Addyi Side Effects
Generic name: flibanserin
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jul 5, 2024.
Note: This document provides detailed information about Addyi Side Effects associated with flibanserin. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Addyi.
Applies to flibanserin: oral tablet.
Important warnings
This medicine can cause some serious health issues
Oral route (tablet)
The use of flibanserin and alcohol together close in time increases the risk of severe hypotension and syncope.
Counsel patients to wait at least 2 hours after consuming 1 or 2 standard alcoholic drinks before taking flibanserin at bedtime or to skip their bedtime flibanserin dose if they have consumed 3 or more standard alcoholic drinks that evening.
Flibanserin is contraindicated with moderate or strong CYP3A4 inhibitors and in patients with hepatic impairment due to risk of severe hypotension and syncope.
Serious side effects of Addyi
Along with its needed effects, flibanserin (the active ingredient contained in Addyi) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking flibanserin:
More common side effects
- blurred vision
- confusion
- dizziness, fainting, or lightheadedness, especially when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
- sleepiness or unusual drowsiness
- sweating
- unusual tiredness or weakness
Less common side effects
- feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
- sensation of spinning
Rare side effects
- bloating
- fever
- nausea
- severe cramping
- stomach or lower abdominal pain
- vomiting
Incidence not known
- chest tightness
- cough
- difficulty swallowing
- dizziness
- fast heartbeat
- hives, itching, skin rash
- large, hive-like swelling on face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
- puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
- unusual tiredness or weakness
Other side effects of Addyi
Some side effects of flibanserin may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.
Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Less common side effects
- constipation
- dry mouth
- nervousness
- normal menstrual bleeding occurring earlier, possibly lasting longer than expected
- trouble sleeping
For healthcare professionals
Applies to flibanserin: oral tablet.
General adverse events
Serious adverse reactions were reported in 0.9% of patients. The discontinuation rate due to adverse reactions was 13%. The most common adverse reactions leading to discontinuation were dizziness, nausea, insomnia, somnolence, and anxiety.
The majority of adverse reactions began within the first 14 days of treatment.[Ref]
Cardiovascular
- Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hypotension, syncope[Ref]
When this drug is used alone, the incidence of hypotension is 0.2% and syncope is 0.4%. When this drug is taken with 0.4 g/kg alcohol, 17% had substantial reductions in blood pressure, resulting in hypotension and/or syncope requiring medical intervention. When 0.8 g/kg alcohol was taken in combination with this drug, 25% experienced orthostatic hypotension.[Ref]
Nervous system
- Very common (10% or more): Dizziness (11.4%), somnolence (11.2%)
- Common (1% to 10%): Sedation, fatigue, vertigo[Ref]
Patients taking hormonal contraceptives (HC) had a greater incidence of dizziness, somnolence, and fatigue compared to patients who did not use HC.[Ref]
Hypersensitivity
- Postmarketing reports: Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, reactions consistent with angioedema (e.g., swelling of the face, lips, and mouth), pruritus, urticaria
Other
- Common (1% to 10%): Accidental injury[Ref]
Among patients who experienced accidental injury, 21% reported adverse reactions consistent with CNS depression (e.g., somnolence, sedation, or fatigue) within the preceding 24 hours.[Ref]
Psychiatric
- Common (1% to 10%): Insomnia, anxiety[Ref]
Gastrointestinal
- Very common (10% or more): Nausea (10.4%)
- Common (1% to 10%): Dry mouth, constipation
- Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Appendicitis[Ref]
Hematologic
- Common (1% to 10%): Metrorrhagia[Ref]
Musculoskeletal
- Common (1% to 10%): Abdominal pain[Ref]
Dermatologic
- Common (1% to 10%): Rash[Ref]
References
1. (2015) "Product Information. Addyi (flibanserin)." Sprout Pharmaceuticals
Frequently asked questions
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Further information
Addyi side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.