With accusations of sexism becoming widespread, the FDA faced harsh criticism. But in its rush to escape the negative press, did it prove the safety and efficacy of Addyi? Many critics say it did not.
Among the letters to the FDA on behalf of rejecting flibanserin was one from outside the U.S. Sex researchers from the Netherlands and Belgium said, “the drug was based on the mistaken notion that lack of spontaneous sexual desire, absent stimuli, was abnormal.”
Numerous factors can affect sexual desire, none of which can be cured simply with a pill, which is part of the problem. Other medications can reduce desire, such as antidepressants and antiseizure drugs. The Mayo Clinic lists a host of conditions that can cause it, including:
- Arthritis
- Cancer
- Coronary artery disease
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Menopause
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Substance abuse
- Fatigue
- Smoking