Addyi (flibanserin)

HSDD Agents-Mixed Serotonin Agonist/Antagonists Oral Tablet

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Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data

Overview

Flibanserin is a serotonin type 1A (5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT1A)) receptor agonist and serotonin type 2A (5-HT2A) receptor antagonist.

Flibanserin is a serotonin type 1A (5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT1A)) receptor agonist and 5-HT2A receptor antagonist. The drug also is a moderate antagonist at 5-HT2B, 5-HT2C, and dopamine D4 receptors. The precise mechanism of action of flibanserin in the treatment of hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women is not fully understood, but is thought to be related to enhancement of dopaminergic and noradrenergic activity and reduction of serotonergic activity in the prefrontal cortex.

Generally, dopamine and norepinephrine are thought to be excitatory and serotonin inhibitory to sexual desire and arousal. It has been suggested that flibanserin-induced activation of inhibitory 5-HT1A receptors and inhibition of excitatory 5-HT2A receptors may synergistically inhibit glutamate release from pyramidal neurons in the prefrontal cortex, resulting in decreased serotonin release and increased dopamine and norepinephrine concentrations in certain areas of the prefrontal cortex. Those prefrontal brain areas are consistent with the same sites of abnormal neuroimaging described in patients with reduced sexual interest and desire.

Following oral administration of a single 100-mg dose of flibanserin in healthy premenopausal women, peak plasma concentrations of the drug usually are attained within approximately 45 minutes (range: 0.75-4 hours). Flibanserin undergoes extensive first-pass metabolism and has an absolute oral bioavailability of 33%. The drug exhibits dose-proportional pharmacokinetics following administration of single oral doses over the dosage range of 100-250 mg.

Steady-state concentrations are achieved after 3 days of dosing; exposure with once-daily dosing of flibanserin was 1.4-fold higher compared with single-dose administration. Peak plasma concentrations and exposure of flibanserin are increased and time to peak plasma concentrations is delayed when the drug is taken with food. The drug is approximately 98% bound to plasma proteins, mainly to albumin.

Flibanserin is extensively metabolized, principally by cytochrome P-450 (CYP) isoenzyme 3A4 and to a lesser extent by CYP2C19, to at least 35 metabolites, which mostly are present in low plasma concentrations; 2 of these metabolites appear in substantial concentrations in plasma and are pharmacologically inactive. CYP isoenzymes 1A2, 2B6, 2C8, 2C9, and 2D6 appear to contribute minimally (i.e., less than 10%) to the drug's metabolism. Following administration of a single, radiolabeled dose of flibanserin, 44 and 51% of administered radioactivity was recovered in the urine and feces, respectively.

The mean terminal half-life of flibanserin is approximately 11 hours.

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.

Generic name: flibanserin
Pronunciation: (flib-AN-ser-in)
Drug class: HSDD Agents-Mixed Serotonin Agonist/Antagonists
Therapeutic class: Central Nervous System Agents

Reference product & biosimilars

No reference, biosimilar or interchangeable associated with this drug.

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Indications

The following indications are listed for Addyi:

  • Premenopausal Acquired Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder

Also known as: Lack Of Sexual Desire In Premenopausal Woman, Low Sexual Desire In Premenopausal Woman, Premenopausal Acquired Hsdd.

Dosing

No dosing information is available for this tab.

Drug interactions

Flibanserin is metabolized principally by cytochrome P-450 (CYP) isoenzyme 3A4 and, to a lesser extent, by CYP2C19. In addition, CYP isoenzymes 1A2, 2B6, 2C8, 2C9, and 2D6 contribute minimally (less than 10%) to the metabolism of flibanserin.

Flibanserin inhibits P-glycoprotein (P-gp).

Contraindications

Concomitant use of moderate or potent cytochrome P-450 (CYP) 3A4 inhibitors. (See Hypotension and Syncope with CYP3A4 Inhibitors under Warnings/Precautions: Warnings, in Cautions and also see Drug Interactions: Drugs Affecting Hepatic Microsomal Enzymes.)

Hepatic impairment. (See Hypotension and Syncope in Patients with Hepatic Impairment under Warnings/Precautions: Warnings, in Cautions.)

Adverse reactions

Adverse effects reported in at least 2% of patients receiving flibanserin and at an higher incidence than reported with placebo in controlled studies include dizziness, somnolence, nausea, fatigue, insomnia, and dry mouth; most of these adverse effects began within the first 14 days of treatment.

Precautions

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ICD codes

CodeTypeDescription
Premenopausal acquired hypoactive sexual desire disorder
F52.0ICD10CMHypoactive sexual desire disorder

ICD code information from First Databank (FDB).

Formulary status

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Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data