Deep venous thrombosis and venous thrombophlebitis associated with alprostadil treatment for erectile dysfunction

We report a patient who developed deep vein thrombosis of the calf and thrombophlebitis after treatment with intracorporeal alprostadil (Viridal). The reaction recurred on rechallenge with Viridal. This adverse effect has not been reported in the literature but six patients have been reported to the Medicines Control Agency in Great Britain. The history of deep venous thrombosis or thrombophlebitis may not be a formal contraindication to treatment with alprostadil, but the patient should be made aware of this possible complication before embarking on this form of treatment.