First ‘female Viagra’ approved – but doesn’t mix well with alcohol

But supporters of the drug say the benefits may outweigh the risks for many women.

The Food and Drug Administration has finally given a green signal to world’s first drug to boost the sex drive of a woman, the Washington Post reports.

“It works through neurotransmitters – serotonin, dopamine receptors – and exactly how it improves sexual function in women is not completely understood”, she explained. “There are a number of FDA-approved options for the treatment of various sexual dysfunctions available for men, but much fewer for women”. Men take Viagra just before sex; women would take Flibanserin daily before bedtime. The drug had little effect, but researchers noticed patients reported increased sexual desire, suggesting an alternate use.

This condition was recognized by the medical community around 40 years ago. Flibanserin, also known as Addyi, was approved yesterday for immediate distribution by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For most women, that happens when they are in their late 40s or early 50s.

The FDA may have approved the drug, but not without stringent safety restrictions. Researchers initially developed it to be an antidepressant, but it wasn’t as effective as they’d hoped.

While sometimes referred to as the “female Viagra”, the drug is notably different from the drug, which targets erectile dysfunction, a physiological problem.

Due to the drug’s “potentially serious interaction with alcohol”, it will only be available through certified health care professionals and certified pharmacies. It develops in patients who previously had no problems with sexual desire.

The exact price of Addyi had not been determined, but the pills will probably be equivalent to the cost of Viagra on a monthly basis.

Before Althof began studying Flibanserin in 2004, he was researching Viagra. The lobbying campaign was launched and largely funded by Sprout but joined by many women’s health advocates and consumer groups who got members of Congress to send the FDA letters in support of the drug. The drug will likewise be sold under the “Addyi” brand name.

Dr Lauren Streicher of Northwestern University told NBC News that the FDA approval is a “huge advancement” in women’s health.