FDA Approval of Flibanserin — Treating Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder

Other > flibanserin


Patients with an activity score of 1 to 1.5 who are intermediate metabolizers should achieve a 50% dosage reduction.

  • Flibanserin's development was rooted in attempts to find antidepressants with sexual side effects.
  • It was repurposed as a treatment for female sexual desire disorder.
  • The medication is available by prescription only.
  • It belongs to the class of serotonergic drugs affecting brain chemistry.
  • Women with liver disease should avoid taking flibanserin.
  • The medication is primarily metabolized in the liver via CYP3A4.
  • Flibanserin has been the subject of debates over its cost-benefit ratio.
  • It is not approved for use in men or non-binary individuals.
  • Clinical guidelines recommend using flibanserin only after other causes of low desire are addressed.

Patients with the 2846A>T and 2846A>T genotypes can require a dose reduction of more than 50% (Amstutz et al., 2018).

Commonly used brand name(s)

Clozapine, sold under the brand name Clozaril among others, is an atypical antipsychotic medication. CYP2D6 poor metabolizers result in higher systemic concentrations and dosage reductions may be necessary (FDA, 2021; Whirl-Carrillo et al., 2012; Numata et al., 2018; Li et al., 2018). Opioids are mainly used to control acute and chronic pain. In CYP2D6 poor metabolizers (i.e., activity score of 0), current evidence supports the avoidance of codeine and tramadol and the use of an alternative analgesic due to the likelihood of suboptimal or lack of effect (Crews et al., 2021). Codeine is contraindicated in children under 12 years of age.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take this drug?

CYP2D6 ultrarapid metabolizers results in higher systemic active metabolite concentrations and higher adverse reaction risk (life-threatening respiratory depression and death). Deutetrabenazine is a novel, highly selective vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) inhibitor for the treatment of chorea associated with Huntington's disease. In people with poor CYP2D6 metabolizers, the maximum daily dose of deutetrabenazine (AUSTEDO) is 36 mg (i.e., 18 mg twice daily) (Whirl-Carrillo et al., 2012). CYP2D6 poor metabolizers may result higher systemic concentrations and adverse reaction risk (QT prolongation). The super p force uk maximum recommended dosage should not exceed 36 mg (maximum single dose of 18 mg) (FDA, 2021; Dean, 2012b).

Sample Use Guides

Dronabinol is a synthetic delta-9-THC that is indicated in anorexia treatment and loss of weight in HIV patients, nausea, and cancer chemotherapy-related vomiting (O'Donnell et al., 2020). Patients with genetic variants that lead to reduced CYP2C9 function can receive a 2- to 3-times higher dronabinol dose, according to the FDA-approved prescription label for dronabinol (SYNDROS) (Whirl-Carrillo et al., 2012). CYP2C9 intermediate or poor metabolizers may result higher systemic concentrations and higher adverse reaction risk. Monitoring for ADRs is recommended (FDA, 2021; Dean and Kane, 2020). Eliglustat is a glucosylceramide synthase used to treat type 1 Gaucher disease in adults who are CYP2D6 extensive metabolizers (EMs), intermediate metabolizers (IMs), or poor metabolizers (PMs) according to an FDA-approved examination. DPYD intermediate or poor metabolizer leads to raising the adverse reaction risk (severe, life-threatening, or fatal toxicities).

Country Approval Status Year
United States Approved 2015
Canada Approved 2016
European Union Pending/Under review N/A
Australia Not approved N/A

No dosage has proven safe in poor metabolizers and there is insufficient evidence to make a dosage recommendation in intermediate metabolizers.

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If you experience early-onset or unusually high toxicity, stop taking it (FDA, 2021; Matsusaka and Lenz, 2015).

