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Flibanserin (Monograph)

Brand name: Addyi
Drug class: Central Nervous System Agents, Miscellaneous
Chemical name: 1,3-Dihydro-1-[2-[4-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1-piperazinyl]ethyl]-2H-benzimidazol-2-one
Molecular formula: C20H21F3N4O
CAS number: 167933-07-5

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Oct 16, 2023. Written by ASHP.

Warning

    Hypotension and Syncope with Alcohol
  • Use of alcohol concomitantly or close together in time (i.e., within 2 hours) with flibanserin increases the risk of severe hypotension and syncope.

  • Patients should wait at least 2 hours before taking the dose of flibanserin if 1–2 standard alcoholic drinks were consumed or skip the dose of flibanserin if ≥3 standard alcoholic drinks were consumed during the evening. (See Hypotension and Syncope with Alcohol under Cautions.)

    Hypotension and Syncope with CYP3A4 Inhibitors
  • Concomitant use of flibanserin and moderate or potent CYP3A4 inhibitors is contraindicated because of substantially increased flibanserin exposure and risk of severe hypotension and syncope. (See Hypotension and Syncope with CYP3A4 Inhibitors under Cautions and also see Interactions.)

    Hypotension and Syncope in Patients with Hepatic Impairment
  • Flibanserin is contraindicated in patients with hepatic impairment because of substantially increased flibanserin exposure and risk of severe hypotension and syncope. (See Absorption: Special Populations, under Pharmacokinetics.)

Introduction

5-HT1A receptor agonist and 5-HT2A receptor antagonist.

Uses for Flibanserin

Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD)

Used in premenopausal women for treatment of acquired, generalized HSDD, which is characterized by low sexual desire that causes marked distress or interpersonal difficulty and is not due to a coexisting medical or psychiatric condition, problems within the relationship, or the effects of medication or other drug substances.

HSDD may be categorized as acquired if the sexual dysfunction develops only after a period of normal functioning and as generalized if it is not limited to certain types of stimulation, situations, or partners.

Treatment of HSDD may include psychosocial (e.g., psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy, sex therapy, or couples therapy) and pharmacologic approaches (including bremelanotide and flibanserin).

In 3 randomized, controlled trials and an extension trial conducted in premenopausal women with HSDD, flibanserin was associated with an increased number of satisfying sexual events (SSEs), improved sexual desire, and decreased sexual distress.

Manufacturer states not indicated for treatment of HSDD in postmenopausal women [off-label] or in men [off-label].

Manufacturer also states not indicated to enhance sexual performance [off-label].

Flibanserin Dosage and Administration

General

Administration

Oral Administration

Once daily at bedtime without regard to meals. Because taking flibanserin during waking hours increases the risk of hypotension, syncope, accidental injury, and CNS depression, do not administer at any other time of the day. (See CNS Depressant Effects under Cautions.)

Dosage

Adults

HSDD
Oral

100 mg once daily at bedtime.

Discontinue if HSDD symptoms are not improved after 8 weeks of therapy.

Special Populations

Hepatic Impairment

Contraindicated in patients with hepatic impairment. (See Hypotension and Syncope in Patients with Hepatic Impairment under Cautions.)

Renal Impairment

Manufacturer provides no specific dosage recommendations at this time. Dosage adjustments unlikely to be necessary because of only slight increases in exposure in patients with mild to severe renal impairment. (See Absorption: Special Populations, under Pharmacokinetics.)

Cautions for Flibanserin

Contraindications

Warnings/Precautions

Warnings

Hypotension and Syncope with Alcohol

Use of alcohol concomitantly or close together in time (i.e., within 2 hours) with flibanserin increases the risk of severe hypotension and syncope. Syncope requiring therapeutic intervention (e.g., ammonia salts and/or placement in supine or Trendelenburg position), hypotension, and somnolence occurred at a higher incidence when flibanserin was administered with alcohol during an alcohol interaction study.

Following consumption of 1–2 standard alcoholic drinks, allow at least 2 hours to elapse before administration of the flibanserin dose. If ≥3 standard alcoholic drinks were consumed during the evening, skip the bedtime flibanserin dose.

One standard alcoholic drink contains 14 grams of pure alcohol and is equivalent to:

After a dose of flibanserin is administered at bedtime, do not consume alcohol until the following day. (See Specific Drugs and Foods under Interactions and also see Advice to Patients.)

