Jeffrey Panko NP Psychiatry · Patient education
Bremelanotide
Vyleesi / Single-dose subcutaneous autoinjector
A guide for adults taking bremelanotide.
Follow the directions on your prescription and your provider's recommendations.
Formulations: A single-use autoinjector delivers a dose under the skin of the abdomen or thigh. It is used as needed rather than every day.
What it is used for
Bremelanotide treats acquired, generalized hypoactive sexual desire disorder in premenopausal women when low desire causes distress and is not explained by another condition, medication, or relationship issue. It is not approved to enhance sexual performance or for men or postmenopausal women.
How it works
It activates melanocortin receptors involved in sexual-response pathways. This differs from medicines that act mainly on genital blood flow.
What to expect over time
The response varies between doses and people. Review improvement in desire and related distress, along with nausea and other side effects, rather than expecting a guaranteed response each time.
Taking your medication
- Use at least 45 minutes before anticipated sexual activity, following the injection instructions.
- Do not use more than one dose in 24 hours or more than eight doses in a month.
- Rotate injection sites and place used devices in a sharps container.
- There is no catch-up dose. Stop and review treatment if symptoms have not improved after eight weeks.
When to get help
Emergency symptoms. Get emergency care for chest pain, stroke symptoms, fainting, or a severe allergic reaction.
Prompt medical advice. Report severe or persistent vomiting, new areas of darker skin, or symptoms suggesting markedly high blood pressure.
If you feel unsafe or have thoughts of self-harm, call 911 or go to an emergency department.
Possible side effects
- Nausea or vomiting
- Flushing, headache, or injection-site irritation
- Temporary increase in blood pressure
- Darkening of areas of skin or gums, which may persist
Keeping track of treatment
Some side effects resolve with time; others may require a change of medication. Discuss persistent or bothersome side effects with your provider.
Have blood pressure checked before treatment and periodically. Record dose dates to avoid exceeding the monthly limit. Report new skin darkening or persistent nausea.
If you take too much
For a suspected overdose, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 immediately, even if you feel well. Call 911 for a seizure, collapse, trouble breathing, or inability to wake.
Before you start
Do not use with uncontrolled high blood pressure or known cardiovascular disease. Discuss kidney or liver impairment. Stop if pregnancy is suspected; discuss effective contraception and breastfeeding with your provider.
Medicines and interactions
Review all your medications with your provider, including over-the-counter medicines and supplements. Have new medications checked before taking them.
It slows stomach emptying and may reduce absorption of some oral medicines. Avoid use with oral naltrexone used for alcohol or opioid addiction because its effect may be reduced.
Review time-sensitive oral medicines and any medication whose effectiveness depends on reliable absorption.
Everyday tips
Plan enough time for the dose and possible nausea.
Keep a record of benefit and side effects to guide the eight-week review.
Your questions answered
Does it treat every cause of low desire?
No. Medication effects, pain, depression, relationship concerns, and other medical causes need their own assessment.
Can I take a second dose if the first does not help?
Not within 24 hours. Extra doses increase risk without an established added benefit.
Storage and safety
Follow the autoinjector’s labeled storage instructions, protect it from light, and keep it away from children. Do not reuse or share a device.
Sources
About this information
Educational handout; does not replace your prescription or provider's recommendations.
Educational inclusion does not mean this medication or its indications are treated at this practice. Review the guide for your exact product with your prescriber or pharmacist.