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Female Viagra Not All That
Flibanserin, a new drug from the Germany-based pharmaceutical company Boehringer Ingelheim, claims to be the female Viagra. Intended to help women who suffer from hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), it is supposed to usher in “the beginning of an era” for women with low sex drive. Touted as an effective and safe drug that offers a “unique and historic opportunity for women in the U.S.,” it has been the subject of much excited discussion of late.
Unfortunately, a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) review of the data detailing the drug’s safety and effectiveness may put a damper on all that excitement.
In a report released yesterday, the FDA announced that the evidence that the drug actually works is “not compelling” and that, at most, the drug resulted in only “slight improvements” in sex drive. What’s more, it was deemed only “moderately tolerable” with those taking it reporting depression, fainting, fatigue and other problems.
Peter Piliero, executive director of U.S. medical affairs for Boehringer Ingelheim is undaunted by the report.
“We remain confident that our data demonstrates Flibanserin is safe and effective in balancing the chemicals in the brain linked to sexual desire. We have conducted a robust program showing that Flibanserin shows improvement increasing satisfying sexual events, in improving sexual desire and lowering distress.”
On Friday, the FDA will vote on the effectiveness and safety of the new drug and ultimately decide whether or not it will become available in the United States. Currently, it’s not available anywhere in the world and there is no other similar drug on the market.
With Flibanserin being the only option out there, will women who suffer from HSDD line up for prescriptions if it gets FDA approval? Even if it offers only a small hope of increasing sexual desire and putting the heat back in their relationships? I suspect they will be willing to give a go. What about you?
Image: helgasms!/Flickr
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0 Comments
[...] Female Viagra Not All That [...]
10 Great Grownup Books for Kids | Strollerderby commented on Jun 17 10 at 6:01 pmedgar mevers commented on Jun 17 10 at 1:45 pmDang. I guess I should have known “German Fly” lacked the requisite cachet before I erected my hopes. Looks like the Mrs. and I will still have to rely on eye contact, genuine attention, and meaningful relationship-building after all, with the pharmaceutical industry disappointing us YET AGAIN.
bob commented on Jun 17 10 at 2:05 pmAsk your doctor about Flibanserin (if you can say it without embarrassing yourself).
Courtney commented on Jun 17 10 at 2:41 pmHey, female sexual dysfunction and depressed sex drive are real problems. During times when I’ve had problems with my sex life that seemed to have physical cause, I have tried talking to doctors about it, only to have them be dismissive, embarrassed, and completely unhelpful. Anything that makes people pay attention when women ask for help is good in my book.
Amy commented on Jun 17 10 at 5:08 pmWhy is it that when men have a sexual dysfunction it is treated as an illness and “oh that poor man,” etc. etc. . .and when women have one they just need more attention? HELLO! It is real and Courtney, I agree with you. Anything to open the discussion!
Lindsay commented on Jun 17 10 at 10:42 pmI agree that more attention should be paid to female sexual dysfunction. Just like some of these women who commented before me, I had many sexual problems only to be completely dismissed by my FEMALE doctor. If I were a man, my doctor would have discussed my options for various treatments. Pssfh.
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