Hypotension and Syncope with CYP3A4 Inhibitors

Moderate or potent CYP3A4 inhibitors substantially increase flibanserin exposure and the risk of hypotension and syncope; therefore, concomitant use of flibanserin and moderate or potent CYP3A4 inhibitors is contraindicated.

If treatment with a moderate or potent CYP3A4 inhibitor is required, discontinue flibanserin at least 2 days prior to initiation of therapy. If the benefit of initiating therapy with a moderate or potent CYP3A4 inhibitor within 2 days of flibanserin discontinuance clearly outweighs the risk of hypotension and syncope, monitor patient for signs of hypotension and syncope. Allow at least 2 weeks to elapse between discontinuance of the CYP3A4 inhibitor and reinitiation of flibanserin therapy.

Concomitant use of flibanserin with multiple weak CYP3A4 inhibitors, including dietary or herbal supplements (e.g., ginkgo, resveratrol) and OTC drugs (e.g., cimetidine), also may increase flibanserin exposure and lead to hypotension and syncope. (See Interactions.)

Hypotension and Syncope in Patients with Hepatic Impairment.

Use in patients with any degree of hepatic impairment substantially increases flibanserin concentrations, which can cause hypotension and syncope. Flibanserin is therefore contraindicated in patients with hepatic impairment. (See Absorption: Special Populations, under Pharmacokinetics.)

Other Warnings and Precautions

CNS Depressant Effects

Risk of somnolence and sedation when given alone; CNS depressant effects are most prominent approximately 1–4 hours after oral administration.

Risk of CNS depression is increased if flibanserin is taken during waking hours, with alcohol or other CNS depressants, or with drugs that increase flibanserin concentrations (e.g., CYP3A4 inhibitors). (See Dosage and Administration, Interactions, and Advice to Patients.)

Hypotension and Syncope with Flibanserin Alone

Use of flibanserin alone can cause hypotension and syncope. In controlled studies of premenopausal women with HSDD, hypotension and syncope were reported in 0.2 and 0.4% of flibanserin-treated patients, respectively. The risk of hypotension and syncope is increased if taken during waking hours or in higher than recommended dosages.

Consider the clinical benefits of flibanserin therapy and the risks of hypotension and syncope in patients with preexisting conditions that predispose to hypotension. (See Warnings under Cautions.)

If presyncope occurs, patient should immediately lie supine and promptly seek medical attention if symptoms do not resolve. If syncope occurs, patient should promptly obtain medical attention.

Mammary Tumors in Female Mice

Dose-related increase in incidence of malignant mammary tumors observed in female mice at exposures 3 and 10 times those attained with recommended human dosage; effect not observed in male mice or in male or female rats. Clinical relevance not known.

Specific Populations

Pregnancy

No studies to date in pregnant women. In animal studies, fetal toxicity occurred only in conjunction with substantial maternal toxicity (e.g., reduced weight gain, sedation). Decreased fetal weight, structural abnormalities, and increases in fetal loss occurred at exposures >15 times those achieved with recommended human dosage. Manufacturer states that animal studies cannot exclude potential for fetal harm.

Lactation

Distributed into milk in rats; not known whether distributed into human milk. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions, including sedation, in nursing infants, breast-feeding during flibanserin therapy not recommended.

Pediatric Use

Not indicated for pediatric patients.

Geriatric Use

Not FDA labeled for use in geriatric patients; safety and efficacy not established. Manufacturer states not indicated for treatment of HSDD in postmenopausal women [off-label]. (See Absorption: Special Populations, under Pharmacokinetics.)

Hepatic Impairment

Contraindicated in patients with hepatic impairment. (See Hypotension and Syncope in Patients with Hepatic Impairment under Cautions and also see Absorption: Special Populations, under Pharmacokinetics.)

Renal Impairment

Exposure only increases slightly in patients with mild to severe renal impairment. Dosage adjustment unlikely to be necessary. (See Absorption: Special Populations, under Pharmacokinetics.)

