On June 13, 2023, the Food and Drug Administration approved a topical gel, Eroxon, for fast-acting treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). That’s good news for men who want erections and don’t respond to other medications. In addition, Eroxon is available over the counter, so no doctor visits. But keep your expectations low. The main study that led to the FDA approval showed that it helps only about one-quarter of men with mild ED, and among them, not all that much.

The Study

English researchers recruited 232 men who suffered ED of various severities. They randomly received one of two treatments: Eroxon gel for four weeks, then following a one-week washout period, a placebo gel, or the placebo for a month, then a week later, Eroxon for a month (a double-blind crossover trial). Response was evaluated using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), a 30-point standard measure of erection firmness, with 26-30 meaning no ED, and 10 or less severe ED. At baseline, participants’ average IIEF score was 17, mild-to-moderate ED. By the end of the trial, 23 percent of the men showed at least a four-point increase in IIEF score. Those who responded noticed an effect within five to ten minutes after applying the gel. The researchers concluded that Eroxon “could be a useful treatment option in ED.” Yes, possibly, but….

Keep Your Expectations Low

If you have ED, Eroxon might be worth a try. But it’s far from God’s gift to ED sufferers. It helped only one man in four, and worked only for mild ED. If those who responded started with an IIEF score of 17 and gained four points because of treatment, their post-treatment IIEF score was 21, heartening but still categorized as mild-to-moderate ED. Some men gained more than four points. Eroxon costs $20 per dose, which raises cost-benefit issues.

Unlike the Viagra family of ED medications, Eroxon is available over the counter. It takes 30 to 60 minutes for the Viagra family of drugs to take effect. With Eroxon, it’s five to 10 minutes. The most common side effects included: headache (8 percent of users), and nasal congestion (6 percent).

So far, there is no information on how long Eroxon’s effect lasts. The manufacturer, Futura Medical of the U.K., says the gel “lasts long enough for successful intercourse in 65 percent of users.” That means it doesn’t allow intercourse in one-third of users. And among the 65 percent who can accomplish intercourse, some like it to last longer than others, but so far Eroxon’s duration of action remains unclear.

Availability

Though FDA-approved, Eroxon is not yet available in the U.S. However, Amazon U.K. sells it (50 pounds, $62.50, plus international shipping). That’s for four doses of the drug. On the Amazon U.K. site, the 77 ratings average 2.1 out of 5, not exactly a ringing endorsement.

Still, Eroxon represents a new treatment possibility for men who would like to throw the dice on firmer erections. If you try it—especially readers in the U.K. where it’s already easily available—please share your experience with me, particularly how effective it is, how long the effect lasts, and what your partner thinks.