Learning how to self-administer a Trimix injection for erectile dysfunction can feel overwhelming at first—but you’re not alone. At Olympia Pharmacy, our goal is to provide clear, accessible instructions that help you feel confident and informed. This page includes a full video tutorial on how to inject Trimix, along with detailed step-by-step guidance, safety tips, frequently asked questions, and a downloadable instruction guide.
Whether you’re preparing for your first dose or need a quick refresher, everything you need is right here.
Watch as Dr. Jonathan Ramnauth, a board-certified sterile compounding pharmacist at Olympia Pharmacy, demonstrates how to administer Trimix safely and correctly.
Step-by-Step: How to Administer a Trimix Injection
• Remove the protective cap from the syringe needle.
• Pull the syringe plunger back to your prescribed dosage—this draws air into the syringe equal to the dose.
• Insert the needle into the rubber stopper and inject the air into the vial.
• With the needle still inserted, turn the vial upside down.
• Slowly pull back the plunger to draw the correct amount of medication.
• Gently tap the syringe to move air bubbles to the top. Push out any collected bubbles before injection.
• Remove the syringe from the vial and carefully replace the protective cap.
3. Select and Prepare the Injection Site
• The correct injection site is between the base and mid-shaft of the penis, at the 9–11 o’clock or 1–3 o’clock positions.
• Avoid the top (12 o’clock), bottom (6 o’clock), and any visible veins or arteries. Injecting near the urethra or major blood vessels can cause injury.
• Gently grasp the head of the penis and pull it to the side of your leg using your thumb and index finger (use your non-dominant hand).
• While maintaining light tension, select your site and clean it thoroughly with an alcohol swab.
4. Inject TriMix and Apply Compression
• With a steady and confident motion, insert the needle at a 90-degree angle until it reaches the hub (the base of the needle). You may feel slight resistance as it reaches the erectile tissue.
• Slowly inject the full dose over approximately 4 seconds.
• Withdraw the needle and immediately apply firm pressure to the injection site for at least 1 minute to minimize bleeding.
• If you are on blood thinners like aspirin, you may need to apply pressure for several minutes.
5. Aftercare & Disposal
• Recap the needle carefully and place it in a sharps disposal container.
Using Trimix correctly is critical to both your safety and the effectiveness of your treatment. Please take a moment to review these important guidelines before your injection.
General Safety
• Follow your prescription exactly. Never increase your dose without medical approval. If you feel your dose needs adjusting, contact your prescribing provider.
• Use a new needle and syringe for each injection. Reusing supplies can lead to contamination or infection.
• Never inject more than once in a 24-hour period. Trimix should only be used as prescribed.
• Always wash your hands before handling medication or supplies. Clean the injection site with an alcohol swab to prevent infection.
Storage & Handling
• Keep Trimix frozen until the day you plan to use it.
• On injection day, thaw the vial at room temperature. Do not microwave or run under hot water to speed up thawing.
• Once thawed, the medication should be stored in the refrigerator and used within the time frame provided by your pharmacy.
• Do not refreeze Trimix after it has thawed.
Where Not to Inject
• Do not inject into the top (12 o’clock), bottom (6 o’clock), or tip of the penis.
• Avoid visible veins or blood vessels.
• Stay away from the midline (urethra) and base of the penis.
• The recommended injection zones are 1–3 o’clock or 9–11 o’clock positions, mid-shaft.
After the Injection
• Apply pressure to the injection site with clean fingers for at least 1 minute to minimize bruising or bleeding. If you take blood thinners, you may need to apply pressure longer.
• Mild soreness or small bruises can occur. This is common and usually temporary.
Watch for Priapism
• Priapism is a prolonged erection lasting more than 4 hours. It is a medical emergency.
• If your erection lasts longer than 3 hours or becomes painful, act immediately.
• Administer 50 units of phenylephrine via intracavernosal injection every 5 minutes as needed.
• Do not exceed 5 mL of phenylephrine in 24 hours.
• If symptoms do not improve, go directly to the emergency room.
