adjustment or alternative therapy.
Frequency: With each use
Target: < 4 hours
Action Threshold: If erection lasts > 4 hours (priapism), seek immediate medical attention.
Frequency: With each use
Target: Minimal to none
Action Threshold: If severe or persistent, discontinue use and consult physician.
Frequency: With each use, especially initial doses
Target: None
Action Threshold: If significant, advise patient to lie down, and consider discontinuing use.
Symptom Monitoring
- Penile pain
- Urethral bleeding or spotting
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Fainting (syncope)
- Priapism (erection lasting longer than 4 hours)
- Testicular pain
- Headache
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Not applicable for male patients. Alprostadil is a prostaglandin. While systemic absorption from urethral administration is minimal, male patients should use a condom if their partner is pregnant or may become pregnant, as a precautionary measure.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
Lactation
Not applicable for male patients. Minimal systemic absorption makes transfer to breast milk unlikely if used by a male patient.
Pediatric Use
Not indicated for use in pediatric patients. Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Geriatric Use
No specific dose adjustment is required based on age alone. However, older patients may have underlying cardiovascular conditions or be on multiple medications, which should be considered. The risk of dizziness or fainting may be slightly higher in this population.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Proper administration technique is crucial for the effectiveness of MUSE. Patients should be thoroughly instructed on how to use the applicator and insert the suppository.
- Patients should urinate immediately before using MUSE to moisten the urethra, which aids in absorption and reduces discomfort.
- Advise patients to sit or lie down for about 10 minutes after administration to minimize the risk of dizziness or fainting, especially with the first few doses.
- MUSE is not a first-line treatment for ED for many patients due to its invasive nature and potential for local side effects, but it is a valuable option for those who cannot use or do not respond to oral PDE5 inhibitors.
- Emphasize the importance of seeking immediate medical attention for priapism (erection lasting >4 hours) to prevent permanent penile damage.
Alternative Therapies
- Oral Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) Inhibitors (e.g., sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil, avanafil)
- Intracavernosal Injections (e.g., alprostadil, trimix, bimix)
- Vacuum Erection Devices (VEDs)
- Penile Implants (prostheses)
- Lifestyle modifications (e.g., diet, exercise, smoking cessation, alcohol reduction)
- Psychological counseling