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Compare Addyi vs. Vyleesi

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Addyi (flibanserin) and Vyleesi (bremelanotide) are both FDA-approved treatments for low sex drive in women who haven't gone through menopause yet, but they work differently and are used in different ways. Addyi is a serotonin receptor agonist/antagonist taken as a daily pill at bedtime, while Vyleesi is a melanocortin receptor agonist that you inject under the skin as needed, at least 45 minutes before sex. Addyi has alcohol restrictions due to the risk of low blood pressure and fainting, whereas Vyleesi does not have these alcohol limitations but can briefly raise blood pressure and lower heart rate. Common side effects of Addyi include dizziness, sleepiness, and nausea, while Vyleesi often causes nausea, flushing, and injection site reactions. Additionally, Addyi is available in a generic form, but Vyleesi is not.

  • Addyi (flibanserin)
    Vyleesi (bremelanotide)
  • Addyi (flibanserin)
    Vyleesi (bremelanotide)

  • Summary of Addyi vs. Vyleesi

    Summary for Serotonin receptor agonist/antagonist
    Prescription only

    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.

    Summary for Melanocortin receptor agonist
    Prescription only

    Vyleesi (bremelanotide) treats low sex drive that causes negative emotions in people who haven't gone through menopause yet. This medication belongs to the drug class called melanocortin receptor agonists. Vyleesi (bremelanotide) is an autoinjector that you use to inject the medication under the skin. It's injected as needed at least 45 minutes before sex. Common side effects include nausea, flushing of the skin, and injection site reactions.

  • Indications of Addyi vs. Vyleesi

    Indications for
    •Low sex drive (hypoactive sexual desire disorder or HSDD) in women who haven't gone through menopause yet
    Indications for
    •Low sexual desire in people who haven't gone through menopause yet

  • Pros and Cons of Addyi vs. Vyleesi

    Pros and Const for Serotonin receptor agonist/antagonist
    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
    Pros and Const for Melanocortin receptor agonist
    Pros
    •One of the few medications approved for low sex drive in people who haven't gone through menopause yet
    •Can take when you need it (at least 45 minutes before sex)
    •Less limitations for drinking alcohol than Addyi (flibanserin)
    •Available by prescription from many healthcare professionals
    Cons
    •Must inject under the skin
    •Not for low sexual desire caused by a medical or mental health condition, relationship problems, or side effects from another medication or substance
    •Not proven to improve sexual performance
    •Not available as a lower-cost generic

  • Common Side Effects of Addyi vs. Vyleesi

    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness (11%)
    •Sleepiness (11%)
    •Nausea (10%)
    •Tiredness (9%)
    •Trouble sleeping (5%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea (40%)
    •Flushing of the skin (20%)
    •Injection site reactions (e.g., pain, redness, itching, bruising; 13%)
    •Headache (11%)

  • Warnings of Addyi vs. Vyleesi

    Common Side Effects for
    •Risk for low blood pressure and fainting with alcohol use
    •Risk for low blood pressure and fainting from drug interactions
    •Not safe for people with liver problems
    •Feeling sleepy and having trouble concentrating
    •Allergic reaction
    Common Side Effects for
    •Brief changes in blood pressure and heart rate
    •Darkening of the skin
    •Nausea

  • Prices with our coupons for Addyi vs. Vyleesi

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