Vyleesi Drug Interactions: Avoid These Medications

Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) is when a woman experiences low sexual desire that isn’t caused by another medical condition. The low desire causes distress and difficulties in her relationships. To be diagnosed with HSDD, the lack of desire must be something she developed (acquired) and happen in all situations (generalized).

Vyleesi (bremelanotide) is a prescription medication that can help premenopausal women with HSDD.

Like all medications, including those for hair loss like finasteride, Vyleesi has the potential to interact with other drugs. Because Vyleesi can affect how your body absorbs other medications, it’s important to understand the potential for drug interactions before taking it.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at potential Vyleesi drug interactions, contraindications, and warnings related to using Vyleesi with other medications. We’ll cover situations where Vyleesi may affect other drugs and instances where other drugs may affect Vyleesi. Be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist about all the medications you take before starting Vyleesi.

Vyleesi: Uses, Dosage, and Considerations

Let’s take a closer look at what Vyleesi is, how it’s used, and some key things to keep in mind.

Approved Use and Limitations

Vyleesi is specifically approved for use in premenopausal women who have acquired, generalized Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD). That means it’s only for women who haven’t gone through menopause and whose low sexual desire wasn’t something they were born with.

It’s important to note that Vyleesi isn’t approved for use in postmenopausal women or in men. And it’s definitely not meant to be used as a sexual performance enhancer.

Dosage and Administration

The recommended dose of Vyleesi is 1.75 mg, injected under the skin (subcutaneously) as needed. You should administer the injection at least 45 minutes before you anticipate sexual activity.

Don’t administer more than one dose within a 24-hour period, and don’t exceed 8 doses in a single month.

Dosage Modifications

If you have kidney problems:

• Mild to moderate kidney impairment: No dosage adjustment is needed.
• Severe kidney impairment: Use Vyleesi with caution, as you may be more likely to experience adverse reactions.

If you have liver problems:

• Mild to moderate liver impairment: No dosage adjustment is needed.
• Severe liver impairment: Vyleesi hasn’t been studied in people with severe liver problems, so use it with caution.

Dosing Considerations

If you don’t see any improvement in your symptoms after 8 weeks of using Vyleesi, you should stop taking it.

Keep in mind that everyone responds to medications differently. Keep in mind that everyone responds to medications differently, including online treatments like Hims for hair loss. The optimal timing of the injection may vary from person to person.

Contraindications and Warnings

Like all medications, Vyleesi isn’t right for everyone. Here’s what to keep in mind:

Contraindications

Don’t use Vyleesi if you:

• Have high blood pressure that isn’t under control.
• Have known cardiovascular disease.

Warnings and Precautions

Be aware of the following before and while using Vyleesi:

Transient Increase in Blood Pressure and Reduction in Heart Rate

Vyleesi can cause a temporary increase in blood pressure and a decrease in heart rate. Your doctor should monitor your blood pressure before you start treatment and while you’re using Vyleesi.

To minimize the risk of blood pressure problems, don’t take more than one dose of Vyleesi within a 24-hour period. Studies show that after 8 days of daily Vyleesi doses, people experienced an average increase of 1.9 mmHg in daytime systolic blood pressure and 1.7 mmHg in daytime diastolic blood pressure.

Focal Hyperpigmentation

Vyleesi can cause hyperpigmentation, which means areas of your skin may get darker. This is more likely to happen in people with darker skin tones, and it can affect areas like the face, gums, and breasts. If hyperpigmentation bothers you, talk to your doctor about stopping Vyleesi.

Nausea

Nausea is a common side effect of Vyleesi. If you have persistent or severe nausea, talk to your doctor. They may recommend stopping Vyleesi or starting antiemetic therapy (medication to prevent vomiting).

Detailed Analysis of Vyleesi Drug Interactions

Like any medication, Vyleesi can interact with other drugs. It’s crucial to understand these potential interactions to ensure safe and effective treatment.

Effect of Vyleesi on Other Drugs

Vyleesi can slow down how quickly your stomach empties. This might not seem like a big deal, but it can affect how your body absorbs other medications you take by mouth. Think of it like this: if a medicine needs to be absorbed quickly to work, Vyleesi could interfere with that process.

Medications Dependent on Threshold Concentrations

It’s especially important to avoid using Vyleesi with drugs that need to reach a certain level in your body to be effective. These are sometimes called “threshold concentration” drugs. Examples include some antibiotics, antifungals, and even oral contraceptives. Also, medications that have a narrow therapeutic index, like digoxin (for heart conditions) or warfarin (a blood thinner), need to be carefully monitored. If Vyleesi slows down their absorption, it can be harder to keep the right amount of these drugs in your system, making them less effective or potentially causing toxicity.

