The Independent Pharmacy - The Safe & Trusted Online Pharmacy (2025)

The Independent Pharmacy - The Safe & Trusted Online Pharmacy (1)

Daniel

Hurley

MPharm IP

GPhC

2078790

Pharmacist Independent Prescriber

What Is Erectile Dysfunction Cream?

Getting and keeping erections can be difficult for many men, especially those aged 40 and over. If oral medications aren’t for you, creams are another option worth looking into.

So, what is the best cream for erectile dysfunction? One of the most popular options is Vitaros.

Vitaros has a key ingredient called alprostadil and it comes in a special tube that helps you apply it. Just squeeze out the recommended amount and gently rub it on the tip of your penis 5-30 minutes before sexual intercourse. The ingredient alprostadil helps more blood get to the penis, which makes it easier to get an erection.

Creams can work faster than pills but may temporarily cause some irritation. Mild reactions are common at first.

Meeting with your doctor to talk about ED treatments that are right for you is a brave and crucial step towards feeling better. Improving lifestyle habits - such as diet, sleep and exercise - also supports healthy erections.

Key Takeaway 1

Vitaros is a topical erectile dysfunction (ED) cream containing alprostadil.

Key Takeaway 2

Applied 5-30 minutes before sexual activity, it provides faster results than pills, lasting up to 1-2 hours.

Key Takeaway 3

Good alternative for men who cannot or prefer not to use oral ED medications.

Start Free ED Consultation

Benefits of Using ED Creams

Topical creams offer certain advantages over other ED treatments:

  • Direct application to the genitals provides a local effect, unlike oral meds, which circulate through the entire body. This also reduces side effects elsewhere in the body.
  • The onset of action can be faster compared to pills - erections may happen within 5-30 minutes. This provides more spontaneity.
  • The application process is simple and discreet. Just a small dose of cream applied right before sex.

What Is Vitaros Cream?

Vitaros cream contains alprostadil as the active ingredient. Alprostadil is a substance that makes the blood vessels and muscles in the penis relax. This increases blood flow and allows the erectile tissue to fill with blood, causing an erection.

Vitaros may be a good option for men who haven’t had success with oral ED medications. It also suits those looking to avoid pills due to the associated side effects and men with pre-existing conditions like heart problems.

Research shows that Vitaros works well in helping men get erections strong enough for sex. Mostly, the side effects are minor and localised. For example, you may experience some pain or irritation on the penis after applying the cream. Proper use of Vitaros cream helps minimise adverse effects.

Vitaros cream is a prescription-only medication. So, you’ll need to speak to your doctor, or get in touch with our expert team, before you can try it.

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How to Use Vitaros Cream

Application Process

Follow these steps when applying Vitaros:

  • Wash hands thoroughly before handling the cream or penis.
  • The penis should be clean and dry beforehand.
  • Use the marked applicator to measure the correct dose. Apply exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
  • Gently push the cream into the opening of your penis with a clean finger.
  • Wait 5-30 minutes before sexual activity. Wash any excess cream off with mild soap before sex.
  • Always use a condom during intercourse. Vitaros can irritate your partner if exposed.

The proper application helps Vitaros work effectively. Follow your doctor's instructions for best results. Let them know if you have any issues using the cream.

What to Expect After Application

After applying Vitaros cream to the penis, most men can attain an erection firm enough for sex within 5-30 minutes. For some, it may take up to an hour to experience the full effect. The erection can be maintained for 1-2 hours in most cases.

You may feel a warming or tingling sensation initially - this is normal. Mild burning or pain can also occur, especially during the first few applications as the skin adjusts. These side effects often resolve within 1-2 hours.

If you notice the reactions are not going away or are becoming more severe, please reach out to your doctor. They're there to support you through this and help you find a solution.

Seek immediate medical care for priapism - an erection lasting over four hours. This rare condition requires prompt treatment to prevent permanent damage.

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Vitaros Cream

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Side Effects and Precautions

Common Side Effects

If you’re looking for an effective alternative to ED pills, Vitaros is a good choice. Like all medications, the cream can have some side effects. In most cases, these are mild and will pass quickly. Occasionally, side effects may need medical attention, so it’s good to know what’s normal and when to contact a doctor.

The most commonly reported side effects of Vitaros cream are mild penile pain and a burning or stinging sensation on the penis. Both of these side effects normally pass quickly and you’ll probably notice them less as your skin adjusts to the medication. Applying ice to the penis before using Vitaros cream can help keep any discomfort or pain to a minimum.

Other side effects of Vitaros cream include:

  • redness, swelling and itching of the glans – this results from increased blood flow to the region.
  • irritation of the urethral opening - caused by contact with the cream.
  • discomfort for sexual partners - using a condom prevents transfer of the cream to your partner.

If you’re concerned about any of the side effects you experience when using Vitaros cream, contact your doctor or speak to a pharmacist.

Safety Precautions and Contraindications

While most men can use Vitaros cream without a problem, there are some pre-existing conditions that can make side effects more likely. If you have:

· an unstable cardiovascular condition

· hypersensitivity to alprostadil

· a raised risk of priapism (prolonged erections that last over four hours)

you shoulduse caution when using Vitaros or seek an alternative ED treatment.

Make sure you tell your doctor about all of the medications you take prior to using Vitaros. This will allow them to identify any potential drug interactions and ensure you’re using the most appropriate ED treatment.

Always use a condom when you have sex to prevent the cream being transferred to your partner. Wait at least five minutes after application before you begin sexual activity.

How Does Vitaros Compare to Viagra?

If you’re looking for an effective treatment for erectile dysfunction, you may well be comparing Vitaros, the best erection cream on the market, with Viagra. Arguably the best known ED medication, Viagra comes in tablet form and is taken orally 30-60 minutes before you plan to have sex.

To help you decide which medication is right for you, we’ve put together a quick comparison.

Viagra Vitaros
Application Oral tablet Topical cream
Onset 30-60 minutes 5-30 minutes
Duration 4-6 hours 1-2 hours
Effectiveness Effective in 62-82% of men with ED. Effective in up to 83% of men with ED.
Frequency of use Maximum of once per 24-hour period Maximum of 2-3 times per week, no more than once per 24-hour period

Take the Next Step with The Independent Pharmacy

So, does erection cream work? In most cases, yes. The majority of men who use Vitaros see improvements in their erections, making it a good option for those experiencing erectile dysfunction.

If you’re one ofthe 4.3 million men with ED in the UK, finding an effective treatment will help you to maintain a full and active sex life. This often requires a personalised approach tailored to your unique health situation.

The Independent Pharmacy makes it easy to get started quickly and discreetly through an online ED consultation. Just answer some questions about your medical history and ED symptoms.

Our experienced clinical team will then review your information and provide bespoke advice on suitable treatment options. This may include prescription creams like Vitaros if appropriate for you.

What's next?

The Independent Pharmacy makes it easy to get started quickly and discreetly through an online ED consultation. Just answer some questions about your medical history and ED symptoms. We will review your information and provide advice on suitable treatment options. This may include prescription creams like Vitaros if appropriate for you.

Treat my ED Today

Sources:

Ashish Jain; Omar A. Iqbal. (2023). Alprostadil - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK542217/

Ignacio Moncada, MD, and Béatrice Cuzin (2015). Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Vitaros©/Virirec© (Alprostadil Cream) for the Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction - https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.5301/uro.5000116

Patient Information Leaflet: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.13937.pdf

The Independent Pharmacy - The Safe & Trusted Online Pharmacy (2025)

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