Library / PT-141
Approved medicine
PT-141
Melanocortin receptor agonist · Hormones & fertility · Bremelanotide; Vyleesi
What it is
Acts on melanocortin receptors in the brain to increase sexual desire. It works through the brain, not blood flow.
What research covers
Approved in the US in 2019 for low sexual desire (hypoactive sexual desire disorder) in premenopausal women. Use in men is off-label.
Reported side effects
- Nausea (about 4 in 10 people in trials)
- Flushing
- Headache
- A short-lived rise in blood pressure
- Darkening of skin patches with repeated use
Not suitable for, or talk to a doctor first
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Pregnancy
Legal status
| Australia | Not registered in Australia. |
|---|---|
| United States | FDA-approved (Vyleesi), prescription only. |
| Sport | Athletes should check the current WADA prohibited list, which changes every year. |
Rules change. Check with the TGA (Australia), your local regulator, or WADA for sport.
Key references
- Kingsberg et al. Bremelanotide for the treatment of hypoactive sexual desire disorder: two randomized phase 3 trials. Obstet Gynecol, 2019.
General information, not advice. Talk to a qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing or stopping anything.