FDA Approves Flibanserin, World's First Pill For Women's Libido

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The FDA has approved the first drug designed to improve women's libido.

Flibanserin, often referred to as 'Female Viagra' or the little pink pill is produced by Sprout Pharmaceuticals of Raleigh, N.C. In the past five years, the FDA has rejected the drug twice, but in June, an advisory committee of medical experts recommended approval of the drug to the FDA if more safety restrictions were included.

Beginning October 17, Flibanserin will be on the market under its brand name Addyi. The pill is supposed to be taken daily to help treat premenopausal women dealing with hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD). HSDD is associated with low libido and a sudden loss of sexual desire.

"Addyi is a game changer, in my opinion, for women's health," Cynthia Whitehead, CEO of Sprout Pharmaceuticals, told NPR. "For decades, millions of women have been waiting for a medical solution to restore their sexual desire. And I'm thrilled that today the decision is finally being turned over to women and their health care providers regarding their sexual health."

Many doctors and women's health advocates are excited to see a drug on the market for women's sexual dysfunction, when there are already 26 available for men.

However, some critics claim Addyi is not very effective and can cause troubling side effects.

As part of its approval, the FDA is requiring Sprout Pharmaceuticals and doctors to warn women to not consume alcohol while taking Addyi to reduce any risk of fainting. It is also recommended women avoid taking the little pink pill while on some other drugs, including certain yeast infection medications. Sprout has also agreed to conduct follow-up safety studies on Addyi.

To learn more about the little pink pill, visit: https://www.empowher.com/pink-pill

Sources:

FDA Approves First Drug To Boost Women's Sexual Desire. NPR. http://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2015/08/18/432704214/addyi-fda-approves-drug-to-boost-womens-desire

FDA approves world's first pill to boost women's libido. USA Today. http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2015/08/18/fda-acts--flibanserin/31840455/

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• Sexual Health