U.S. approves 'female Viagra'

In this June 22, 2015 file photo, a tablet of flibanserin sits on a brochure for Sprout Pharmaceuticals in the company's Raleigh, N.C., headquarters. Sprout soon may succeed where many of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies have failed: in winning Food and Drug Administration approval for flibanserin, dubbed Addyi, the first drug to boost women’s sexual desire. /AP-Yonhap

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Addyi (Flibanserin) to help women boost their sex drive.

Addyi is often referred to as “female Viagra” because it is a pill for sexual dysfunction in women. But it works differently from Viagra, which treats erectile dysfunction, a physical problem, experts say. Addyi works on the central nervous system, which induces sexual desire.

The FDA had previously refused to approve the drug over worries about side effects. Addyi will carry warnings and prescriber certification requirements to meet FDA concerns about serious interactions with alcohol, other drugs that slow Flibanserin metabolism and low blood pressure.

Unlike Viagra that is needed before a sexual encounter, women will have to take Addyi every night.

In clinical trials by Sprout Pharmaceuticals, women taking the drug experienced a 37 percent increase in sexual desire.