Clinical Significance

The bottom line? You and your doctor need to be extra careful when considering Vyleesi if you’re already taking other medications. The timing of when you take Vyleesi relative to other drugs could be important. Talk to your doctor about the best way to manage your medications if you’re using Vyleesi. They might suggest taking Vyleesi at a different time than other medications or monitoring you more closely to make sure your other medications are still working properly.

Naltrexone Interaction

The official prescribing information mentions a potential interaction with naltrexone, but it doesn’t go into a lot of detail. Naltrexone is typically used to treat alcohol and opioid dependence. It’s known as an opioid antagonist, meaning it blocks the effects of opioids. But it also interacts with other receptors in the brain, including melanocortin receptors, which are the same receptors that Vyleesi targets.

Theoretically, because both drugs affect melanocortin receptors, they could potentially counteract each other. It’s like two people pulling on opposite ends of a rope – the effect of each drug might be lessened. However, we need more research to fully understand this interaction. Until we have more information, it’s best to be cautious when using Vyleesi with naltrexone. Discuss this with your doctor so they can weigh the potential risks and benefits and monitor you accordingly.

Alcohol Interaction

Clinical studies have shown that Vyleesi can affect how your body responds to alcohol. In one study, women who took Vyleesi and then drank alcohol experienced a greater decrease in blood pressure compared to when they drank alcohol without taking Vyleesi. They also reported feeling the effects of alcohol more strongly, including feeling more sedated or drowsy.

So, what does this mean for you? If you’re taking Vyleesi, be aware that alcohol could have a stronger effect on you. It’s a good idea to limit your alcohol consumption and be extra cautious about activities that require alertness, like driving. Talk to your doctor about what a safe level of alcohol consumption is for you while you’re taking Vyleesi. They can provide personalized advice based on your individual health and circumstances. It’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to mixing medication and alcohol.

Adverse Effects of Vyleesi

Like all medications, Vyleesi can cause side effects. Here’s a breakdown of what you might expect:

Common Adverse Reactions (more than 10% of users)

• Nausea (reported by about 40% of users)
• Flushing (reported by about 20% of users)

Less Common Adverse Reactions (1-10% of users)

• Injection site reactions (reported by about 13%)
• Headache (reported by about 11%)
• Vomiting (reported by almost 5%)

Rare Adverse Reactions (less than 1% of users)

• Focal hyperpigmentation (darkening of skin in a specific area) – reported by about 1% of users.

During the open-label extension phase of clinical trials, there was a single reported case of acute hepatitis (inflammation of the liver). However, experts believe it was likely not related to Vyleesi.

Managing Side Effects

Nausea and headaches are the most commonly reported side effects. If you experience nausea, try taking Vyleesi at night or with a small snack. For headaches, over-the-counter pain relievers may help.

It’s important to tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or severe. They can help you determine if Vyleesi is the right medication for you and can provide strategies for managing any adverse effects.

Special Populations: Pregnancy, Lactation, and Hepatic/Renal Impairment

As with any medication, certain populations require extra consideration when it comes to Vyleesi.

Pregnancy

Risk Summary:

Animal studies have indicated potential risks to the fetus if Vyleesi is used during pregnancy. A pregnancy exposure registry exists to monitor outcomes in women who take Vyleesi while pregnant.

Data:

During clinical trials, there were seven reported pregnancies. No major congenital anomalies (birth defects) were reported in these cases. One pregnancy resulted in a spontaneous abortion, five resulted in full-term live births, and the outcome of one pregnancy was unknown.

Contraception:

If you’re a woman who could become pregnant, it’s essential to use effective contraception while taking Vyleesi.

Lactation

Risk Summary:

There’s limited information available about whether bremelanotide (the active ingredient in Vyleesi) passes into human breast milk. When considering whether to use Vyleesi while breastfeeding, it’s important to weigh the benefits of breastfeeding against any potential risks to the infant.

Renal Impairment (Kidney Problems)

Mild to Moderate:

No dosage adjustment is generally needed if you have mild to moderate kidney impairment.

Severe:

If you have severe kidney impairment, use Vyleesi with caution, as you may be at an increased risk of adverse reactions.

Hepatic Impairment (Liver Problems)

Mild to Moderate:

Generally, no dosage adjustment is needed for those with mild to moderate liver impairment.

Severe:

Vyleesi hasn’t been specifically evaluated in people with severe liver impairment, so it should be used with caution in this population.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wrapping Up

So, what’s the bottom line on Vyleesi drug interactions? It’s crucial to talk to your doctor about everything you’re taking before starting Vyleesi. It’s also important to understand the contraindications and warnings associated with this medication.

If you and your doctor decide Vyleesi is right for you, be sure you understand the potential drug interactions and side effects. Your healthcare team will need to monitor you carefully while you’re using it.

Vyleesi can be a helpful option for women dealing with hypoactive sexual desire disorder. But it’s essential to use it responsibly and under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

The best way to ensure you’re using Vyleesi safely and effectively is to communicate openly with your doctor. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or express any concerns you may have.