Trimix For Erectile Dysfunction: What Is It And How Does It Work

Erectile dysfunction is a common occurrence in men and can impact their ability to live life to its fullest. In the U.S., over 50%¹ of men aged 40 to 70 will experience erectile dysfunction at some point in their lives. A number of medications for erectile dysfunction are emerging, which can be difficult to navigate and understand. 

What is Trimix, and how does it work?

Trimix is a relatively new medication made to treat erectile dysfunction in men, and it is showing promising results. As the name suggests, Trimix is made up of three medications: papaverine, phentolamine, and alprostadil. 

These drugs are called vasodilators. They work by relaxing the blood vessels in the penis. It allows more blood to flow in, resulting in an erection. 

Although this medication is not yet FDA-approved, it can be prescribed to patients by doctors. It’s ideal for men who have tried other medications such as Viagra that have not worked for them.

Administration and dosage

It’s important that Trimix be stored in a cool place, ideally in the fridge or freezer, to be thawed when needed. This ensures that the medication is kept fresh and keeps its potency over time.

In order to work, Trimix must be injected directly into the penis. This can cause marked anxiety in men; however, when done correctly, the injection is virtually painless. The medication should be injected into the side of the penis, between its base and mid-portion. It should be injected on either the left or right side. 

Switching injection sites is important to avoid the formation of scar tissue. It should be injected over the course of four seconds, after which compression should be applied for 1 minute to avoid bleeding. Avoid injecting directly into a blood vessel to avoid bruises developing. 

A trained professional in a clinic will likely demonstrate how to do this.

Trimix injections can be used up to three times a week, with 24 hours between doses. Initially, the dosage will likely be low, which can be increased until the desired effect is achieved. 

Most men are started on 15 units of the medication, which can slowly be increased up to 50 units,² depending on their responsiveness. 

How effective is Trimix in treating erectile dysfunction?

Trimix is showing promising results in many men. It can be a good option for men who have not reacted well to other erectile dysfunction medications such as Viagra. Remarkably, Trimix has similar benefits compared to traditional medications and can be used in people who have not responded to other medications. 

Therefore, this medication may allow for the same benefits to be had with less medication. Because Trimix is made up of three medications, it targets different pathways to allow men to achieve erections. 

Trimix can also achieve erections faster than traditional oral medication as it’s injected straight into the penis. An erection is then usually achieved in 5 to 10 minutes. Early studies using small doses of the medication found that 70%³ of men found improvements in their erectile function when using Trimix.

Men in these studies have also found that using Trimix increased the length of their erections. Erections last around 30 to 60 minutes in most men.

Side effects

Although rare, some men using Trimix suffer from priapism,⁴ a long-lasting and painful erection. This can usually be avoided by ensuring only small increases in dose are made. Erections lasting more than four hours require medical attention to avoid further complications. 

However, these can often be resolved by health professionals using counter medication. It’s therefore important to seek medical advice before increasing the dose and avoid injecting more than is prescribed to avoid these complications. 

Additionally, some men have experienced pain or swelling at the injection site; however, this is likely to be due to injecting in the wrong area or failing to compress the area of injection. 

The pain and swelling subside on their own in most men. Of course, it’s better to avoid this condition by administering the medication correctly. 

Often, the correct method is taught in the clinic to ensure that the patient knows the safe administration method. 

Again, injection in the wrong site, or repeatedly at the same spot, can run the risk of scar tissue developing. If enough scar tissue forms, this may cause thickening in that area, resulting in a curve developing in the penis. It is a condition known as Peyronie’s disease.⁵

Risks of cardiovascular side effects are also present. These include changes in heart rhythm, a drop in blood pressure, and an increased heart rate. These risks should be discussed with a healthcare professional before Trimix is prescribed. 

How long does it take for Trimix to work?

An erection occurs about 5 to 15 minutes after injecting Trimix. However, many men may also need sexual arousal to achieve an erection. 

Can Trimix be used with other medications?

Using Trimix with blood thinners such as aspirin should be carefully discussed with healthcare professionals. The combination of these medications can cause bleeding at the injection site or increase the risk of prolonged, painful erections. 

Trimix should also not be used in conjunction with other erectile dysfunction medications such as Viagra, Levitra, or Stendra. Doing so can increase the risk of complications. 

Anyone who is taking, or has taken, any other medications to treat erectile dysfunction should speak to a healthcare professional before starting Trimix treatment. 

The lowdown

Trimix is an erectile dysfunction medication made up of three different compounds. It’s a particularly appealing option for men who have not had luck with any other medications. 

Although not currently FDA-approved, healthcare professionals can still prescribe the medication, and research has shown promising results. Using the medication at the correct dose and administering it correctly is important to avoid potentially serious complications.