Vyleesi is the trade name for bremelanotide, a well-known peptide that was first studied as a possible tanning product. It activates melanocortin receptors and has been shown to help restore a natural sexual desire in women and men for many years. Recently it was FDA-approved for premenopausal women with acquired, generalized hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD). HSDD is a common, treatable medical condition characterized by ongoing low sexual desire that women find frustrating.
The new approval of this peptide means it will become more well-known for improving sexual desire in BOTH men and women.
While men with sexual dysfunction or erectile dysfunction have had medical options, such as Viagra, for more than 20 years, women haven’t been as fortunate. Experts believe the availability of more pharmacological options, like Vyleesi, is a step in the right direction for a problem that impacts the quality of life of many women. The research and clinical studies may indicate that women’s sexual health is becoming more of a priority.
Vyleesi Is Not Female Viagra
The new medication works in a completely different way from Viagra. Viagra works on the mechanics of sex by dilating the blood vessels that provide blood flow to the penis. It is more of a sexual performance medicine, while Vyleesi is considered a sexual desire treatment.
The mechanism of action of Vyleesi involves helping to activate internal pathways in the brain involved in the body’s normal sexual responses of arousal and drive. Women who have HSDD have an imbalance of neurotransmitter (chemical messengers) activity in the brain, resulting in low sexual desire. Vyleesi is believed to act on certain neurotransmitters, called melanocortins, to help improve sexual desire.
How is Vyleesi Used?
Vyleesi is used at home as an injection into the thigh or abdomen at least 45 minutes before sexual activity. However, the best time to use it will be based patient's experiences they experience the duration of benefit and any side effects.
Vyleesi should not be used more than once within a 24 hour period. Patients should not exceed eight doses per month.
Benefits of Vyleesi
- Results. More women reported moderate or high sexual desire following Vyleesi treatment vs. placebo.
- Satisfaction. Among women who attempted sexual intercourse within 24 hours after treatment, significantly more were satisfied with their level of sexual arousal following Vyleesi, compared with placebo.
- Flexibility. Can be taken when you choose.
- Length of Effects. Vyleesi can last 12 hours and sometimes up to 3 days.
- Can be Used by Men. Male test patients reported “intense” and “frequent” erections lasting between 2-6 hours.
In women, sexual arousal has been experienced in a varied range of minutes to weeks. It has also been shown to be effective in treating sexual dysfunction in women. Additionally, it does not act upon the vascular system and there is no alcohol consumption restriction.
Side Effects of Vyleesi
Nausea is the most common side effect of Vyleesi, though a cup of coffee right before the injection has been shown to lessen the nausea.
The good news is Vyleesi doesn’t have to be taken daily, so women can decide if the nausea is worth it. Other common side effects include injection site reaction, flushing, fatigue, headache, vomiting, dizziness, cough, and nasal congestion.
Contraindications: Vyleesi can also cause a temporary increase in blood pressure. Because of this, women with heart disease or uncontrolled high blood pressure shouldn’t take the medicine.
Learn more about Vyleesi by contacting TransformYou today!