This medication is used to treat women who have not gone
through menopause who have low sexual desire and are concerned about
it.
Flibanserin should not be used to treat low sexual
desire caused by: a medical or mental/mood disorder, problems in the
relationship, or the effects of other drugs. This medication should not be
used by women who have gone through menopause, or by men. Flibanserin is
not used to enhance sexual performance.
Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist
before you start taking flibanserin and each time you get a refill. If you
have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth as directed by your
doctor, usually once daily at bedtime. Take flibanserin only at bedtime to
reduce your risk of low blood pressure, fainting, and drowsiness while you
are awake. After taking flibanserin, do not drink any alcohol until the
next day. See also Warning section.
Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice
while using this medication unless your doctor or pharmacist says you may
do so safely. Grapefruit can increase the chance of side effects with this
medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit
from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each
day.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better
after 8 weeks of treatment.
See also Warning and How to Use sections.
Drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, or tiredness may occur.
If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist
promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
Low blood pressure and fainting may occur even if you
take flibanserin by itself. The risk of these side effects is greater if
you take this medication with or less than 2 hours after alcohol, or at a
time of day other than at bedtime, or if you take more of it than
prescribed. If you feel dizzy or lightheaded, lie down right away. Get
medical help right away or have someone get medical help for you right away
if symptoms last or if you faint.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before taking flibanserin, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic
reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more
details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- alcohol use
- regular use/abuse of drugs/alcohol
- liver problems
- low blood pressure
This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or
marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use
machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until at least 6 hours after
taking flibanserin and until you can do it safely. Avoid alcoholic
beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana
(cannabis).
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
It is unknown if this medication passes into breast
milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breastfeeding is not
recommended while using this medication. Consult your doctor before
breastfeeding.
See also Warning and How to Use sections.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Other medications can affect the removal of flibanserin
from your body, which may affect how flibanserin works. Examples include
azole antifungals (such as fluconazole, ketoconazole), certain calcium
channel blockers (such as diltiazem, verapamil), macrolide antibiotics
(such as clarithromycin, erythromycin), nefazodone, rifamycins (such as
rifabutin, rifampin), ritonavir, St. John's wort, drugs used to treat
seizures (such as carbamazepine, phenytoin), among others.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other
products that cause drowsiness such as opioid pain or cough relievers (such
as codeine, hydrocodone), marijuana (cannabis), drugs for sleep or anxiety
(such as alprazolam, lorazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants (such as
carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine), or antihistamines (such as cetirizine,
diphenhydramine).
Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy
or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause
drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products
safely.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe
drowsiness, severe dizziness, fainting.
Do not share this medication with others.
If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next
dose at bedtime the next day. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture.
Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and
pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.