Addyi
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 who haven't gone through menopause yet. 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 who haven't gone through menopause yet
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
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What are the side effects of Addyi (flibanserin)?
Common Side Effects
- Dizziness (11%)
- Sleepiness (11%)
- Nausea (10%)
- Tiredness (9%)
- Trouble sleeping (5%)
Other Side Effects
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Stomach pain
- Anxiety
- Rash
Serious Side Effects
- Allergic reaction: swelling of the face, lips, or mouth; itchiness; hives; trouble breathing
- Feeling faint or lightheaded
Source: DailyMed
The following 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):
Pros and cons of Addyi (flibanserin)
Pros
One of the few FDA-approved medications for low sex drive in women who haven't reached menopause yet
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 problems, or side effects 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 provider 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 providers and pharmacists about all the medications, supplements, or foods you're taking 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
Frequently asked questions about Addyi (flibanserin)
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What are the 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 provider or pharmacist for a complete list of medications, supplements, and foods to avoid. Tell your providers all the other medications and herbal supplements you're taking to 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. Let your provider know if you have liver problems before you start taking Addyi (flibanserin) so you 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 forms
| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100mg | 30 tablets | $298.80 | $9.96 |
Typical dosing for Addyi (flibanserin)
The typical dose is 100 mg by mouth once a day at bedtime.
How much does Addyi (flibanserin) cost?
Addyi (flibanserin) contraindications
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)?
Low sex drive (hypoactive sexual desire disorder or HSDD) in women who haven't gone through menopause yet
Low sexual desire in people who haven't gone through menopause yet
What is the latest news about Addyi (flibanserin)?
Addyi (flibanserin) images
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References
Best studies we foundFDA. (2024). Drug Trials Snapshots: ADDYI.
Fisher, W. A., et al. (2017). Flibanserin efficacy and safety in premenopausal women with generalized acquired hypoactive sexual desire disorder. Sexual Medicine Reviews.
Pachano Pesantez, G. S., et al. (2021). Treatment of hypoactive sexual desire disorder among women: General considerations and pharmacological options. Focus: Journal of Life Long Learning in Psychiatry.
Pierrelus, C., et al. (2023). Flibanserin. StatPearls.
Portman, D. J., et al. (2017). Flibanserin in postmenopausal women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder: Results of the PLUMERIA study. The Journal of Sexual Medicine.
Sprout Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (2021). Addyi- flibanserin tablet, film coated [package insert]. DailyMed.
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