Addyi (flibanserin): On Tuesday, the US Food and Drug Administration granted its approval for a new drug for pre-menopausal women.
The new drug, officially named Addyi (flibanserin), is also known as the pink pill or Viagra for women, and promises to boost libido.
In particular, Sprout Pharmaceutical says it has been designed to treat the hypoactive sexual desire (HSDD) disorder.
This condition has been recognized by the medical community around 40 years. Her symptoms include little or no interest in close relationships, and possibly there are no or almost sexual fantasies.
"HSDD is characterized by low sexual desire that causes severe discomfort or difficulty in interpersonal relationships and may be due to a coexisting medical or psychiatric condition, relationship problems, or the effects of a drug."
How does the medicine work?
Unlike male Viagra, which works by increasing its flow bloodAddyi (flibanserin) works on the brain.
The drug is designed to target prefrontal cortex and neurotransmitter levels dopamine and norepinephrine.
At the same time, the drug reduces levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that, when present in the brain at high concentrations, is associated with inhibition of sexuality.
But in their latest report on Addyi, experts from the Food and Drug Administration are warning that they may cause side effects.
Tests have shown that it can cause low blood pressure or even loss of consciousness. It can also cause fatigue, nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, insomnia and dry mouth. The risk for these symptoms is even greater when the drug is taken in combination with alcohol or other treatments.