Is the new little pink pill made to improve sexual desire in some women the latest accessory to the little black dress? Not quite. It comes with warnings of serious side effects, experts said.
The federal Food and Drug Administration approved Addyi August 2015. Being called the “female Viagra,” it’s the first medication to increase sexual desire in some pre-menopausal women. But take note: it works much differently than its male counterpart, Viagra, said Sara Griesbach, Marshfield Clinic director of clinical pharmacy services.
How does “female Viagra” work?
Addyi, or flibanserin, works by stimulating certain receptors in the brain and blocking others. How it works to increase sexual desire is not completely understood, Griesbach said.
The drug increased the number of satisfying sexual events by about 0.5 to one additional event per month in women who participated in clinical trials.
Women must take the pill daily to improve female sexual desire, and it could take up to a month to notice results. Addyi doesn’t enhance sexual performance.
Viagra, on the other hand, is taken shortly before sexual activity and treats erectile dysfunction in men by increasing blood flow so an erection can occur. Viagra doesn’t increase sexual desire.
What are the risks?
“This medicine is approved by the FDA, but there are a lot of safety concerns people need to be aware of,” Griesbach said.
Addyi can cause low blood pressure and fainting, so it should be taken at bedtime. Drinking alcohol increases the risk of side effects.
“If there’s any chance the patient will use alcohol, this medicine is not for them,” she said.
Nursing mothers and patients with liver problems shouldn’t use Addyi, and it interacts with a number of other medicines, including birth control pills.
Ongoing studies will evaluate the long-term effects and safety of Addyi.
Is Addyi right for you?
If you’re interested in Addyi, ask your doctor if it’s an option for you. Discuss whether the benefits are worth the risks, Griesbach said.
“The important point with hypoactive sexual desire is that non-medicine options should be considered first,” she said.
She suggested lifestyle modifications, such as reducing stress and fatigue, increasing quality time with your partner and improving body image before using medicine to improve sexual desire.
Your doctor also should rule out medical causes of low sexual desire.
Will Addyi be available at Marshfield Clinic?
Addyi is anticipated to hit the market this fall, and a team of Marshfield Clinic pharmacists and doctors from across the system are evaluating the drug.
“We review the effectiveness and safety of new medicines and assess where the medicine fits in the overall care of our patients,” Griesbach said. “We definitely plan on reviewing this medicine in the near future.”
Doctors and pharmacists must undergo training before prescribing and dispensing the drug.
It’s not yet known how much Addyi will cost or whether it will be covered by health insurance.