Drug to Treat Male Impotence Approved by FDA

Men will soon be able to buy the first government-sanctioned drug to relieve sexual impotence.

The Food and Drug Administration approved Caverject on Thursday, and manufacturer Upjohn Co. said the drug will be in pharmacies by September. It is available by prescription only; a price has not been set.

When injected into the penis, the drug can induce an erection within five to 20 minutes in up to 80% of cases, the FDA said.

An estimated 10 million to 20 million American men suffer from impotence at some point in their lives, Upjohn said. The condition can be caused by disease, psychological problems or medication.

Men have had few easy options. While counseling can aid some, others seek surgery or vacuum-type devices the FDA has approved.

Caverject works by relaxing the smooth muscle of the penis, which enhances blood flow. The FDA requires that the shot be given first in a doctor’s office; the physician then customizes a dose and teaches the patient how to administer the injections.

Men who have sickle cell anemia, certain cancers, a deformed penis or penile implants should not use Caverject, the FDA warned.