People have become more aware of and comfortable with the idea of switching from pre-packaged medications to compounded medications when this is recommended by their doctor. This patient-driven demand has allowed us to expand the range of treatments we can offer with compounded medications. Our new compounded combination Tri-mix treats erectile dysfunction in a unique and improved way because the three components get a synergistic boost when delivered together in a single dose.
In response to the worldwide shortages of Ozempic (semaglutide), which is an essential drug for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, we started offering Compounded Semaglutide. This can be used in place of both Ozempic and Wegovy, the stronger delivery of semaglutide intended for people looking to lose weight. More recently, we added Compounded Tirzepatide, which can be substituted for both Mounjaro (which contains tirzepatide, also prescribed for diabetes) and Zepbound, a very recent release of a stronger version of tirzepatide. With the appropriate strength as determined by the prescribing doctor, both Compounded Semaglutide and Compounded Tirzepatide serve the dual purpose of treating both type 2 diabetes or as a weight-loss medication for use alongside a program of diet and exercise.
Now, we are pleased to have added a third compounded medication that addresses an entirely different condition: erectile dysfunction. We now welcome Tri-mix to our shelves, a unique drug that combines three separate components that each provide some response in addressing the condition of erectile dysfunction. The combination of these three components has a booster effect, yielding greater results than they each can offer when taken alone. Tri-mix treats ED faster and with more reliable results than the other meds that people have become familiar with.
How is compounded Tri-mix made?
For more information on compounded medications, read this blog post.
Compounding medicines is a specialized practice in which dedicated pharmacies create doses of custom-built medications tailored to the specific needs of an individual patient. In the case of Tri-mix, this involves mixing the three basic components (papaverine, phentolamine, and alprostadil) to create a medication that meets the precise specifications of the prescription. Here’s a closer look at how Tri-mix works.
How does Tri-mix treat erectile dysfunction?
Tri-mix treats ED differently, both in its mode of application and in what it is composed of. The three components of Tri-mix can each on their own be used to treat erectile dysfunction:
- Papaverine is an opium alkaloid that inhibits phosphodiesterase enzymes, leading to smooth muscle relaxation. Its primary use is as a vasodilator and antispasmodic, relaxing smooth muscles, particularly in blood vessels and the gastrointestinal tract.
- Phentolamine is an alpha-adrenergic antagonist that blocks alpha-adrenergic receptors, leading to vasodilation and decreased vascular resistance. Its primary use is to treat high blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels and reducing vascular resistance and blood pressure.
- Alprostadil mimics the action of naturally occurring prostaglandin E1, relaxing the smooth muscles and causing vasodilation. It is commonly used in newborns with congenital heart defects to open the ductus arteriosus, improve blood flow, and prevent clotting (platelet aggregation).
The specific function of these three drugs in treating erectile dysfunction is to improve the flow of blood into the erectile columns of the penis (two corpora cavernosa and the corpus spongiosum) that need to become engorged with blood to achieve an erection.
How effective is Tri-mix?
Fully objective double-blind studies have been conducted in several research laboratories to establish how well Tri-mix treats erectile dysfunction. The aim was to compare the rate at which papaverine combined with only prostaglandin, as well as a combination of all three (papaverine, phentolamine, and prostaglandin E1) contributed to the achievement of full rigidity of the penis and the duration of the erections.
In one study, all patients were observed to have achieved an erection of a satisfactory duration with the three combined drugs. No patient reported significant penile pain with any of the injections. Other studies have confirmed these results and also shown that the overall effectiveness of Tri-mix at least matches that of the standard oral medications for ED and, in most cases, exceeds it.
Understanding compounding
The main reasons for choosing compounded medications over regular packaged drugs are:
- They are tailored to the patient’s unique requirements: Compounding is used when patients cannot use standard, FDA-approved medications. This may be due to allergies, specific sensitivities, or other reasons. For instance, a patient might need a dye-free medication that’s not commercially available.
- The ingredients and mixing are matched to specific requirements: Pharmacists use existing drug components and combine them with other substances to create a specific formulation. In the case of Tri-mix, the three components are combined according to the specifications of the prescription.
- It can be administered more appropriately: Patients may be unable to take a prescribed drug in the standard form. Typically, children may balk at swallowing pills or unpleasant tasting liquids, or elderly people may be unable to swallow capsules. The form of the medication can be changed to suit the patient’s tolerance or preference (syrups, gels, suppositories, powders, etc.)
- It is a way to address drug shortages: Compounding pharmacies often step in to provide medications when there are shortages of commercially available drugs. This ensures that patients still get the medications they require during periods of high demand.
Some statistics on compounding in the USA
Ten years ago, in 2012, the government estimated that only 1.1% of insurance claims for medication were for compounded drugs. Latest estimates put that number at closer to 3% of the total number of dispensed scripts. Projections have been made that the number will grow substantially faster than the total number of scripts dispensed. Also, the total number of pharmacies that are engaged to some degree in compounding is now quite high, standing at 7,500 out of the total of 56,000 (13.4%)
There have also been substantial increases in the range of drugs that compounding pharmacies are selling. Some of these are highly specialized, such as treatments for early breast cancer (anastrozole) and naltrexone for opioid use disorder.
The effects and effectiveness of compounded medications are generally the same as their mass-produced counterparts when prepared correctly. However, it is crucial to rely on reputable compounding pharmacies to ensure quality and safety,
Questions we are asked about Trmiix
Does Tri-mix work without arousal?
Oral medications like Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra are all variations of PDE5 inhibitors that help improve blood flow into the penis to achieve an erection. However, they are only effective if a man is capable of some degree of arousal. They also have a lower success rate, being fully effective in about 70% of cases, and requiring a longer time to kick in. Tri-mix treats ED in an entirely different way and can help a man to achieve an erection quickly, even if there was no prior arousal. The overall success rate is also higher than that of the oral meds.
How often can a man use Tri-mix?
Doctors usually recommend that patients don’t use Tri-mix on two days in a row, and not more than once on the same day. This allows the penis enough time to recover fully and helps avoid bruising and scarring. Though the frequency the doctor suggests varies from person to person, it’s important not to exceed these limits.
Does Tri-mix affect your heart?
Like all medications, Tri-mix has some risks. Tests have indicated some cardiovascular side effects, such as changes in heart rhythm, lower blood pressure, or tachycardia (increased heart rate). Doctors will take these risks into account before prescribing Tri-mix. If you have any extra concerns, these should be discussed with a healthcare professional before Tri-mix is used.
How quickly does Tri-mix work?
In trials and with feedback from customers, it has been established that a single correct dosage of Tri-mix can result in an erection within 5–10 minutes of the self-injection in the side of the penis. In most cases, the erection can last for between 30 minutes to a full hour. An erection that lasts for more than 3 hours (priapism) can cause damage to the penis and needs to be treated immediately by a doctor or in an emergency clinic. Take with you the vial of Tri-mix so that doctors can quickly assess the proper treatment.
