Whenever and wherever the topic of Viagra equivalent for women is discussed, there are arguments ranging from how it doesn’t work for female to why it doesn’t required and worst case scenario is when female’s low sex desire is not considered as a health issue, on the other hand “I am a female with low sex desire” search on google will fetch you approximately 2,35,00,000 results. Further the issue was discussed a lot with respect to feminism and further the drug flibanserin (pink pill) which helps in dealing with low sexual desire in women. Flibanserin was rejected twice by ‘U S Food and Drug Administration’ since 2010 and finally yesterday Food and Drug Administration panel recommended approval of flibanserin. The question is why it took so many years for FDA’s recommendation?

Why there can’t be a Viagra Equivalent for Women?

Women’s sexual response is considered complex and many factors can influence it.

•  For many women the stresses of daily life can be the reason for their low   sex drive
• Major life changes, such as pregnancy or menopause have impact on women’s sexual desire
• For some women, orgasm can be elusive and their preoccupations lead to a loss of interest in sex.
• Over the time, psychological troubles can contribute to biological problems and vice versa.
• Some chronic conditions, such as diabetes or multiple sclerosis, can alter a woman’s sexual-response cycle.
• Viagra treats man with erectile dysfunction by simply increasing blood flow to penis, for women a mechanism which targets just physical aspect may not work

Why FDA recommended approval for Flibanserin?

After emotional testimony of a women who suffer from low sexual desire a condition called Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder, the majority of committee members said that, with proper warning labels and education, the drug should be made available to women who now have nothing.

Sprout Pharmaceuticals presenter said, More than half the women diagnosed with low sexual desire have turned in desperation to unproven, unregulated and potentially unsafe treatments they read about on the Internet or in magazines, which could pose health risks.

How will Flibanserin work?

As per Sprout Pharmaceuticals which makes flibanserin and will put it in market under the brand name “Addyi” works on a woman’s brain. It will target key neurotransmitters or chemicals that affect sexual desire. As Addyi will correct an imbalance of levels of these neurotransmitters by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine which are responsible for sexual excitement and decreasing serotonin which is responsible for sexual inhibition.

Controversies surrounded Flibanserin even after FDA approval

• The Common side effects of Flibanserin are dizziness, nausea, fainting and sleepiness.
• The FDA officials are concern that it can interact with other drugs like hormonal birth control pill.
• Consequences can be worst if the drug is used with alcohol or it is used by pregnant woman.

Sources:

http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/sexual-health/expert-answers/viagra-for-women/faq-20057960

http://news.nationalpost.com/news/789633

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/294903.php