Vyleesi (bremelanotide) is a melanocortin receptor agonist used for hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in women who have not gone through menopause. Women with HSDD struggle with an ongoing lack of interest in sex that causes distress and problems with relationships. Vyleesi is injected under the skin before sexual activity.
Like all medicines, Vyleesi can cause side effects and interact with other medicines, supplements, or alcohol.
Keep reading to learn about possible Vyleesi side effects, how to manage them, and which medicines may interact with Vyleesi.
This article does not include all possible side effects or interactions. Tell your health care provider about any symptoms that concern you or do not improve.
Vyleesi Side Effects
Common Vyleesi side effects
The most common side effects reported with Vyleesi include:
- Nausea
- Flushing or hot flashes
- Headache
- Pain, burning, or redness at the injection site
- Vomiting
- Cough
- Tiredness
- Tingling
- Dizziness
- Stuffy nose
In most cases, these side effects are temporary and often improve on their own. But if you have symptoms that are severe or last a long time, contact your health care provider.
Serious side effects of Vyleesi
While less common, potentially serious side effects of Vyleesi include:
- Increases in your blood pressure
- Slower heart rate
- Nausea
- Darkening of skin (hyperpigmentation)
- Allergic reactions
If you have symptoms that feel serious or life-threatening, seek medical care right away.
How to Manage Vyleesi Side Effects
While not a complete guide, the following tips can help you prevent or manage common side effects of Vyleesi.
1. Nausea and vomiting
Nausea is a common side effect and can be severe. In studies, almost half of the people had nausea, where 2% reported the nausea as severe.
Nausea is described as an upset stomach, queasiness, or feeling like you may throw up (vomit), but it may not lead to vomiting. Nausea with Vyleesi is more common after the first injection, but you may get it after any injection. Less than 5% of people reported nausea after a second injection. Usually, the nausea lasts about two hours and goes away on its own.
Here are some tips to help prevent or ease nausea:
- Plan smaller, more frequent meals (instead of two or three large ones), and stop eating as soon as you feel full.
- Avoid high-fat foods, such as cheese, butter, and greasy foods.
- Choose bland foods, such as saltine crackers, rice, or toast.
- Sip on clear liquids throughout the day to avoid dehydration.
- Try popsicles, jello, ginger or peppermint tea, or even acupressure wristbands.
If your nausea is bothersome, your health care provider may tell you to take certain medicines to help ease or prevent nausea. Call your health care provider if your nausea is severe, lasts a long time, or you can’t keep down any food or liquids.
2. Injection site reactions
Some people have skin reactions at or around the area where Vyleesi is injected. In studies, around 5% of people had these reactions.
Symptoms at or near the injection site may include:
- Pain
- Itching
- Swelling
- Redness or discoloration
- Bruising
These symptoms are usually temporary and go away on their own. Tips to prevent or manage injection site reactions include:
- Review the step-by-step instructions that come with your medicine or see the guide on the drugmaker’s website.
- Be sure to rotate the injection site each day; don’t use the same spot over and over.
- Ask your health care provider if it’s okay to use a cool compress on the area or if an over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever or anti-itch medicine may help.
Let your health care provider know if injection site reactions persist or feel severe. They may want to review proper injection techniques with you or suggest other ways to manage your symptoms.
3. Flushing or hot flashes
Flushing can be described as a feeling of warmth, redness, or a hot flash in the face, neck, or chest. In studies, 20% of people reported flushing and 3% reported hot flashes.
Tips to prevent or manage these symptoms:
- Dress in layers so you can cool down easily.
- Avoid hot rooms, hot showers or baths, or spicy foods when using Vyleesi.
The feeling should go away on its own. But if it is uncomfortable or comes with chest pain or rash, talk with your health care provider.
4. Headache
Headache is a common side effect when using Vyleesi. In studies, a little more than 10% of people reported headaches. Symptoms may include mild-to-moderate head pain or pressure.
To help manage headaches:
- Rest in a quiet, dark room if needed.
- Drink enough fluids throughout the day.
- Try relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing.
- Maintain a regular sleep schedule.
- Manage stress.
- Drink enough fluids and eat regular meals or snacks.
An OTC pain reliever may help ease headache pain, but check with your health care provider or pharmacist first to make sure it is safe for you.
5. Tiredness
A common side effect of Vyleesi is fatigue, including feelings of tiredness or weakness. Tiredness from Vyleesi is usually temporary.
If you are experiencing unusual fatigue, tell your health care provider so they can help identify what may be causing it.
Vyleesi Interactions
Vyleesi can interact with other medicines, supplements, or alcohol. An interaction happens when a substance changes how a medicine works or affects the body.
Vyleesi can affect how some other medicines are absorbed, especially pills you swallow. The main concern is with certain medicines taken by mouth that need a steady or quick level in your blood to work well, such as antibiotics, some pain medicines, and oral naltrexone.
This is not a full list of interactions, but the following are important to know about while taking Vyleesi.
Naltrexone
Naltrexone, when taken by mouth, is a medicine that may be used to treat alcohol or opioid use disorders. Vyleesi may affect the way this medicine is absorbed in the stomach, which would make it less effective. Talk to your health care provider if you are taking naltrexone to check if it is safe to take Vyleesi. Do not stop or change your naltrexone without talking to your health care provider first.
Indomethacin
Indomethacin is a medicine used for pain and inflammation. Vyleesi may affect the way this medicine is absorbed in the stomach, causing a slower or weaker pain relief. Talk to your health care provider if you are taking indomethacin as well as Vyleesi. They can tell you whether it is safe to use Vyleesi or whether you should change the timing of either medicine. Do not stop or change your indomethacin without talking to your health care provider first.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics are medicines that are used to treat infections caused by bacteria. Vyleesi may affect the way an antibiotic is absorbed from the stomach. Many antibiotics need to be at a certain level in your blood to effectively stop an infection. If you are taking an antibiotic, talk to your health care provider about when you could start Vyleesi. Do not stop or change your antibiotic without talking to your health care provider first.
FAQs: Vyleesi Interactions
Does Vyleesi interact with alcohol?
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Vyleesi. If you drink alcohol while using Vyleesi, you may be at an increased risk of certain side effects, such as flushing, headache, or dizziness.
Does Vyleesi interact with food or supplements?
Vyleesi is not known to interact with any foods. But it may affect the absorption of supplements that are taken by mouth. Tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) vitamins, minerals, herbal products, or other supplements that you take or have recently taken. They can let you know if any changes are needed.
Reducing Your Risk of Side Effects and Interactions
You can help lower your risk of side effects and interactions by using Vyleesi exactly as prescribed and following all instructions from your health care provider.
Helpful tips include:
- Always tell your health care provider and pharmacist about all prescription drugs, OTC medicines, and any vitamins, herbs, or other supplements you use.
- Ask your health care provider before you start or stop any medicine, vitamin, or supplement.
- Keep all follow-up appointments and lab tests.
- Report any new or worsening symptoms to your health care provider.
Your health care provider can review your treatment plan and make adjustments if needed to help ensure that this medicine is safe for you.
