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What’s New for Low Libido?

Sep 4, 2015 | Libido

Bothersome low libido, also known as hypoactive sexual desire disorder or HSDD, represents the most common sexual dysfunction in women.

The FDA approved flibanserin (Addyi)  to treat HSDD in premenopausal women on August 18, 2015.   This medication is the first drug approved specifically to treat sexual dysfunction in women prior to menopause.[4,5] 

Women and clinicians should be aware of several practical issues relevant to the use of flibanserin (1,2,5)

~   Overall, compared with placebo, flibanserin increased the number of satisfying sexual events (SSEs) by only 0.5 to one per month.

  • Unlike the rapid effects of medications for male erectile dysfunction, the benefits of flibanserin in reducing HSDD are observed only after the first 4 weeks of daily treatment, with results peaking at 8 weeks. Flibanserin is not known to affect sexual arousal or orgasmic function.
  • To reduce side effects which include drowsiness, low blood pressure, and fainting, the medication should be taken at night.  Alcohol consumption can increase these risks.
  • Only prescribers and pharmacists certified through a special course will be able to prescribe and dispense flibanserin, which should be available in late October of this year.

 

If you have further questions or concerns, please call 805-434-9441 to schedule an appointment today.

References

  1. Simon JA, Kingsberg SA, Shumel B, Hanes V, Garcia M Jr, Sand M. Efficacy and safety of flibanserin in postmenopausal women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder: results of the SNOWDROP trial. Menopause. 2014;21:633-640. Abstract
  2. Katz M, DeRogatis LR, Ackerman R, et al; BEGONIA trial investigators. Efficacy of flibanserin in women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder: results from the BEGONIA trial. J Sex Med. 2013;10:1807-1815. Abstract
  3. FDA approves first treatment for sexual desire disorder. FDA News Release. August 18, 2015.http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm458734.htm Accessed August 19, 2015.
  4. Robert Lowes. ‘Female Viagra’ foes denounce PR campaign to win FDA approval. Medscape Medical News. August 10, 2015. http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/849326 Accessed August 19, 2015.
  5. Simon JA. Flibanserin is poised for FDA approval. But why this drug? And why now? OBG Management. 2015;27:6-11.