A controversial drug is set to hit the market soon.
Some are calling it 'Female Viagra,' but a doctor who spoke with WQAD says that's misleading.
"The drug doesn't resemble Viagra at all," said Dr. Veronika Kolder, Medical Director for the University of Iowa's Menopause and Sexual Health Clinic in the Department of OB/GYN.
While Viagra treats a physical problem in men, Dr. Kolder says the little pink pill known as flibanserin - marketed as Addyi - is designed to treat the brain.
"It works through neurotransmitters - serotonin, dopamine receptors - and exactly how it improves sexual function in women is not completely understood," she explained. "It's also used on a daily basis. You take it at a set time every day as opposed to something that you would use on demand, for example, for erectile problems in a man."
Addyi is a pill that's first of its kind to treating low libido, or Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD), in women. It's been reported that 1 in 10 women suffer from HSDD, yet some doctors say it's a taboo topic.
"It actually is a controversial area from the standpoint of the diagnosis itself," said Dr. Kolder. "There are a number of FDA-approved options for the treatment of various sexual dysfunctions available for men, but much fewer for women."
There is still some question surrounding the effectiveness and safety of Addyi. Before it was approved on Tuesday, August 18th by the FDA, it was rejected twice amid concerns over side effects like low blood pressure, dizziness, nausea, fainting, and sleepiness. Dr. Kolder says the pill is not going to be for everyone, but it may be an option for some.
"The FDA and Sprout Pharmaceuticals (the maker of Addyi) are developing what's called a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) to help ensure that the drug is used by those patients that are the most likely to be helped and that it's used safely," she said.
A representative from Sprout Pharmaceuticals says it will be available October 17th. With insurance, it will cost $30-$75 out of pocket per month, about the same as a typical month's supply of Viagra.