‘Female Viagra’ approved by the FDA
The FDA has approved the first libido enhancing drug for women.
Flibanserin, the new drug referred to as ‘female viagra’, recently gained approval in the US in a bid to help women suffering from a low sex drive – though it’s not exactly the same as it’s male counterpart.
Unlike classic viagra, Flibanserin does not send blood to the genitals – but in fact triggers chemical reactions in the brain. It also isn’t instantaneous as the classic blue pill.
In order for Flibanserin to work, it requires months of steady treatment whilst not consuming alcohol.
The major disadvantage for women after a boost in sex drive is that it isn’t as effective as Viagra for men – most results described the effects as “modest”.
Previously rejected twice by the FDA, the drug has been approved for use of women who suffer from hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) – a lack of libido that causes distress and is thought to affect between 5.5 million and 8.6 million US women.
Other side effects could include dizziness, nausea and fainting.
Even with the side effects, there has been a lot of positive feedback for the drug. One woman who took part in the clinical trial stated: “I want to want my husband, it is that simple”.
This is the first time a federally approved treatment for sexual disorder in women in the US compared to the previous 26 treatments for men.
In a recent statement, the National Consumers League claimed the drug was: “the biggest breakthrough in women’s sexual health since the advent of ‘the Pill’ for contraception.”
The drug will be available from certified health care stockists and professionals by October.
