Viagra for women is still seeking for the approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration despite being rejected twice. However, on Thursday, the drug for female sex drive called flibanserin will be considered by the FDA.
The FDA cited in the past two rejections that there is lack of proof for the effectiveness of the drug as well as its accompanying side effects such as sleepiness and nausea. However, FDA officials say that the scientists behind the drug still have concerns about its benefits and how these can overweight its risks, Denver Post reports.
Sprout Pharmaceuticals, the company behind the drug, has long been aiming for the approval from the FDA. They are not the only ones who are clamoring to produce the first ever Viagra for women. Pfizer has been trying to produce one for 15 years but in 2004, they gave up because they said that the sexual desire between men and women are very different, Time reports.
For the drug, flibanserin, the regulation officials say that some side effects of the said drug raise concerns like low blood pressure, fainting spells and nausea. These side effects may lead to accidents that are not tolerated by the FDA.
Meanwhile, USA Today reports that the panel of FDA officials will be discussing the issues in a public meeting on Thursday before voting for the drug's approval.
A panel of FDA experts will discuss the drug at a public meeting Thursday, before voting on whether to recommend its approval.
"I think it would be nice if a drug like this could work, having better sex is important to my patients," says Dr. Mary Jane Minkin, a clinical professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive services at Yale School of Medicine.
"The earlier results showed it definitely increased desire, but the benefit was not overwhelming enough," she added.