thoughtscape NP Psychiatry · Patient education
Bremelanotide
Vyleesi
Support for low sexual desire that bothers you. Your comfort, preferences, and goals guide the treatment.
Draft for review · Clinical content has not been revalidated for this website.
MC4 is a proposed desire pathway; how benefit occurs is not fully known. MC1 can cause skin darkening.
What it is used for
For distressing low desire before menopause, when desire was previously satisfactory and is now low across different situations.
Not for low desire caused by another illness, relationship problem, or medicine. Treatment never obligates you to have sex.
How it works
Acts on melanocortin signals. The exact way it improves desire is not fully understood.
May improve desire and related distress, but does not guarantee arousal, orgasm, or more satisfying sexual encounters.
What to expect over time
BEFORE USE
Have injection training and a blood-pressure/heart-risk review. Check other medicines and birth control.
WHEN NEEDED
Inject at least 45 minutes before anticipated sexual activity. Do not repeat within 24 hours or use more than 8 doses in a month.
BY 8 WEEKS
If desire or related distress has not improved, stop and discuss another plan with your prescriber.
Taking your medication
After training, inject the prescribed 1.75 mg under belly or front-of-thigh skin. Follow the full device guide.
Rotate sites, at least 2 inches from the belly button. Avoid damaged skin and never inject through clothing.
Use a clear, particle-free dose in an intact, unexpired device. Press for about 5 seconds after the second click; check the purple window as instructed.
When to get help
Call 911: chest pain, fainting, severe breathing trouble, or stroke symptoms, such as sudden one-sided weakness or trouble speaking.
Call promptly: severe or lasting nausea, repeated vomiting, inability to keep fluids down, or concerning skin/gum darkening.
Stop and contact your team: pregnancy or suspected pregnancy. Use effective birth control during treatment.
Early side effects
Nausea, flushing, headache, and soreness at the injection site are common. Dizziness, tiredness, or vomiting can occur. Nausea often improves after the first few uses, but do not push through severe symptoms.
Other effects to discuss
Blood pressure can rise and pulse can slow after each dose, usually settling within 12 hours. Dark patches on the face, gums, or breasts may not go away after stopping. More frequent use increases risks.
What to keep track of
Track doses, desire, distress, nausea, and skin changes. Have blood pressure checked as agreed. Do not use with uncontrolled high blood pressure or known cardiovascular disease.
Before you start
Tell your team about blood-pressure or heart problems, kidney/liver disease, every medicine, and supplement, pregnancy plans, and breastfeeding. Treatment may be unsuitable with high heart risk. Breastfeeding safety is not known; discuss the best plan for you and your baby. It is not approved for men, after menopause or for children.
Medicines & interactions
Naltrexone and other tablets
Vyleesi can reduce how well oral medicines are absorbed. Do not combine it with oral naltrexone for alcohol/opioid problems. Review antibiotics, pain medicines, and naltrexone-containing combinations before using it.
Nausea medicines
Taking ondansetron beforehand has not been shown to prevent this nausea and is not recommended. Ask your clinician what to do if nausea begins; do not add medicines on your own.
Alcohol and timing
Ask how alcohol fits your health and medicines. Limited study results do not mean unlimited drinking is safe. Do not invent a spacing schedule to fix a medicine interaction.
Everyday tips
Bring up pain, stress, mood, and relationship concerns; medication may be only one part of the plan.
Choose goals that matter to you. A partner's preferred frequency does not define whether you need treatment.
Read the full injection instructions with your pharmacist. Ask what to do if the device does not seem to deliver the whole dose.
Avoid driving or risky tasks if dizzy or unwell. Seek help rather than taking extra doses for a disappointing response.
Your questions, answered
What if plans change?
There is no missed daily dose to make up. If you already injected, do not take another dose within 24 hours, even if sexual activity did not happen.
Is it birth control?
No. It also does not prevent sexually transmitted infections. Keep using effective contraception and appropriate protection.
Can I stop without tapering?
Yes. No dose taper is needed. Contact your team about side effects or lack of benefit; skin darkening can persist after stopping.
Can I reuse the injector?
No. Each injector is used once. Do not recap it. Put it straight into an appropriate sharps container, not loose in the household trash.
Storage & safety
Store at or below 77°F (25°C), protected from light. Do not freeze. Keep away from children and pets; never share. For an extra dose or accidental exposure, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222; call 911 for collapse or severe symptoms.
About this information
For general information only; not a substitute for individualized medical advice. This sheet does not cover every risk or interaction. Ask your prescriber or pharmacist before changing how you take this medication.
Sources
Educational inclusion does not mean this medication or its indications are treated at this practice. Review the guide for your exact product with your prescriber or pharmacist.