Further information

Celecoxib as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) is indicated for symptomatic treatment of adult osteoarthritis (OA) and adult rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (Fort, 1999). For CYP2C9 weak metabolizers, the CPIC Dosing Guideline for celecoxib, flurbiprofen, ibuprofen, and lornoxicam recommends beginning therapy with 25–50% of the lowest recommended starting dose, and starting therapy with the lowest recommended starting dose for CYP2C9 moderate metabolizers with an activity score of 1 (Theken et al., 2020; Gong et al., 2012). Citalopram (Celexa) is used for the treatment of depression. Celexa may be used alone or with other medications. For CYP2C19 ultrarapid metabolizers, the CPIC Guideline for the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors citalopram and escitalopram suggests an alternative medication that is not primarily metabolized by CYP2C19.

Brand Names

Consider a 50% reduction in the prescribed starting dose and titrate to response for CYP2C19 poor metabolizers, or choose an alternative medication that is not primarily metabolized by CYP2C19 (Hicks et al., 2015; Amitai et al., 2016). The initial dose of clobazam (ONFI) should be 5 mg/day in patients who are considered to be CYP2C19 poor metabolizers, according to the FDA drug label, and dose titration should be done slowly according to weight. In CYP2C19 poor metabolizers, higher systemic active metabolite concentrations were seen and poor metabolism results in higher adverse reaction risk (Contin et al., 2002; Whirl-Carrillo et al., 2012; Dean, 2019a). Clopidogrel, also known as Plavix, is an antiplatelet drug used to lower the risk of heart failure and stroke in people who are at high risk. An alternative antiplatelet therapy (e.g., prasugrel, ticagrelor) for CYP2C19 poor or intermediate metabolizers if there is no contraindication is recommended by CPIC (Scott et al., 2013).

Related treatment guides

According to DPWG, patients that are CYP2C19 poor metabolizers who are undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention, stroke, or TIA should not take clopidogrel. Choose an alternative medicine or double the dose to 150 mg/day for CYP2C19 intermediate metabolizers who are undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention, stroke, or TIA (600 mg loading dose). Patients that are CYP2C19 ultra-rapid metabolizers do not need to take any action (Swen et al., 2011; Whirl-Carrillo et al., 2012). In CYP2C9 intermediate or poor metabolizers lower systemic active metabolite concentrations, a lower antiplatelet response were seen that may result in higher cardiovascular risk. Consider use of another platelet P2Y12 inhibitor (FDA, 2021; Pereira et al., 2019). Gefitinib (IRESSA) is recommended for the first treatment of patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with exon 19 deletions or exon 21 (L858R) replacement mutations of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) according to the FDA-approved drug label.

  • The pharmacology of flibanserin demonstrates a complex serotonin-dopamine interplay.
  • The medication is not a substitute for addressing relationship or psychological factors.
  • It is essential to evaluate contraindications before prescribing flibanserin.
  • The drug's societal impact includes increased awareness of female sexual health.
  • Use during pregnancy is contraindicated due to unknown risks.
  • Flibanserin requires healthcare provider supervision due to its safety profile.
  • Its effectiveness varies, necessitating personalized treatment approaches.
  • Ongoing studies seek to expand understanding of its benefits and risks.
  • The medication represents a milestone in female sexual medicine advancements.

The label also mentions the relevance of understanding the CYP2D6 phenotype in clinical practice, though CYP2D6 testing is not listed (Whirl-Carrillo et al., 2012).

IMPORTANT WARNING:

It is recommended as an alternative drug in patients who are CYP2D6 ultrarapid metabolizers. An alternative drug is recommended for CYP2D6 poor metabolizer in combination with CYP3A inhibitors and strong inducers. The guideline is provided recommendations for co-medication with CYP2D6 and/or CYP3A inhibitors and CYP3A inducers (Whirl-Carrillo et al., 2012). Systemic concentrations, effectiveness, and adverse reaction risk (QT prolongation) are altered in patients with CYP2D6 ultrarapid, normal, intermediate, or poor metabolizers. It may not achieve adequate concentrations to achieve a therapeutic effect in ultrarapid metabolizers.

