Bremelanotide: what it is and how it works for sexual desire
Bremelanotide is an injectable medication for low sexual desire in women. Here's how it works, who it's for, and what to expect.
Bremelanotide is an injectable medication prescribed to treat hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in women before menopause.
How bremelanotide works
Bremelanotide works by activating melanocortin receptors in the brain that regulate sexual desire. It's a peptide medication, meaning it's made of amino acids, and it's administered as a subcutaneous injection (under the skin) in the abdomen or thigh.
Who it's prescribed for
Bremelanotide is approved for premenopausal women with HSDD, a condition where persistent low sexual desire causes distress. It's not approved for men, and it's not effective for women past menopause.
Key practical points
You inject bremelanotide about 45 minutes before sexual activity. It's not a daily medication. The dose is 0.72 mg per injection.
Common side effects include nausea, flushing, headache, and darkening of the skin at the injection site. Some women experience changes in blood pressure or heart rate.
Bremelanotide is brand name Vyleesi. It's a prescription-only medication and carries a black box warning related to blood pressure monitoring requirements.
Getting bremelanotide through telehealth
Some telehealth providers can prescribe bremelanotide, though availability varies. The as-needed nature of dosing makes it suitable for remote evaluation, though blood pressure screening is required before starting treatment.