A Libido Enhancing Drug Pill Approved Dubbed “Female Viagra” For Women

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a libido-enhancing drug for women dubbed the “female Viagra”.
Flibanserin, a drug produced by Sprout Pharmaceuticals, recently passed an FDA advisory committee meeting.

The drug, marketed as Addyi, has been criticised as having marginal benefits.

BBC News reports that unlike Viagra, which affects blood flow to the genitals, Addyi is designed to assist women regain their sex drive by boosting levels of brain chemicals.

Women taking the drug reported between half and one more sexually satisfying event a month – results experts admitted were “modest”.

Versions of the pill have been submitted for approval in the past but never passed.

It was rejected by the FDA twice for lack of effectiveness and side effects like nausea, dizziness and fainting.

But an FDA advisory meeting on 4 June concluded by 18 votes to six that it should be approved.

The FDA said strict measures would be put in place to ensure patients were aware of the risks, including a warning not to drink alcohol with the drug.

It will be made available through certified health care professionals and pharmacies from October.