FDA approves 'pink Viagra' for women,

The FDA has finally approved the little pink pill to help women boost their sex drive.

Flibanserin, to be sold as Addyi, finally got a green light from the US Food and Drug Administration on Tuesday. This was the third time the agency has considered approval for the drug, which is intended for women diagnosed with hypoactive sexual desire disorder, HSDD.

The drug, while often referred to as “female Viagra”, is more akin to an antidepressant as it changes brain chemistry similar to the way that dopamine and serotonin do. Viagra relaxes muscles and increases blood flow to particular areas of the male body, helping treat erectile disfunction. While the blue pill for men should be taken before engaging in sexual activity, women are to take the pink pill daily.

“Today’s approval provides women distressed by their low sexual desire with an approved treatment option,” said Janet Woodcock, M.D., director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER). “The FDA strives to protect and advance the health of women, and we are committed to supporting the development of safe and effective treatments for female sexual dysfunction.”

But the FDA cautioned that care should be taken for potential adverse reactions to the pill, including low blood pressure and loss of consciousness.

“Because of a potentially serious interaction with alcohol, treatment with Addyi will only be available through certified health care professionals and certified pharmacies,” Woodcock said. “Patients and prescribers should fully understand the risks associated with the use of Addyi before considering treatment.”