Pharmacogenomics and Poor CYP2C19 Metabolizers

Peak plasma concentrations and AUC are increased and elimination half-life is prolonged in poor CYP2C19 metabolizers compared with extensive CYP2C19 metabolizers. (See Pharmacokinetics.) Increased monitoring for adverse effects (e.g., hypotension) recommended. Approximately 2–5% of Caucasians and Africans and approximately 2–15% of Asians are poor CYP2C19 metabolizers.

Common Adverse Effects

Dizziness, somnolence, nausea, fatigue, insomnia, dry mouth. Most of these adverse effects began during first 14 days of therapy.

Drug Interactions

Metabolized principally by CYP3A4 and, to a lesser extent, by CYP2C19. CYP 1A2, 2B6, 2C8, 2C9, and 2D6 contribute minimally (<10%) to metabolism.

Inhibits P-glycoprotein (P-gp).

Drugs Affecting Hepatic Microsomal Enzymes

Moderate or potent CYP3A4 inhibitors: Substantially increased flibanserin exposure possible; may lead to hypotension and syncope. Concomitant use contraindicated. (See General under Dosage and Administration and also see Hypotension and Syncope with CYP3A4 Inhibitors under Cautions.)

Weak CYP3A4 inhibitors: Possible increased flibanserin exposure with concurrent use of multiple weak CYP3A4 inhibitors; advise patients of increased risk of adverse effects (e.g., hypotension, syncope, CNS depression). (See Hypotension and Syncope with CYP3A4 Inhibitors under Cautions.)

CYP3A4 inducers: Substantially decreased flibanserin exposure possible. Concomitant use not recommended.

Potent CYP2C19 inhibitors: Potential increased flibanserin exposure; advise patients of increased risk of adverse effects (e.g., hypotension, syncope, CNS depression).

Substrates of P-glycoprotein Transport

Potential increased exposure to P-gp substrates resulting in possible toxicity; more frequent monitoring of concentrations of P-gp substrates with a narrow therapeutic index recommended.

Specific Drugs and Foods

Drug or Food

Interaction

Comments

Alcohol

Increased risk of severe hypotension, syncope, and CNS depression (see Hypotension and Syncope with Alcohol under Cautions)

Pharmacokinetics of flibanserin not substantially altered

If 1–2 standard alcoholic drinks were consumed, allow at least 2 hours to elapse before taking the flibanserin dose at bedtime

If ≥3 standard alcoholic drinks were consumed, skip the flibanserin dose that evening

After flibanserin is taken at bedtime, do not consume alcohol until the following day

Anticonvulsants (carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin)

Possible decreased flibanserin exposure

Concomitant use not recommended

Antidepressants, SSRIs

Possible increased flibanserin exposure with SSRIs that are potent CYP2C19 inhibitors (e.g., fluvoxamine); may lead to hypotension, syncope, and CNS depression

Fluoxetine (weak CYP3A4 inhibitor): Possible increased flibanserin exposure with multiple weak CYP3A4 inhibitors

Paroxetine: No clinically important effects on flibanserin pharmacokinetics

Fluoxetine and fluvoxamine: Advise patients of the increased risk for adverse effects

Antifungals, azole (fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole)

Possible increased flibanserin exposure with moderate or potent CYP3A4 inhibitors (fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole) and/or potent CYP2C19 inhibitors (fluconazole); may lead to hypotension, syncope, and CNS depression

Fluconazole: Increased peak concentrations and AUC of flibanserin 2.2- and 7-fold, respectively; hypotension and syncope reported

Itraconazole: Increased peak concentrations and AUC of flibanserin 1.7- and 2.6-fold, respectively

Ketoconazole: Increased peak concentrations and AUC of flibanserin 1.8- and 4.5-fold, respectively

Concomitant use contraindicated

If treatment with an azole antifungal is necessary, discontinue flibanserin ≥2 days prior to initiation of the azole antifungal

If benefit of initiating azole antifungal therapy within 2 days of flibanserin discontinuance clearly outweighs risk of hypotension and syncope, monitor for hypotension and syncope

Allow ≥2 weeks to elapse between discontinuance of the azole antifungal and reinitiation of flibanserin

Antimycobacterials (rifabutin, rifampin, rifapentine)

Possible decreased flibanserin exposure

Rifampin: Decreased flibanserin exposure by about 95%

Concomitant use not recommended

Bupropion

No clinically important effects on bupropion pharmacokinetics

Ciprofloxacin

Possible increased flibanserin exposure; may lead to hypotension and syncope

Concomitant use contraindicated

If treatment with ciprofloxacin is necessary, discontinue flibanserin ≥2 days prior to initiation of ciprofloxacin

