is vyleesi a peptide FAQ

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Vyleesi is right for you. In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following. Risk Factors for Heart Disease. Vyleesi is not recommended for people at high risk for heart disease. Examples of risk factors include smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity. Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any family history of heart or blood vessel disease. Your health care provider can help decide if Vyleesi is safe for you. Other Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

Vyleesi may work by activating specific receptors in your brain, including those that affect mood and sexual desire.

Do not use Vyleesi unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed. Do not use more than one dose within 24 hours or more than 8 doses within one month. Do not share Vyleesi with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them. Keep Vyleesi out of the reach of children. Vyleesi is injected under the skin (subcutaneously). Read and follow the instructions that come with the medicine and make sure that you or a caregiver understands how to properly prepare, use, and throw away Vyleesi. If you have any questions, talk to your health care provider. Keep all appointments with your health care provider, including for blood pressure checks, before starting Vyleesi and during treatment. This will help your health care provider see if it is safe for you to use Vyleesi. Tell your health care provider if your symptoms do not improve after eight weeks of using Vyleesi.

Vyleesi should be stored at room temperature, up to 77 F (25 C). Avoid freezing it. Store in a cool, dry place and protect it from light.

If you or someone else has used too much Vyleesi, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

There are no known interactions between Vyleesi and foods or drinks. It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Vyleesi. The risk of certain side effects, such as dizziness, may increase if you drink alcohol while using Vyleesi.

Vyleesi is meant to be used only when needed. You should not use more than one dose in 24 hours. Use it as recommended by your health care provider. Do not use double or extra doses.

Vyleesi (bremelanotide) is commonly used to treat low sex drive (hypoactive sexual desire disorder or HSDD) in certain women before menopause. It is not for people whose low sex drive is caused by medical or mental health problems, relationship problems, or medicines or drug use. Vyleesi may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

For more information about Vyleesi, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.vyleesi.com or call them at 800-922-1038.

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Vyleesi.

The most common side effects of Vyleesi are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

While less common, the most serious side effects of Vyleesi are described below, along with what to do if they happen. Severe Allergic Reactions. Vyleesi may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Vyleesi and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

This survey is being conducted by the WebMD marketing sciences department.

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using Vyleesi.

Vyleesi requires a prescription from a health care provider. They will send the prescription directly to a specialty pharmacy. This pharmacy will work with you, your provider, and your insurance to fill the prescription. You cannot get this medicine at your local pharmacy. This medicine will be mailed to your home.

After 24 weeks, women using Vyleesi before sexual activity felt some improvement in their sexual desire and were less distressed about it, compared to people using the placebo. The table below summarizes the percentages of women who had changes in their “desire” and “distress” scores. Those using Vyleesi saw a bigger increase in the “desire” scores than those using the placebo. Also, women reported being less distressed by their low desire than those using the placebo. Changes in Desire and Distress Scores from RECONNECT

Vyleesi is an injection that you give under the skin (subcutaneously), in your thighs or stomach area (abdomen). Inject Vyleesi at least 45 minutes before sexual activity. Do not use more than one dose within 24 hours or more than 8 doses within a month. Choose a place on your stomach area (at least 2 inches away from your belly button) or the front of your thigh to give the injection. Make sure to choose a different place for each injection. Read and follow the instructions that come with the medicine. Do not use Vyleesi unless you have received training from your health care provider or pharmacist. After the injection is complete, do not cap the injector. Place the entire injector into a container that is safe for used “sharps” equipment. Do not throw the injector away in your household trash or recycling bin. Talk to your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions about safe ways to throw away (dispose) the injector.

The cost of Vyleesi can vary depending on your insurance status. Some insurance plans may cover this medicine, while some may not. Financial assistance may be available. The pharmacy will work with you and your insurance to check if there is a savings program that can lower the cost if you qualify. You can visit this website for more information.

It may take several uses of Vyleesi before you see changes in your sexual desire or the distress you feel about your low desire. You can tell that the medicine is working if you notice more interest in sex or sexual activities, or if you feel less bothered by your low desire. These changes may be small and may happen slowly over time.

Vyleesi contains the active ingredient bremelanotide. It belongs to a class of medicines called melanocortin receptor agonists. Vyleesi is thought to turn on the melanocortin receptors to balance certain chemicals, such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. These chemicals are important for normal sexual health and sexual desire. Serotonin in excess can lower the effects of dopamine and norepinephrine, leading to decreased sexual desire. Vyleesi may balance the level of serotonin in your brain, lowering the inhibition of sexual thoughts or feelings. Dopamine and norepinephrine are associated with the reward, pleasure, and excitement seen with normal sexual desire. Dopamine is associated with pleasure and reward pathways in the brain, with feelings of attraction, excitement, and motivation to initiate or respond to sexual contact. Norepinephrine is associated with excitement, energy, and focus due to sexual cues. Vyleesi may boost the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, leading to increased sexual desire. While Vyleesi helps manage the symptoms of HDSS, it does not cure the disorder.