After years of unsuccessful attempts, the drug Flibanserin was approved for marketing in the US by the FDA today. This is the first specific drug treatment for any female sexual disorder approved by the FDA. Made by Sprout Pharmaceuticals who acquired the rights from the German developer, Flibanserin has shown benefit for women with low sexual desire disorder, or generalized low sex drive. It will be available sometime before mid October 2015. The drug is a pill, taken daily, and will be marketed by the trade name Addyi. The effect is on neurotransmitters in the brain and possible side effects include blood pressure drops and fainting. Women’s health advocates have been anxiously awaiting approval and look forward to having another potential option in the treatment of female sexual dysfunction. Critics have said there isn’t enough benefit for enough users statistically. We favor non-drug treatment as much as possible, but believe that some women will want to try this new treatment and that it is safe enough for most patients. We hope that more research is dedicated to issues that impact women’s health in the future.