If benefit of initiating ciprofloxacin therapy within 2 days of flibanserin discontinuance clearly outweighs risk of hypotension and syncope, monitor for hypotension and syncope

Allow ≥2 weeks to elapse between discontinuance of ciprofloxacin and reinitiation of flibanserin

CNS depressants (e.g., benzodiazepines, diphenhydramine, sedatives and hypnotics, opiates)

Possible additive CNS depression

Advise patients of increased risk for adverse CNS effects

Conivaptan

Possible increased flibanserin exposure; may lead to hypotension and syncope

Concomitant use contraindicated

If treatment with conivaptan is necessary, discontinue flibanserin ≥2 days prior to initiation of conivaptan

If benefit of initiating conivaptan therapy within 2 days of flibanserin discontinuance clearly outweighs risk of hypotension and syncope, monitor for hypotension and syncope

Allow ≥2 weeks to elapse between discontinuance of conivaptan and reinitiation of flibanserin

Contraceptives, hormonal

Possible increased flibanserin exposure and increased risk of adverse effects (e.g., nausea, dizziness, somnolence, fatigue)

Pharmacokinetics of oral contraceptive components (ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel; weak CYP3A4 inhibitor) not substantially affected

Advise patients of the increased risk of adverse effects, particularly when used with other weak CYP3A4 inhibitors

Digoxin

Increased AUC and peak concentrations of digoxin (a P-gp substrate) by 2- and 1.5-fold, respectively; digoxin toxicity possible

More frequent monitoring of digoxin concentrations recommended

Diltiazem

Possible increased flibanserin exposure; may lead to hypotension and syncope

Concomitant use contraindicated

If treatment with diltiazem is necessary, discontinue flibanserin ≥2 days prior to initiation of diltiazem

If benefit of initiating diltiazem therapy within 2 days of flibanserin discontinuance clearly outweighs risk of hypotension and syncope, monitor for hypotension and syncope

Allow ≥2 weeks to elapse between discontinuance of diltiazem and reinitiation of flibanserin

Etravirine

Etravirine (moderate CYP3A4 inducer) decreased flibanserin exposure by about 21%

Concomitant use not recommended

Ginkgo

Possible increased flibanserin exposure with multiple weak CYP3A4 inhibitors

Advise patients of the increased risk for adverse effects

Grapefruit

Grapefruit juice (moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor) increased flibanserin AUC and peak concentrations by 1.4- and 1.1-fold, respectively; concomitant use may lead to hypotension and syncope

Concomitant use contraindicated; advise patients to avoid grapefruit during flibanserin therapy

Histamine H2-receptor antagonists (cimetidine, ranitidine)

Possible increased flibanserin exposure with multiple weak CYP3A4 inhibitors

Advise patients of the increased risk for adverse effects

HIV protease inhibitors (PIs) (atazanavir, fosamprenavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir)

Possible increased flibanserin exposure; may lead to hypotension and syncope

Concomitant use contraindicated

If treatment with the HIV PI is necessary, discontinue flibanserin ≥2 days prior to initiation of the HIV PI

If benefit of initiating HIV PI therapy within 2 days of flibanserin discontinuance clearly outweighs risk of hypotension and syncope, monitor for hypotension and syncope

Allow ≥2 weeks to elapse between discontinuance of the HIV PI and reinitiation of flibanserin

Macrolides (clarithromycin, erythromycin, telithromycin)

Possible increased flibanserin exposure; may lead to hypotension and syncope

Concomitant use contraindicated

If treatment with the macrolide is necessary, discontinue flibanserin ≥2 days prior to initiation of the macrolide antibiotic

If benefit of initiating macrolide therapy within 2 days of flibanserin discontinuance clearly outweighs risk of hypotension and syncope, monitor for hypotension and syncope

Allow ≥2 weeks to elapse between discontinuance of the macrolide and reinitiation of flibanserin

Nefazodone

Possible increased flibanserin exposure; may lead to hypotension and syncope

Concomitant use contraindicated

If treatment with nefazodone is necessary, discontinue flibanserin ≥2 days prior to initiation of nefazodone

