Femalegra is a prescription medication specifically formulated to address the physiological aspects of hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) and female sexual arousal disorder (FSAD) in premenopausal women. Its active ingredient, a selective phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor, works by increasing blood flow to the genital region, enhancing sensitivity and facilitating arousal. This medication represents a significant advancement in the pharmacological management of female sexual health concerns, offering a targeted, evidence-based approach. It is intended for use as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that may include psychological counseling and lifestyle modifications.

Features

• Active ingredient: Sildenafil Citrate (100mg formulation)
• Pharmaceutical class: Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor
• Administration: Oral tablet
• Onset of action: Typically within 30-60 minutes post-administration
• Duration of effect: Efficacy window of approximately 4-6 hours
• Excipients: Microcrystalline cellulose, anhydrous dibasic calcium phosphate, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, hypromellose, titanium dioxide, lactose, triacetin, and artificial color

Benefits

• Significantly improves genital blood flow and clitoral sensitivity, directly addressing physiological barriers to arousal.
• Enhances the ability to achieve and maintain sufficient lubrication, reducing discomfort during intercourse.
• Increases the likelihood of achieving orgasm, contributing to overall sexual satisfaction.
• Supports a more positive sexual self-image and reduces anxiety related to sexual performance.
• Functions as an adjunct to psychotherapy, potentially improving outcomes for women with mixed organic and psychological etiologies.
• Provides a predictable and controllable pharmacological option within a defined therapeutic window.

Common use

Femalegra is primarily indicated for the treatment of acquired, generalized hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women. It is also used off-label for female sexual arousal disorder (FSAD), particularly in cases where inadequate genital blood flow is a contributing factor. It is most effective for women who experience a noticeable discrepancy between their current and previous levels of sexual desire and arousal, causing them personal distress. The medication is not intended to enhance sexual function in individuals without a diagnosed dysfunction and is not an aphrodisiac. It is commonly prescribed after a thorough medical and psychological evaluation to rule out other underlying causes, such as hormonal imbalances, relationship issues, or other medical conditions.

Dosage and direction

The standard recommended dosage of Femalegra is one 100mg tablet, taken approximately 30 to 60 minutes prior to anticipated sexual activity. The medication requires sexual stimulation to be effective. It should be swallowed whole with a glass of water and can be taken with or without food; however, a high-fat meal may delay the onset of action. The dosing should not exceed one tablet in a 24-hour period. The efficacy is time-limited; it is not designed for continuous daily use. A healthcare provider may initiate therapy at a lower dose (e.g., 50mg) for patients who are sensitive to medications or to assess tolerance before moving to the standard dose. The need for continued treatment should be reassessed by a physician periodically.

Precautions

Prior to initiating treatment with Femalegra, a comprehensive medical history and physical examination are mandatory. Patients should be screened for cardiovascular health, as sexual activity carries a potential cardiac risk. It is not recommended for use in women with cardiovascular conditions where sexual activity is inadvisable. Use with caution in patients with anatomical deformation of the penis (e.g., angulation, cavernosal fibrosis, or Peyronie’s disease) or conditions predisposing them to priapism (e.g., sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma, or leukemia). Femalegra offers no protection against sexually transmitted infections. Patients with severe hepatic impairment or severe renal impairment (CrCl < 30 mL/min) should use a lower initial dose (25mg) due to decreased clearance. This medication can cause a transient decrease in blood pressure; caution is advised in patients on antihypertensive therapy.

Contraindications

Femalegra is absolutely contraindicated in any patient using organic nitrates or nitric oxide donors (e.g., amyl nitrite “poppers”), either regularly or intermittently, due to the risk of a precipitous and life-threatening drop in blood pressure. It is also contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to sildenafil or any of the tablet’s inactive ingredients. Use is contraindicated in women with retinitis pigmentosa, a rare genetic retinal disease, due to the unknown safety profile of PDE5 inhibitors on this condition. It is not indicated for use in postmenopausal women, men, or pediatric populations. Concomitant use with potent CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir, ketoconazole, itraconazole) is contraindicated.

