What Is the Pink Pill for Erectile Dysfunction? Usage and Effectiveness
Written by Dr. Anvi Dogra
Dr. Anvi Dogra is a medical writer and healthcare professional with a doctoral background in clinical sciences. She leverages her medical training to produce deeply researched, people first content across the wellness industries. With a "360-degree" understanding of the healthcare industry, Dr. Anvi focuses on bridge-building between clinical data and patient wellness. Known for her ability to make complex medical topics accessible and engaging, Dr. Anvi ensures that all health information is grounded in clinical evidence.
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August 23, 2025
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Quick Read
The pink sex pill for women, Flibanserin (Addyi), is a daily prescription medicine for premenopausal women with Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD). This disorder is characterised by low sexual desire that may cause stress or problems in relationships. It works by balancing brain chemicals like dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin, which affect mood and sexual desire. Studies show it can help some women slightly increase satisfying sexual events and feel less distress, but results may vary. Flibanserin may cause side effects like dizziness, sleepiness, nausea, fatigue, and low blood pressure, especially if taken with alcohol or certain medicines. It is not meant to boost sexual performance or treat low desire caused by relationship problems or other health issues. Flibanserin is currently not available in India, and products sold online as the “pink pill” may not be real or safe. Women’s sexual health is complex, so expecting a pill to solve everything may be unrealistic. Always talk to a doctor before starting Flibanserin or any treatment for sexual concerns.
If you’ve heard about the “pink sex pill for women,” it’s important to know that this isn’t the official name of any single medicine. Instead, it’s a term often used in marketing to describe drugs that can help with low sexual desire in women. There are many medicines available to support men’s sexual health and arousal, but when it comes to women’s desire, the conversation is often much less common. That is when a drug called flibanserin has come into the picture and is known by the name of the pink pill. It has been branded by the name Addyi. It is FDA approved but is not available in India, and its journey has been long. In this article we will learn about this commonly called pink pill, its benefits, and how its use is still in debate among the general population, doctors, and researchers.
Allo asks
Do you think a pill alone can solve low sexual desire in women?
What is the Pink Sex Pill For Women?
Flibanserin (Addyi) is the first FDA-approved drug for treating low libido in women, especially in premenopausal women. It has also been known by the name of female viagra. But both of them differ. Viagra is for men and helps by increasing blood flow to the penis before sexual activity. Flibanserin, on the other hand, is for women and works on the brain. It helps in balancing brain chemicals ( dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin) that are linked to mood and desire, which in turn can improve sexual arousal. Viagra is only taken before sexual activity, but flibanserin must be taken daily [1].
What Does The Research On Pink Sex Pills Say?
The history of Flibanserin is long, as the drug faced rejection twice [1] before the FDA finally granted approval in 2015 [2]. The drug was highly controversial due to its benefits and risk ratio [3]. Researchers conducted numerous studies and clinical trials to investigate this drug. One study [4] was done on 5900 premenopausal women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder who took flibanserin. These women experienced some improvement in sexual desire and reported 0.5 to 1 additional satisfying sexual events per month when compared to others who did not take the drug. Another large study done [5] on 7,906 pre- and postmenopausal women who took 100 mg daily showed improvements in satisfying sexual events and sexual desire scores. Further, a 8-week study [6] compared the effects of flibanserin alone vs. its effect along with sex therapy in women with hyposexual desire disorder. The group that received flibanserin with sex therapy showed higher female sexual function index [FSFI] scores than flibanserin alone.They noticed improvements in desire, arousal, lubrication, and orgasm. This study suggests that adding sex therapy to flibanserin may enhance sexual function beyond medication alone.
What Makes The Pink Pill So Controversial?
Though Addyi has shown improvements in so many clinical studies and is FDA approved, still it remains a controversial medicine. It is still not available in India. This pill is considered as a milestone for women’s sexual health as worthy of medical attention. A lot of people celebrate that this medicine has added the concept of equality in sexual medicine. But, still the benefits of drugs are not very clearly understood. Some experts point out that women’s sexuality is very complex and is influenced by many things like brain chemistry, mood, relationship problems, medications, and the overall health of both partners [7].
Risks and Side Effects Of Pink Pill For Women's Libido
Like any other drugs, Flibanserin also has some risks. Some of the most common side effects include nausea, dry mouth, dizziness, fatigue, fainting, and low blood pressure. These effects get worse if the drug is consumed along with other drugs, alcohol and in liver failure patients. The FDA advises women to avoid alcohol while taking this drug to prevent the risk of low blood pressure and fainting [8] [9].