If benefit of initiating nefazodone therapy within 2 days of flibanserin discontinuance clearly outweighs risk of hypotension and syncope, monitor for hypotension and syncope

Allow ≥2 weeks to elapse between discontinuance of nefazodone and reinitiation of flibanserin

Proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs)

Possible increased flibanserin exposure with PPIs that are potent CYP2C19 inhibitors

Advise patients of the increased risk for adverse effects

Resveratrol

Possible increased flibanserin exposure with multiple weak CYP3A4 inhibitors

Advise patients of the increased risk for adverse effects

Simvastatin

AUC and peak concentrations of simvastatin (CYP3A4 substrate) increased by 1.3- and 1.2-fold, respectively, and AUC and peak concentrations of simvastatin acid increased by 1.5- and 1.4-fold, respectively

Sirolimus

Possible increased sirolimus (P-gp substrate) exposure and risk of toxicity

St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum)

Possible decreased flibanserin exposure

Concomitant use not recommended

Verapamil

Possible increased flibanserin exposure; may lead to hypotension and syncope

Concomitant use contraindicated

If treatment with verapamil is necessary, discontinue flibanserin ≥2 days prior to initiation of verapamil

If benefit of initiating verapamil therapy within 2 days of flibanserin discontinuance clearly outweighs risk of hypotension and syncope, monitor for hypotension and syncope

Allow ≥2 weeks to elapse between discontinuance of verapamil and reinitiation of flibanserin

Flibanserin Pharmacokinetics

Absorption

Bioavailability

Rapidly absorbed following oral administration; peak concentrations attained within approximately 45 minutes (range: 0.75–4 hours).

Undergoes extensive first-pass metabolism; absolute oral bioavailability is 33%.

Steady-state concentrations achieved after 3 days. Exhibits dose-proportional pharmacokinetics. Exposure with once-daily dosing is 1.4-fold higher compared with single-dose administration.

Food

Administration with food delays time to achieve peak concentrations and increases peak concentrations and AUC.

Special Populations

Mild hepatic impairment: AUC increased 4.5-fold.

Renal impairment: AUC slightly increased in patients with mild or moderate and severe renal impairment (by 1.1- and 1.2-fold, respectively).

Effect of age on exposure not systematically evaluated.

Poor CYP2C19 metabolizers: Peak concentrations and AUC are 1.5- and 1.3-fold higher, respectively, than in extensive CYP2C19 metabolizers.

Race: Approximately 1.4-fold higher exposure observed among Japanese women compared with Caucasian women; however, weight-adjusted AUCs were similar, suggesting that difference is likely related to weight rather than race.

Distribution

Extent

Distributed into milk in rats; not known whether distributed into human milk.

Plasma Protein Binding

Approximately 98%, mainly to albumin.

Elimination

Metabolism

Extensively metabolized, principally by CYP3A4 and, to a lesser extent, by CYP2C19; CYP isoenzymes 1A2, 2B6, 2C8, 2C9, and 2D6 contribute minimally (<10%).

Metabolized to at least 35 metabolites, mostly in low concentrations; 2 of these appear in substantial concentrations in plasma but are pharmacologically inactive.

Elimination Route

44 and 51% recovered in urine and feces, respectively.

Half-life

Approximately 11 hours.

Special Populations

Mild hepatic impairment: Half-life is prolonged (26 hours).

Poor CYP2C19 metabolizers: Half-life is prolonged to 13.5 hours compared with 11.1 hours in extensive metabolizers.

Stability

Storage

Oral

Tablets

25°C (may be exposed to 15–30°C).

Actions

Advice to Patients

Preparations

Excipients in commercially available drug preparations may have clinically important effects in some individuals; consult specific product labeling for details.

Please refer to the ASHP Drug Shortages Resource Center for information on shortages of one or more of these preparations.

Flibanserin

Routes

Dosage Forms

Strengths

Brand Names

Manufacturer

Oral

Tablets, film-coated

100 mg

Addyi

Sprout

AHFS DI Essentials™. © Copyright 2024, Selected Revisions October 26, 2020. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 4500 East-West Highway, Suite 900, Bethesda, Maryland 20814.

† Off-label: Use is not currently included in the labeling approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.

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Frequently asked questions