PT-141

What people use it for

• Hypoactive sexual desire disorder in premenopausal women (approved use)
• Low libido or erectile difficulties (off-label interest)

What PT-141 does in the body

Activates melanocortin receptors (mainly MC4R) in the brain involved in sexual arousal and desire. Unlike PDE5 inhibitors such as sildenafil, it acts on the nervous system rather than on blood flow.

Strength of evidence

Moderate: phase 3 trials (RECONNECT) showed modest improvements in desire versus placebo.

Look up the evidence

• Reviews on PubMed: Summaries of the published research
• Clinical trials on PubMed: Published studies in people
• ClinicalTrials.gov: Registered trials, past and ongoing
• Prescribing information (DailyMed, US): Official US label
• Patient leaflets (emc, UK): Official UK product information

Live searches of official databases. New to the terms? See the glossary.

Reported side effects & risks

• Nausea (common)
• Flushing, headache
• Temporary rise in blood pressure
• Darkening of skin or gums with repeated use

Who should avoid it or take extra care

• Uncontrolled high blood pressure or known heart disease
• Pregnant or breastfeeding
• Taking naltrexone by mouth (it can reduce its levels)

Not a complete list. Check with a doctor or pharmacist about your own health and medicines.

Regulatory status

FDA-approved as Vyleesi (as-needed autoinjector) for HSDD in premenopausal women.

How it's taken

Route: Autoinjector under the skin, as needed before sexual activity

How long it lasts (half-life): About 3 hours

Mixing guides

How much water to add and what each syringe mark holds, worked out for your own dose:

• 10 mg vial