Transform Your Practice with The Little Pink PillTransform Your Practice with The Little Pink Pill
Sponsored by Sprout Pharmaceuticals
With the newly launched medspa direct buy model for Addyi® (flibanserin) from Sprout Pharmaceuticals (Raleigh, N.C.), we talked to current prescribers to learn more about the first and only FDA-approved pill for the management of hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women.
September 9, 2024

Sponsored by Sprout Pharma
Sponsored by Sprout Pharmaceuticals
With the newly launched medspa direct buy model for Addyi® (flibanserin) from Sprout Pharmaceuticals (Raleigh, N.C.), we talked to current prescribers to learn more about the first and
only FDA-approved pill for the management of hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women. We discussed what the pink pill is, how it works, and who might benefit from it in your practice.
HSDD, or a frustrating low libido, affects between 10% to 30% of women and causes personal and relationship distress. In clinical trials, Addyi demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in desire for sex and reduction in distress and an increased number of satisfying sexual events.
Addyi is a non-hormonal pill making it an option for a wider range of patients. “We often talk about the ‘biopsychosocial model’ of libido,” explained boardcertified Obstetrician-Gynecologist (Ob/Gyn) Alicia Robbins, MD, founder of The Elm in Greenwich, Conn. “However, we do not often address the ‘bio’ part of this equation, which is the fact that the arousal center of a woman’s brain is affected by hormones and neurotransmitters. Addyi works by correcting an imbalance of the neurotransmitters, dopamine and norepinephrine.”
Dr. Robbins clarified that while stress can interfere with libido, providers should also check for other issues such as relationship troubles or physical conditions.
“I have been using Addyi in my practice since it was first approved in 2015,” reported Somi Javaid, MD, founder of HerMD in Cincinnati, Ohio. “The issue is that until Addyi came along there was not an FDA-approved treatment option, and I feel that HSDD is underreported. We screen all of our patients with the Decreased Sexual Desire Screener (DSDS) and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI).
This allows us to objectively score all the domains of sexuality so we can identify the issue and find appropriate treatment options, including Addyi.”
According to Dr. Javaid, the exact mechanism for how Addyi increases sexual desire is not officially known. “We believe it increases dopamine and norepinephrine and transiently decreases serotonin,” she explained. “Simply put, it increases the excitatory signals in the brain and decreases the inhibitory signals in the brain.”
“We practice integrative functional medicine and see a lot of women for everything from premenstrual dysphoric disorder, menopausal symptoms and general wellness, and sexual health is so important in wellbeing,” reported Bhavna Vaidya, MD, owner of Regenesis MD (Clayton, N.C.). “Addyi, along with so many other modalities such as hormone replacement therapy, platelet-rich plasma (O- and P-shots), shockwave treatments and certain lasers are such incredible ways to enhance sexual health and wellness.”
Dr. Vaidya explained that low libido is a common sexual female complaint and Addyi is an asset to her patients. “The fact that we ask our patients about their sexual health and that we prescribe Addyi sets us apart,” she commented. “A side effect of Addyi is better sleep, which I think improves overall wellbeing, decreases stress hormones and improves health. Our patients primarily find us by word of mouth and when someone is happy, they will tell all their friends.”