FDA Approves Libido Pill for Women

The United States Food and Drug Administration approved the first prescription drug to enhance women’s sexual drive on August 19, 2015, reports the New York Times.

The drug, marketed as Addyi (flibanserin) is being touted as the pink Viagra.  The pink pill is approved for women who have a loss of sexual desire and can only be prescribed by a doctor.  It has several side effects including low blood pressure and fainting and should not be used in combination with alcohol or other certain drugs and not by anyone with liver problems.

Addyi, released 17 years after Viagra(a medication used to treat erectile dysfunction), is similar to an antidepressant and has been linked to an increase in dopamine which is associated with mood and appetite.   Addyi is also said to lower serotonin levels which are connected to feelings of satisfaction, reports USA Today.

The drug should be available in the U.S. by mid-October and is expected to cost those with health insurance between $30 and $75 per month.   Addyi is taken once daily in the evening and patients are advised to discontinue treatment after eight weeks if there’s no improvement.

For more information about Addyi and possible side effects visit the FDA website at:  http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm458734.htm .