Addyi is what the drug would be marketed under. The drug doesn’t work on the genitals, as it works on the brain. When the drug is taken, it boosts the response of receptors in the brain to chemicals such as dopamine and serotonin. However, there are some critics that say the drug’s side effects may not be worth the benefits, and it was rejected by the FDA on two occasions.
According to the owner of Flibanserin, Sprout Pharmaceuticals, low sexual desire is quite common, and around one-third of women do experience it. Around 10% of women can experience problems in their lives and relationships as a result of the condition.
Some studies have revealed that women taking the drug reported between 0.5 and one more sexually satisfying event each month, compared to women who were taking a placebo. The women who were taking the drug also scored higher on questionnaires measuring desire.
There are some risks associated with Flibanserin. The drug was found to interact poorly with birth control pills, as well as alcohol. This can lead to side-effects such as nausea, fatigue and dizziness.
Some doctors, who testified at the FDA committee hearing, argued that the drug was better than nothing. One medical professional said that she has had female patients coming to her for help, but she had no real solutions for them.
The vote was non-binding, but the FDA does often follow the advice of its experts. The agency is expected to make an official decision at some point in August.
