DROP-OUT REASONS AND COMPLICATIONS IN SELF-INJECTION THERAPY WITH A TRIPLE VASOACTIVE DRUG MIXTURE IN SEXUAL ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION

The usefulness, complications and reasons for discontinuing the self-i njection program with a combination of papaverine, phentolamine and pr ostaglandin E-1, were evaluated in 189 patients (mean age 57.2 y), who were included from April 1993 to September 1995 [mean follow-up 10.25 months]. Patients were split into two groups: Active, those who conti nued with the program (48%); and Inactive, those who discontinued trea tment or failed to attend consultation after five months from the last visit (52%). Only 30% of the inactive group reported failure to achie ve response with the self-injected doses. Fibrosis in 5.3% and prolong ed erection in 3.7% were the most severe complications. Patients lacki ng organic pathology showed a clear tendency to reduce the drug dose d uring treatment, recover spontaneous erections and discontinue the pro gram for reasons unrelated to drug efficacy. The triple drug mixture p rovides an effective alternative in the treatment of impotence, with a low rate of complications.