Drug
Flibanserin
Pronounced
"flib-AN-ser-in"
Uses
This medication is used to treat women who have not gone through menopause who have low sexual desire and are concerned about it.
Flibanserin should not be used to treat low sexual desire caused by: a medical or mental/mood disorder, problems in the relationship, or the effects of other drugs. This medication should not be used by women who have gone through menopause, or by men. Flibanserin is not used to enhance sexual performance.
Warning
Drinking alcohol close to the time that you take flibanserin can increase the risk of severe low blood pressure and fainting. If you drink one or two alcoholic drinks in the evening, you must wait at least 2 hours before taking flibanserin at bedtime. After taking flibanserin at bedtime, do not drink any alcohol until the next day. If you drink 3 or more alcoholic drinks in the evening, then you should skip your dose of flibanserin that night. Examples of an alcoholic drink could be a 12-ounce can of beer, a 5-ounce glass of wine, or a 1.5 ounce shot of distilled spirits. Consult your doctor and pharmacist for more details and to discuss the risks and benefits of using flibanserin.
Do not take flibanserin if you have liver problems or if you take certain medications that may interact with flibanserin because your risk for severe low blood pressure or fainting will increase. See the Drug Interactions section. Before using flibanserin, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you have liver problems and about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Also, before you start using any new product, ask your doctor and pharmacist if it could interact with flibanserin.
How to Use This Medication
Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking flibanserin and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually once daily at bedtime. Take flibanserin only at bedtime to reduce your risk of low blood pressure, fainting, and drowsiness while you are awake. After taking flibanserin, do not drink any alcohol until the next day. See also Warning section.
Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while using this medication unless your doctor or pharmacist says you may do so safely. Grapefruit can increase the chance of side effects with this medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better after 8 weeks of treatment.