What is Flibanserin? 8 Facts About Female Viagra

The FDA advisory committee recently approved Flibanserin, a drug that will help restore a woman's sexual desire to its normal range. Listed below are some important facts to know about Flibanserin.

1. Flibanserin was approved with an advisory notice.

According to Forbes, Flibanserin was approved with the drug agency noting that it must come with an active risk evaluation and mitigation strategy or REMS.

The purpose of the added advisory label on the drug will ensure that doctors prescribe it correctly and monitor their patients for any side effects.

2. Final approval of the drug.

The FDA advisory committee will convene again on or before August 18 to make a final decision on the approval and distribution of Flibanserin, reports Forbes.

3. Flibanserin is not the same as Viagra for men.

Simply put, Viagra is a drug used by men who have physical problems related to sex. It is a sex drug for men who have erectile dysfunction, or the inability to get hard.

On the other hand, Flibanserin is a drug for women, which works on the chemical level to increase their sex drive. It does not effect a woman's physical body, reports Brit+Co.

4. How Flibanserin works.

According to Dan Savage, a sex columnist, the "Viagra" for women will affect the amount of dopamine released into the brain. Savage explains that dopamine is the "happy chemical."

Health, Science, Spirit explains that dopamine is released when aroused and during orgasms and is responsible for the feeling of pleasure during sex.

5. Who is Flibanserin really for?

According to USA Today, the new sex drug was made for premenopausal women diagnosed with hypoactive sexual desire disorder or HSDD.

Mayo Clinic explains that the sex disorder leads to a "persistent or recurrent lack of interest in sex that causes [women] personal distress."

6. Flibanserin is not meant to increase sex drive.

Forbes states that Flibanserin is not a drug that will increase sexual drive, but rather restore it to its normal range.

7. Major side-effects of Flibanserin.

The side effects of the new sex drug for women include low blood pressure and fainting. The side effects of the drug have been greatly criticized for being extremely hazardous to women's health and well-being. Hence, there is really a question of safety for women who take Flibanserin, reports USA Today.

8. Things to avoid while taking Flibanserin

Birth control pills and alcohol are prohibited while under the influence of Flibanserin, reports Brit+Co.

The New York Times explains that the risk of the drug's side effects increases when taken with alcohol and other medications, including fluconazole, which is used to treat vaginal yeast infection.