Other Alternative FDA Approved drug for HSDD
In addition to Addyi, another FDA-approved drug for HSDD is bremelanotide, sold under the name Vyleesi. It is not in pill form and is a self-administered injection, taken 45 minutes before sexual activity [10]. Vyleesi works differently from Addyi. Instead of working on daily brain chemistry, it turns on the signals in the brain that help to boost sexual desire. Clinical studies have shown that some women experienced an increase in sexual desire and felt less distress about low desire after using it. However, Vyleesi also comes with side effects. The most common side effects include nausea, flushing, and injection site reactions.
Difference between Pink Pill Addyi and Vyleesi
Feature
Addyi (Flibanserin, Pink Pill)
Vyleesi (Bremelanotide)
Use
Premenopausal women with acquired, generalized HSDD
Premenopausal women with HSDD
Mechanism
Alter the brain chemicals (dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin) that are involved in sexual arousal
Act on chemicals (Melanocortin receptor) which affect brain pathways for sexual arousal
Dosage
100 mg oral tablets daily at bedtime
On-demand injection, 45 min before sex
Results
Weeks (multiple time or daily us)
Within hours (single use)
Side Effects
Dizziness, nausea, fatigue, hypotension
Nausea (40%), flushing, injection site pain, headache
Contraindications
Alcohol, liver impairment, drug interactions
Uncontrolled hypertension, cardiovascular risk
Food and Drug Administration Approval Year
FDA: 2015
FDA: 2019
Final Thoughts
The pink pill (Addyi) remains an advanced yet controversial drug. For some women, it may show improvement in sexual desire and satisfaction. For others, the benefits may not overcome the risks, side effects, and lifestyle restrictions. It is not a “female Viagra,” but rather a daily medication that shifts brain chemistry. It may work better when combined with therapies. At the same time, many unapproved drugs and supplements are marketed online as “pink pills.” These are not FDA-approved, and their safety is questionable. Be cautious and avoid self-medicating. If you are experiencing low sexual desire or any sexual concern, always talk openly with your doctor to explore safe, effective, and holistic treatment options.
Disclaimer
The following blog article provides general information and insights on various topics. However, it is important to note that the information presented is not intended as professional advice in any specific field or area. The content of this blog is for general educational and informational purposes only. The content should not be interpreted as endorsement, recommendation, or guarantee of any product, service, or information mentioned. Readers are solely responsible for the decisions and actions they take based on the information provided in this blog. It is essential to exercise individual judgment, critical thinking, and personal responsibility when applying or implementing any information or suggestions discussed in the blog.
Most Asked Questions
What is the pink pill for women called?
The pink pill for women is commonly known as Flibanserin, also marketed as Addyi, and it is sometimes referred to as “female Viagra.”
What does the pink pill do for a woman?
The pink pill is designed to boost sexual desire in women with low libido by targeting brain chemicals linked to mood and arousal.
Is there a female Viagra tablet available?
Yes, the FDA has approved Flibanserin (Addyi) as a prescription pill often called female Viagra.
Where can I buy the little pink pill?
The pink pill for women is available only with a doctor’s prescription in most countries. It is currently not sold in India.
Are there other options besides the pink pill for women?
Another FDA-approved option is Vyleesi (bremelanotide), a self-administered injection that works differently from Addyi to improve sexual desire in women.
Sources
- 1.
Addyi is not a "female Viagra," but it can open an important discussion
- 2.
Flibanserin: Approval of a controversial drug for a controversial disorder
- 3.
F.D.A. Approves Addyi, a Libido Pill for Women
- 4.
Role of flibanserin in managing hypoactive sexual desire disorder in women: A systematic review and meta-analysis
- 5.
Efficacy and Safety of Flibanserin for the Treatment of Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder in Women
- 6.
TWO-ARM, PROSPECTIVE, OPEN-LABEL, PILOT STUDY OF FLIBANSERIN VERSUS FLIBANSERIN AND SEX THERAPY IN WOMEN WITH HSDD
- 7.
It’s NOT a “pink Viagra”
- 8.
Flibanserin
- 9.
CENTER FOR DRUG EVALUATION AND RESEARCH
- 10.
VYLEESI (bremelanotide injection), for subcutaneous use