The FDA Approves First-Ever Libido Pill for Women
"Pink Viagra" is headed for shelves.
![Addyi Female Libido Pill](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/BiNbMU25TDykBrmeZUd7tX-415-80.jpg)
The FDA has just given regulatory approval to Addyi, the first-ever drug designed specifically to boost women's sex drives. "This is the biggest breakthrough for women's sexual health since the Pill," Sally Greenberg, executive director of the National Consumers League, told the New York Times.
Addyi, otherwise known as flibanserin (and nicknamed "pink Viagra"), works by targeting the brain's sexual-excitement neurotransmitters—in clinical trials, some subjects had life-changing results. "Flibanserin helped me remember that person I used to be," Cara, 38, told us in a feature story on female libido drugs from Marie Claire's December 2014 issue.
But it's not all rainbows and orgasms—some have criticized the drug's potential side effects (dizziness, nausea, fainting, sleepiness, low blood pressure), which caused 13% of participants to drop out of the clinical trial. But many argue that at least women now have an option—and will hopefully only see improvement from here.
For more on the fascinating, difficult, and necessary journey of "female Viagra," see our feature story here.
Related Story
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
As the editor of Cosmopolitan, Jess oversees the editorial for all of Cosmo's efforts across print, digital, video, and emerging platforms. Previously she served as the digital director of Marie Claire, where she tripled the readership, and she's held print and hybrid posts at Glamour and Teen Vogue. In 2013 she launched an interactive e-commerce platform for a fashion-tech startup, and in a former life she was a ballet dancer and NYU film student. She lives in Manhattan with her scruffy dog George.
-
30 Linen Pieces From Nordstrom’s Sale for a Seamless Summer to Fall Transition
Shop breezy dresses and airy pants for versatile summer and autumn outfits.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
The 17 Best Summer Perfumes for Women Are Like Vacation in a Bottle
Fresh and fruity scents coming right up.
By Samantha Holender Published
-
20 Shows Like 'Emily in Paris' We're Binging Before Season 4 Arrives
Eat your heart out, Pierre Cadault
By Nicole Briese Published
-
The All-Time Favorite Sex Positions of 11 Real Women
"It makes me feel like the sexiest woman on earth."
By The Editors Published
-
The 22 Best Vibrators, According to Sex Toy Experts
The vibes are immaculate.
By Gabrielle Ulubay Last updated
-
The 20 Best Sex Games for Couples in 2023
Who said game nights need to be wholesome?
By Gabrielle Ulubay Last updated
-
The 14 Best Lubes for Every Need
Good sex should always go smoothly.
By Gabrielle Ulubay Last updated
-
COVID Forced My Polyamorous Marriage to Become Monogamous
For Melanie LaForce, pandemic-induced social distancing guidelines meant she could no longer see men outside of her marriage. But monogamy didn't just change her relationship with her husband—it changed her relationship with herself.
By Melanie LaForce Published
-
100 Sex Songs That Won't Make You Cringe
Dim the lights and hit play on this sex songs — the perfect playlist of songs to have sex to.
By The Editors Published
-
33 Unexpected Valentine's Day 2023 Date Ideas
A.k.a. not dinner and roses.
By The Editors Published
-
How to Stay Safe Using Dating Apps and Websites
Did you know your favorite dating apps may be selling your intimate information? Swipe right on privacy with these key safety tips.
By Jenny Hollander Published