Possible side effect

Like all medications, Femalegra can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Common side effects (≥1/100) are generally mild to moderate and often transient, related to the drug’s vasodilatory effects. These include headache, flushing, dyspepsia, nasal congestion, and dizziness. Visual disturbances such as blurred vision, increased sensitivity to light, or a blue tinge to vision (cyanopsia) may occur. Less common side effects (<1/100) include nausea, rash, and myalgia. Back pain and muscle aches have been reported. Although rare, serious side effects require immediate medical attention. These include priapism (a painful and prolonged erection lasting more than 4 hours), sudden decrease or loss of vision in one or both eyes (NAION), sudden decrease or loss of hearing, and serious cardiovascular events like myocardial infarction. Allergic reactions, though rare, can present as skin rashes, itching, and swelling of the face or throat.

Drug interaction

Femalegra has significant and potentially dangerous interactions with several drug classes. The most critical interaction is with nitrates (e.g., nitroglycerin, isosorbide mononitrate/dinitrate), which can cause severe hypotension, syncope, stroke, or myocardial infarction. Concomitant use is contraindicated. Alpha-blockers (e.g., doxazosin, tamsulosin) used for hypertension or BPH can potentiate the blood-pressure-lowering effects of both drugs, leading to symptomatic hypotension. A separation in dosing time is not sufficient to avoid this interaction; co-administration is not recommended. Potent inhibitors of the cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) pathway (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole, ritonavir, erythromycin, saquinavir) can significantly increase sildenafil plasma concentrations, increasing the risk of adverse effects. A dose adjustment to 25mg may be necessary if co-administration is unavoidable. Grapefruit juice can inhibit CYP3A4 and should be avoided. Conversely, inducers of CYP3A4 (e.g., rifampin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, St. John’s Wort) may reduce sildenafil plasma concentrations, potentially diminishing its efficacy.

Missed dose

Femalegra is not intended for scheduled daily dosing; it is taken on an as-needed basis prior to sexual activity. Therefore, the concept of a “missed dose” does not apply in the traditional sense. If a dose is not taken at the intended time, it can be taken at a later time on the same day if sexual activity is still anticipated, provided no more than one tablet is consumed within a 24-hour period. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed opportunity.

Overdose

In cases of overdose exceeding the maximum recommended dose, the adverse effects are expected to be an extension of the drug’s known vasodilatory properties. Symptoms may include severe headache, profound hypotension, syncope, prolonged and painful erection (priapism), visual disturbances, nausea, and vomiting. In the event of a suspected overdose, standard supportive measures should be employed. This includes maintaining patient hydration and managing blood pressure. Priapism is a urological emergency requiring immediate medical intervention to avoid long-term complications, including corporal tissue damage and permanent erectile dysfunction. Dialysis is not expected to accelerate clearance as sildenafil is highly protein-bound.

Storage

Store Femalegra tablets at room temperature between 15°C and 30°C (59°F and 86°F). Keep the medication in its original blister packaging to protect it from light and moisture. Ensure the container is tightly closed and stored out of reach of children and pets. Do not use the medicine after the expiration date printed on the packaging. Do not dispose of medications via wastewater or household waste. Consult your pharmacist on the proper disposal method according to local guidelines, often through a medicine take-back program.

Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before starting any new treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here. The information provided is based on the pharmacological profile of the active ingredient and may not encompass all possible uses, directions, precautions, or interactions specific to an individual.

Reviews

“After years of frustration and feeling broken, my gynecologist diagnosed me with HSDD and prescribed Femalegra. The difference is not dramatic, but it’s significant. It feels like it removes a physiological barrier, allowing me to become aroused when I want to be. It’s been a crucial part of reclaiming that aspect of my life.” - Sarah T., 42 “As a clinician specializing in women’s health, having a tool like Femalegra is invaluable. It’s not a magic pill, but for the right patient—one where vascular insufficiency is a key component of their sexual dysfunction—it can be profoundly effective. It works best within a holistic treatment model.” - Dr. Evelyn Reed, MD “I experienced the common side effects of a headache and some flushing, which were manageable with a glass of water and acetaminophen. For me, the benefits have outweighed these minor inconveniences. It’s important to have realistic expectations and to understand it’s an aid, not a cure.” - Maria L., 38 “The clinical trial data for PDE5 inhibitors in women has been mixed, but in my practice, I’ve seen a subset of patients respond very well to Femalegra. It underscores the heterogeneity of female sexual dysfunction and the need for personalized medicine.” - Dr. Ben Carter, Researcher