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Addyi, the first prescription drug to boost sexual desire in women, was approved by the Federal health officials. Only doctors and pharmacists who watch an online slide presentation and clear a test of their understanding can prescribe or dispense the pill.

FDA approval - Milestone

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the pill that was developed to enhance sex drive in women and was a definite milestone as it was sought for a long time by the Pharma industry.

Yesterday’s FDA approval marked an unusual turnaround for the agency as it earlier rejected the drug twice because of lacklustre benefits and worrisome side effects. The drug is actually the first one to be approved to treat a flagging or absent libido for both the sex.

The National Consumers League executive director Sally Greenberg said, “This is the biggest breakthrough for women’s sexual health since the pill.”

A senior F.D.A. official, Dr. Janet Woodcock, said the agency was “committed to supporting the development of safe and effective treatments for female sexual dysfunction.”

Addyi may not reach sales of men’s impotence drugs

The daily pill, Addyi, has safety restrictions. This means it may never reach the sales of the men’s impotence drugs like Viagra. The blockbuster sales of men’s impotence drugs have generated billions of dollars.

Safety restrictions included in the new drug’s label is a bold warning that can cause dangerously low blood pressure and fainting if consumed in combination with alcohol. Such problems are also associated if Addyi is taken along with certain common medications likes drugs used against yeast infections. If women find no effect after eight weeks, they are asked to stop using the drug.

-Sumana