What is the use of Flibanserin (Addyi)?

From the Guidelines

Flibanserin (Addyi) is a medication approved for the treatment of hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women, resulting in approximately 1 additional satisfying sexual event every 2 months, as supported by the most recent guidelines 1.

Key Points

• The standard dosage of Flibanserin is 100 mg taken once daily at bedtime, with benefits expected to take 4-8 weeks to become noticeable 1.
• Flibanserin works by affecting brain neurotransmitters, specifically by enhancing dopamine and norepinephrine activity while reducing serotonin activity in certain brain regions involved in sexual desire 1.
• Common side effects include dizziness, sleepiness, nausea, and fatigue, and patients must completely avoid alcohol while taking Flibanserin due to serious interaction risks 1.
• Although not FDA-approved for postmenopausal women, some data suggest that Flibanserin can be effective and safe in this population as well 1.

Considerations

• Other options for survivors with low or lack of desire, libido, or intimacy include off-label use of bupropion and buspirone, which have been studied in a few trials involving noncancer populations 1.
• The use of oral phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5i) is not recommended for female sexual dysfunction due to limited data regarding their effectiveness 1.
• Vaginal laser therapy is not currently recommended for the treatment of vaginal dryness and other genitourinary symptoms in postmenopausal individuals due to limited data on safety and effectiveness 1.

From the FDA Drug Label

What is ADDYI ADDYI is a prescription medicine used to treat hypoactive (low) sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in women who have not gone through menopause, who have not had problems with low sexual desire in the past, and who have low sexual desire no matter the type of sexual activity, the situation, or the sexual partner.

The use of Flibanserin (Addyi) is to treat hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women who have not had problems with low sexual desire in the past.

• Key points:
  • Used to treat HSDD in premenopausal women
  • Not for use in women who have gone through menopause or in men
  • Not for use to improve sexual performance
  • Not for use in children 2

From the Research

Use of Flibanserin (Addyi)

• Flibanserin, a 5-hydroxytryptamine 5-HT1A agonist and 5-HT2A antagonist, is indicated for the treatment of acquired, generalized hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
• The medication has been shown to increase sexual desire and reduce distress in premenopausal women with HSDD 3, 4, 5, 6.
• Flibanserin has been demonstrated to be effective in improving sexual desire, reducing sexual distress, and increasing the number of satisfying sexual events in premenopausal women with HSDD 3, 4, 5, 6.

Efficacy of Flibanserin

• Studies have shown that flibanserin is superior to placebo in improving sexual desire, reducing sexual distress, and increasing the number of satisfying sexual events in premenopausal women with HSDD 3, 4, 5, 6.
• Flibanserin has been shown to be effective in improving the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) desire domain score and the Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised (FSDS-R) total score 3, 4, 5, 6.

Safety of Flibanserin

• Flibanserin has been shown to be well-tolerated, with common adverse events including dizziness, somnolence, and fatigue 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
• The medication has been associated with a risk of sedation- and hypotension-related adverse events, as well as drug interactions with alcohol and antidepressants 7.