Watch for OTC Eroxon to Treat Erectile Dysfunction

New Eroxon topical gel will be the first OTC treatment for erectile dysfunction.

It’s a medical device...not a drug...for patients 22 and older.

Eroxon gel contains alcohol, aqua, glycerin, propylene glycol, carbomer, and potassium hydroxide.

The thought is that the gel evaporates quickly and stimulates nerves of the penis to relax smooth muscle and increase blood flow...leading to an erection.

It’ll be touted to help patients get an erection within 10 minutes of applying. PDE5 inhibitors for erectile dysfunction (sildenafil, etc) vary in onset, ranging from about 15 minutes to several hours.

Eroxon doesn’t seem to work as well as the PDE5 inhibitor tadalafil 5 mg/dose...but there aren’t good comparative data.

Be ready to answer questions about Eroxon.

Eroxon gel costs about $30 for 4 single-use tubes.

Educate that one single-use tube should be massaged onto the head of the penis for about 15 seconds just before sex.

Explain that if it’s not effective after one dose, try it again at another time. Data are lacking for using more than one dose at a time.

Emphasize that Eroxon is not a contraceptive...and it’s safe to use with latex and polyisoprene condoms and lubricants. But there’s no evidence with contraceptive foams or gels.

Advise patients not to use Eroxon if they have any sores, broken skin, a deformed penis, etc.

Point out that Eroxon may cause some localized burning or headache...for the patient and partner.

Be aware, there aren’t any known drug interactions with Eroxon...and data are lacking in combo with other meds (PDE5 inhibitors, etc).

Counsel patients to talk with their primary care provider about erectile dysfunction if they haven’t already...to address underlying causes (vascular disease, etc) if needed.

See our resource, Managing Erectile Dysfunction, for nondrug measures and other med options.