science of us

The New Sex Drug Is Called Vyleesi

Photo: AMAG Pharmaceuticals

The FDA just approved a new drug aimed at revving up women’s libidos and treating “low sexual drive.” Called Vyleesi, the drug calls for being injected, shortly before sex, into the abdomen or the thigh. In trials, 40 percent of women who tried Vyleesi experienced nausea. The chief medical officer for the company behind it, AMAG Pharmaceuticals, told the New York Times that they were “obviously thrilled about being able to bring another option to patients.”

This follows the 2015 FDA approval of Addyi, which was also designed to boost libido, and which no one really wanted. (Its sales are currently “tepid,” as the Times story notes. Addyi also caused fainting when combined with alcohol.)

I’m still wondering how they came up with the name Vyleesi, though. I mean it’s obviously an attempt to ride in on Game of Thrones’ coattails, right? A lady in the streets but a dragon-slayer (dragon-raiser?) in the sheets — who also feels like barfing, perhaps. I’m sold, sign me up.

The New Sex Drug Is Called Vyleesi