Addyi -the “PINK PILL” for women

Addyi is an FDA-approved prescription medicine used to treat hypoactive (low) sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in women who have not gone through menopause who have not had problems with low sexual desire in the past, and who have low sexual desire no matter the type of sexual activity, the situation, or the sexual partner.

Women with HSDD have low sexual desire that is troubling to them. Their low sexual desire is not due to a medical or mental health problem, problems in the relationship or medicine or other drug use. Addyi is not for use for the treatment of HSDD in women who have gone through menopause, men or children. Addyi is not for use to enhance sexual performance.

You may experience improvements in your HSDD symptoms, including an increase in sexual desire, a decrease in associated distress, and an increase in satisfying sexual events as early as 4 weeks after starting Addyi. However, it may take longer for you to notice these improvements.

Addyi should be discontinued if there is no improvement in 8 weeks. Not all women will experience similar improvements in their HSDD symptoms after starting Addyi.

Taking Addyi with certain medicines can increase the amount of Addyi in your blood, leading to clinically significant drug interactions. These interactions may cause severe low blood pressure, fainting (loss of consciousness), and sleepiness.

Before you start taking Addyi and throughout treatment, it is important to tell your doctor or pharmacist about all your medications, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Some commonly prescribed medications are contraindicated with Addyi and should be avoided.

Examples of commonly prescribed medications that you should avoid while taking Addyi include antibiotics, nefazodone (a medicine used to treat depression), and certain medicines* used to treat HIV-1 infection, fungal infections, hepatitis-C infections, high blood pressure, chest pain, or other heart problems.

*Only select medications used to treat these conditions are contraindicated with Addyi. Please refer to the Addyi Medication Guide for a more comprehensive list.

Yes, Addyi must be taken every night at bedtime to treat hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) symptoms. Addyi is not an on-demand medication.

If you miss a dose of Addyi, skip your missed dose. Take your next dose at bedtime the next day. Do not take Addyi the next morning or double your next dose.

The most common side effects are dizziness, difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, nausea, dry mouth, and tiredness. It is important to talk to a healthcare provider since these are not all of the possible side effects.

In the evening, if you consume up to 2 drinks** wait 2 hours before taking Addyi at bedtime; skip your Addyi dose if you have consumed 3 or more drinks** that evening. After you have taken your Addyi at bedtime do not drink alcohol until the following day.

** A standard alcoholic drink includes: one 12-ounce regular beer, 5 ounces of wine, 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits or shot.

Controlled substances are medications that may result in physical or mental dependence leading to addiction. Addyi is not a controlled substance. Addyi has no warnings or precautions about potential addiction.