The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved a new pill for the treatment of low sexual desire in women. The drug, called flibanserin (trade name Addyi), is being called the“female Viagra,” but there are some important facts about flibanserin that women should know.
“Female Viagra” is really a misnomer. While Viagra most affects the genital tissues, flibanserin is thought to work through effects on neurotransmitters in the brain. Additionally, while Viagra is typically taken on an as-needed basis right before sex, flibanserin is taken daily.
Flibanserin is intended for women with a condition called Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder, or HSDD, which affects approximately 10 percent of women in the United States. HSDD means that a woman has had little or no interest in sexual activity for at least 6 months that is causing significant distress, and her symptoms are not better explained by a different problem, such as depression, relationship dissatisfaction, or medications.
In studies, flibanserin increased the number of satisfying sexual encounters women were having per month by about one compared to a placebo pill, and it increased sexual desire scores by about half a point compared to placebo (on a 1.2-6 point scale). There are some significant side effects with the medication: sleepiness, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, and fainting. Because the risk of fainting is much higher with alcohol, women taking flibanserin should avoid drinking any alcohol. In addition, flibanserin can interact with a number of other medications and cannot be taken by women with liver disease. Flibanserin can only be prescribed by healthcare providers who have undergone special training and certification. Finally, flibanserin is only approved for women who have not yet gone through menopause.
HSDD is a common problem that can have significant negative impacts on a woman’s life and relationships and UPMC can help. Women struggling with distressing sexual problems can undergo a comprehensive evaluation at UPMC’s Division of General Internal Medicine. Our experienced physicians and can discuss the potential risks and benefits of any treatment options. For more information, call 412-647-4888 .
Thomas is an assistant professor of medicine at the University of Pittsburgh.
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