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Addyi
Used for Low Libido
Used for Low Libido
Addyi (flibanserin) is used for treating women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), or low sex drive or desire for sex. It's approved for women under 65 who are either pre or postmenopausal. The medication helps improve sexual desire, increase satisfying sexual events, and reduce stress related to low sexual desire. It's a tablet that you take once a day at bedtime. Addyi (flibanserin) side effects include dizziness, sleepiness, and nausea. Because this medication also has a risk for low blood pressure and fainting, there are some alcohol limitations with treatment.
What is Addyi (flibanserin)?
What is Addyi (flibanserin) used for?
- Low sex drive (hypoactive sexual desire disorder or HSDD) in women under 65 who are either pre or postmenopausal
How Addyi (flibanserin) works
Addyi (flibanserin) is a serotonin receptor agonist and antagonist. We don't exactly know how the medication works, but it's thought to affect serotonin receptors in your brain. This might help improve sex drive since serotonin is a natural chemical in your body that regulates your mood and sex drive.
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Addyi |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Serotonin receptor agonist/antagonist |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | No lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
Side effects of Addyi (flibanserin)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Dizziness (11%)
- Sleepiness (11%)
- Nausea (10%)
- Tiredness (9%)
- Trouble sleeping (5%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Stomach pain
- Anxiety
- Rash
Note: Side effects were reported in premenopausal women. The percentages might be a little different for postmenopausal women.
Addyi (flibanserin) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Allergic reaction: swelling of the face, lips, or mouth; itchiness; hives; trouble breathing
- Feeling faint or lightheaded
The following Addyi (flibanserin) side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions or angioedema—skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, arms, or legs, trouble swallowing or breathing
- CNS depression—slow or shallow breathing, shortness of breath, feeling faint, dizziness, confusion, trouble staying awake
- Low blood pressure—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, blurry vision
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
Get your GoodRx coupon
$2496.74
GoodRx discount
$1925.29
Pros and cons of Addyi (flibanserin)
Pros
- One of the few FDA-approved medications for low sex drive in women under 65
- A tablet that's taken by mouth
- Few side effects
Cons
- Has limitations for drinking alcohol during treatment
- Not for low sex drive caused by a medical or mental health condition, relationship problem, or side effect from medications
- Can interact with many medications
Pharmacist tips for Addyi (flibanserin)
- Most Addyi (flibanserin) side effects, like dizziness, tiredness, and feeling faint, typically start to happen within the first 2 weeks after you start treatment. Lie down if you feel dizzy right after you take the medication. Call your prescriber if these side effects don't go away.
- Take Addyi (flibanserin) at bedtime to lower your risk of sleepiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, and accidentally hurting yourself from these side effects.
- Addyi (flibanserin) can make you sleepy and have trouble thinking clearly. Avoid driving a car or doing any activities that need your focus until at least 6 hours after you take Addyi (flibanserin) and until you know how the medication affects you.
- Wait at least 2 hours after drinking 1 or 2 standard alcoholic drinks before you take Addyi (flibanserin). And skip your dose in the evening if you've had 3 or more alcoholic drinks. Don't drink any alcohol after you take Addyi (flibanserin); wait until the next day. Taking Addyi (flibanserin) and drinking alcohol too close together can put you at greater risk for low blood pressure and fainting.
- Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice at any time while you're taking Addyi (flibanserin). Grapefruit can raise your risk of side effects while you're taking this medication.
- Tell your care team and pharmacist about all the medications, supplements, or foods you take or planning to take. Certain medications, herbal supplements, and foods can raise your risk of side effects, such as sleepiness, low blood pressure, and fainting, while you're taking Addyi (flibanserin).
- If you miss a dose of Addyi (flibanserin) at bedtime, wait until the next night to take your next dose. Don't double up on doses to make up for a missed dose because this can raise your risk for side effects.
More on Addyi (flibanserin) tips
Risks and warnings for Addyi (flibanserin)
Addyi (flibanserin) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Risk for low blood pressure and fainting with alcohol use
Taking Addyi (flibanserin) and drinking alcohol too close together can put you at risk for dangerously low blood pressure, dizziness, and fainting. To prevent accidental injury from these side effects, wait at least 2 hours after drinking 1 or 2 standard alcoholic drinks before you take Addyi (flibanserin) at bedtime. Skip your dose for the night if you've had 3 or more alcoholic drinks. Don't drink any alcohol after you take Addyi (flibanserin) until the next day.
Risk for low blood pressure and fainting from drug interactions
- Risk factors: Taking medications, herbal supplements, or foods that interact with Addyi (flibanserin)
Addyi (flibanserin) can interact with certain medications, herbal supplements, and foods. These interactions can make your blood pressure drop to dangerous levels and lead to fainting. Some common medications and foods that interact with Addyi (flibanserin) include ciprofloxacin (Cipro), fluconazole (Diflucan), birth control pills, and grapefruit.
Ask your prescriber or pharmacist for a complete list of medications, supplements, and foods to avoid. Tell your care team all the other medications and herbal supplements you're taking. They can help make sure Addyi (flibanserin) is safe for you to take. Follow any directions they give you if you need to switch or stop medications to lower the risk of dangerous drug interactions.
Not safe for people with liver problems
Addyi (flibanserin) can cause dangerously low blood pressure and lead to fainting in people with liver problems. Because of this risk, people with liver problems can't take this medication. If you have liver problems, tell your prescriber before you start taking Addyi (flibanserin). They can discuss other treatment options.
Feeling sleepy and having trouble concentrating
- Risk factors: Taking Addyi (flibanserin) during the day | Drinking alcohol | Taking other medications that can cause sleepiness | Taking medications, supplements, or foods that interact with Addyi (flibanserin)
Addyi (flibanserin) can make you feel sleepy, tired, and less alert. These side effects can affect your ability to think and focus well. Your risk is higher if you take Addyi (flibanserin) during the day, with alcohol, or with other medications that have similar side effects.
Take Addyi (flibanserin) only at bedtime to prevent these side effects. Also avoid driving a car or doing other activities that need your attention until at least 6 hours after you take Addyi (flibanserin) and until you know how the medication affects you.
Allergic reaction
It's possible to have an allergic reaction to Addyi (flibanserin). Stop taking the medication and call for medical help right away if you notice any swelling of your face, lips, or mouth; itchiness; hives; or trouble breathing.
Addyi (flibanserin) dosage
The average cost for 30 tablets of 100mg of Addyi (flibanserin) is $20.00 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 99.20% off the average retail price of $2,496.74. 
Tablet
Tablet| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100mg | 30 tablets | $20.00 | $0.67 |
Typical dosage for Addyi (flibanserin)
The typical dose is 100 mg by mouth once a day at bedtime.
How much does Addyi (flibanserin) cost?
To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
Addyi (brand)
$20.00
Addyi (flibanserin) contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Addyi (flibanserin) will not be safe for you to take.
- Take certain medications that interact with Addyi (flibanserin) and put you at risk for low blood pressure and fainting
- Eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice
- Liver damage
What are alternatives to Addyi (flibanserin)?
There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Addyi (flibanserin). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
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