Dosage Forms & Strengths

The recommended dosages are based on CYP2D6 metabolizer status. In intermediate and weak CYP2D6 metabolizers, coadministration with strong CYP3A inhibitors is not recommended (FDA, 2021; Balwani et al., 2016). Erdafitinib is an inhibitor of fibroblast growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase used to locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma treatment. The FDA-approved label introduces erdafitinib (BALVERSA) as a kinase inhibitor that is used for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma with susceptible FGFR3 or FGFR2 genetic alterations. It is predicted that plasma concentrations may be higher in patients with the CYP2C9*3/*3 genotype and patients who are known or suspected to have CYP2C9*3/*3 genotypes are better to follow for increased adverse reactions (Whirl-Carrillo et al., 2012; Hattinger et al., 2020).

Concomitant Strong or Moderate CYP3A4 Inhibitor Use

Higher sex for man tablet systemic concentrations and a higher risk of adverse reactions can result from CYP2C9 *3/*3 (poor metabolizers). Monitoring for ADRs is recommended (FDA, 2021). Flibanserin is used in the treatment of selected premenopausal women with acquired, generalized hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) as a 5-HT receptor modulator. According to the FDA-approved drug label for flibanserin (ADDYI), patients with poor metabolizers of CYP2C19 had increased exposure to the drug as compared to extensive metabolizers. Syncope was observed in one patient with a poor metabolizer (Whirl-Carrillo et al., 2012). CYP2D6 poor metabolizer is led to higher systemic concentrations and higher adverse reaction risk. Monitoring the adverse reactions is recommended (FDA, 2021; Hirose et al., 2016).

i am no longer interested in masturbating

The FDA label also has some recommendations for the influence of CYP2D6 and CYP2C9 on flibanserin exposure. CYP2C19 poor metabolizers may result higher systemic concentrations and higher adverse reaction risk. Monitor patients for adverse reactions (FDA, 2021; Dean, 2019b). Flurbiprofen is used for the treatment of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) signs and symptoms as a prescription NSAID. In the CPIC Dosing Guideline for celecoxib, flurbiprofen, ibuprofen, and lornoxicam, initiating therapy with the lowest and 25–50% of the lowest recommended starting dose are recommended for CYP2C9 intermediate and poor metabolizers, respectively (Theken et al., 2020).

Pediatric Precautions

CYP2C9 poor metabolizers result in higher systemic concentrations. Use of reduced dosage is recommended (FDA, 2021; Dean, 2019c). Fluorouracil is a pyrimidine derivative that is used to treat basal cell carcinomas and as a palliative cancer drug injection. For patients who are DPYD poor metabolizers with an activity score of 0, the CPIC Dosing Guideline for 5-fluorouracil and capecitabine suggests an alternative choice. If an alternative treatment is not considered a viable therapeutic choice for those who are slow metabolizers with an activity score of 0.5, 5-fluorouracil or capecitabine should be prescribed at a greatly reduced dosage with early therapeutic drug control. Iloperidone is an atypical antipsychotic drug used for acute treatment of adults with schizophrenia (Buckley et al., 2010).

Issue Description
Efficacy Debate Some experts question the clinical significance of benefits
Side Effect Concerns Risks of hypotension, syncope, and severe allergic reactions
Marketing & Approval Controversies Criticism over FDA approval process and marketing practices
Post-Marketing Surveillance Ongoing monitoring for rare adverse events

According to the FDA-approved medication label for iloperidone (FANAPT), CYP2D6 poor metabolizers are exposed to more iloperidone than extensive metabolizers, and their dosage should be cut in half (Whirl-Carrillo et al., 2012).

Property Description Status
Approved Uses Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) in women Yes
Mechanism of Action Serotonin receptor modulator Partial agonist & antagonist
FDA Approval Year 2015
Common Brand Name Addyi

CYP2D6 poor metabolizers lead to higher systemic concentrations and higher adverse reaction risk (QT prolongation).