After a major public campaign, a federal advisory panel has recommended the FDA approval of the "female Viagra," which treats low sex drive in women. Various women's groups praised the FDA decision as another step towards gender equality, as the federal agency has already approved 25 male drugs for sexual dysfunction.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) panel recommended approval of flibanserin, the women's Viagra, by a vote of 18-6. However, a key requirement is that certain steps be taken to reduce the drug's risks.
For example, prescribing doctors might be required to inform their patients of the possible side effects of the lady Viagra, such as dizziness, nausea, and fainting, according to Times of India. Physicians might also be required to receive a certification to prescribe flibanserin.
Various women's groups have been fighting for FDA approval of the female Viagra, under the program named Even the Score. It accused the federal agency of gender bias because it had approved several sexual medications for men, but none for women.
The FDA had twice rejected the women's sex enhancer pills. However the third-time's-a-charm rule seemed to work, due to factors such as new data about flibanserin clinical trials.
Sprout Pharmaceuticals, developer of the Viagra for females, first failed to receive FDA approval in 2010. Flibanserin was rejected again in 2013.
The FDA could approve the female libido pill by Aug. 18, the FDA deadline for making a final decision on flibanserin. It often takes the advice of advisory panels, according to ABC News 4.
Many of the FDA committee members said that they will vote "yes" for approval of the women's Viagra, but with reluctance. That is due to its average benefits and possible side-effects.
Dr. Julia Heiman of Indiana University explained that "modest results" can still have a significant effect. That is due to severe clinical cases.
Meanwhile, supporters of flibanserin said that failing to approve the Viagra for females could result in various negative effects. Women could boost their sexual drive by purchasing off-brand drugs or suspect online supplements.