Safe Needle Disposal Guidelines
Properly disposing of used needles, syringes, and sharps is essential for your safety and the safety of others. Follow these steps to handle used injection materials responsibly:
Use a Sharps Container
Always place used needles and syringes in a FDA-cleared sharps disposal container. These containers are typically made of puncture-resistant plastic with a tight, leak-resistant lid.
Do Not:
• Do not throw loose needles in the trash or recycling bin
• Do not flush needles down the toilet
• Do not recap, bend, or break used needles
What if I Don’t Have a Sharps Container?
If a proper container isn’t available, use a heavy-duty plastic container (like an empty laundry detergent bottle). It must be puncture-resistant, leak-proof, and have a secure, screw-on lid. Be sure to clearly label it “Do Not Recycle – Sharps.”
Disposal Options
Once your sharps container is full, you have several safe disposal options. Many local pharmacies offer sharps disposal services, so check with yours first. You can also contact your local health department to find designated drop-off sites or community disposal programs in your area. In some cases, a mail-back sharps disposal service may be available and convenient for home use.
A:Trimix is a compounded medication used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). It contains three active ingredients — alprostadil, papaverine,and phentolamine — that work together to relax blood vessels and increase blood flow to the penis, resulting in an erection. It’s injected directly into the erectile tissue for fast, targeted results.
Q: Does injecting Trimix hurt?
A: Most patients report only mild discomfort, typically a small pinch or pressure during the injection. Using a fine 30-gauge needle and injecting slowly can help minimize pain. If you experience sharp pain, stop and reassess your injection site to ensure you are in the correct location.
Q: How soon does Trimix start working, and how long does it last?
A: Trimix typically begins working within 5 to 15 minutes after injection. The effects can last anywhere from 30 minutes to 90 minutes, depending on your dosage and individual response. If your erection lasts longer than 4 hours, seek medical attention immediately, as this may indicate priapism, a serious condition.
Q: How often can I use Trimix?
A: You should not use Trimix more than once in a 24-hour period. Overuse increases the risk of tissue damage, priapism and other complications. Always follow your prescribed dosage and frequency.
Q: Can I inject Trimix in the same spot every time?
A: No. Rotating your injection site is important to avoid scarring and tissue damage. Alternate between the 1–3 o’clock and 9–11 o’clock positions on the shaft, and use the opposite side from your previous injection whenever possible.
Q: What should I do if I see blood after the injection?
A: Minor bleeding at the injection site is common. Apply gentle pressure for at least one minute to stop the bleeding. If you notice blood inside the syringe before injection, you may have hit a blood vessel. Discard that syringe and try again with a new one and a new injection site.
Q: Can I use Trimix if I take other medications?
A: Certain medications, especially blood thinners or drugs that affect blood pressure, may interact with Trimix. Always inform your doctor of your full medication list before starting Trimix therapy.
Q: What is priapism and what should I do if it happens?
A: Priapism is a prolonged, often painful erection lasting more than 4 hours. It can cause permanent tissue damage if left untreated.
If your erection lasts longer than 3 hours, inject 50 units of phenylephrine as directed. If symptoms don’t improve or worsen, go to the emergency room immediately.
Q: Can I reuse the syringe or needle?
A: No. Each injection should be performed with a brand new, sterile syringe and needle. Reusing equipment increases your risk of infection and dulls the needle, which can make the injection more painful.
Q: How should I store Trimix?
A: Keep Trimix frozen until the day you plan to use it. On injection day, thaw the vial at room temperature. After thawing, store it in the refrigerator and use it within the time period provided on your vial or by your pharmacist. Do not refreeze the medication once thawed.
Q: How do I dispose of used needles and syringes?
A: Used syringes and needles should be placed immediately in a sharps container. Do not throw them in the trash or recycling. If you don’t have a disposal container, visit safe.pharmacy/drug-disposal for guidance on how to get one.
Still Need Help?
Have questions about your injection technique or prescription? Our pharmacy team is happy to help.
