flibanserin: Price, Dosage & Where to Buy

Flibanserin, also sold as Addyi, is a central, non-hormonal medicine classed as a 5-HT1A agonist and 5-HT2A antagonist. It is used for acquired, generalised hypoactive sexual desire disorder in women younger than 65 years, where low sexual desire causes marked distress or interpersonal difficulty. It requires a prescription in the United Kingdom and is not intended to enhance sexual performance.

Flibanserin is indicated for acquired, generalised hypoactive sexual desire disorder, often shortened to HSDD, in women younger than 65 years. This means low sexual desire that causes marked distress or difficulty with interpersonal relationships. Acquired HSDD develops after a period when the person had no problems with sexual desire.

Generalised HSDD occurs regardless of the type of stimulation, situation or partner. The indication excludes low desire caused by a co-existing medical or psychiatric condition, problems within the relationship, or the effects of medicines or other drug substances. Flibanserin is not indicated for men or for enhancing sexual performance.

Flibanserin acts on serotonin receptors in the brain. Receptors are sites through which chemical messengers influence the activity of nerve cells. As a 5-HT1A agonist, it activates that type of serotonin receptor; as a 5-HT2A antagonist, it blocks activity at that other type.

These actions alter signalling within the central nervous system. Its action is non-hormonal, rather than involving replacement of sex hormones. This receptor description explains its pharmacological class, rather than predicting an individual person's response.

The label lists 100 mg film-coated tablets for oral use. The label lists 100 mg once daily at bedtime as the recommended dosage. Bedtime administration is specified because administration during waking hours increases the risks of low blood pressure, fainting, accidental injury and central nervous system depression, including sleepiness and sedation.

The label lists discontinuation after 8 weeks if HSDD symptoms have not improved. The label lists a 2 weeks interval after the last dose of a moderate or strong CYP3A4 inhibitor before starting flibanserin. The label lists a 2 days interval after the last flibanserin dose before starting a moderate or strong CYP3A4 inhibitor.

These intervals concern medicines that can substantially increase flibanserin exposure and the risk of low blood pressure and fainting. The label lists the next scheduled dose at bedtime on the next day after a missed bedtime dose, with no doubling of that dose. Treatment changes and interacting medicines require review by the prescriber.

The label lists the next dose at bedtime on the next day if a bedtime dose is missed, with no doubling of the next dose. A missed dose should not be compensated for with an extra dose. A pharmacist can clarify missed-dose advice if alcohol or interacting medicines are involved.

There are no studies in pregnant women to establish whether flibanserin has a drug-associated risk in humans. Animal studies found fetal toxicity in the presence of significant maternal toxicity, and cannot rule out potential fetal harm.

Flibanserin is excreted in rat milk; its presence in human milk and its effects on milk production or breastfed infants are unknown. It is not recommended during breastfeeding because of the potential for serious adverse reactions, including sedation in the infant.

The label specifies storage at 25°C (77°F), with temperature excursions permitted to 15°-30°C (59°-86°F). Keep the tablets in their original packaging and out of the sight and reach of children.