BREMELANOTIDE: 718 Adverse Event Reports & Safety Profile
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Active Ingredient: BREMELANOTIDE ACETATE · Drug Class: Melanocortin Receptor Agonist [EPC] · Route: SUBCUTANEOUS · Manufacturer: Palatin Technologies · FDA Application: 210557 · HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · FDA Label: Available
Patent Expires: Nov 5, 2033 · First Report: 2019 · Latest Report: 20250905
What Are the Most Common BREMELANOTIDE Side Effects?
All BREMELANOTIDE Side Effects by Frequency
| Side Effect | Reports | % of Total | Deaths | Hosp. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nausea | 309 | 43.0% | 0 | 2 |
| Drug ineffective | 139 | 19.4% | 0 | 0 |
| Headache | 95 | 13.2% | 0 | 1 |
| Vomiting | 83 | 11.6% | 0 | 0 |
| Off label use | 59 | 8.2% | 0 | 0 |
| Flushing | 58 | 8.1% | 0 | 1 |
| Illness | 46 | 6.4% | 0 | 0 |
| Adverse drug reaction | 32 | 4.5% | 0 | 1 |
| Dizziness | 31 | 4.3% | 0 | 1 |
| Fatigue | 28 | 3.9% | 0 | 1 |
| Feeling abnormal | 26 | 3.6% | 0 | 0 |
| Cough | 24 | 3.3% | 0 | 0 |
| Malaise | 24 | 3.3% | 0 | 0 |
| Erythema | 22 | 3.1% | 0 | 0 |
| Pain | 20 | 2.8% | 0 | 1 |
| Abdominal discomfort | 15 | 2.1% | 0 | 0 |
| Abdominal pain upper | 15 | 2.1% | 0 | 1 |
| Feeling hot | 15 | 2.1% | 0 | 2 |
| Paraesthesia | 15 | 2.1% | 0 | 0 |
| Urticaria | 15 | 2.1% | 0 | 0 |
Who Reports BREMELANOTIDE Side Effects? Age & Gender Data
Gender: 94.8% female, 5.2% male. Average age: 48.2 years. Most reports from: US. View detailed demographics →
Is BREMELANOTIDE Getting Safer? Reports by Year
| Year | Reports | Deaths | Hosp. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 22 | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 | 11 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | 21 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | 21 | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 | 66 | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | 106 | 0 | 3 |
What Is BREMELANOTIDE Used For?
| Indication | Reports |
|---|---|
| Product used for unknown indication | 500 |
| Libido decreased | 158 |
| Libido disorder | 12 |
| Menopause | 11 |
| Sexual dysfunction | 10 |
| Loss of libido | 8 |
BREMELANOTIDE vs Alternatives: Which Is Safer?
Official FDA Label for BREMELANOTIDE
Official prescribing information from the FDA-approved drug label.
Drug Description
VYLEESI (bremelanotide injection) contains bremelanotide, a melanocortin receptor agonist for subcutaneous administration via an autoinjector. Bremelanotide acetate is a synthetic, cyclic heptapeptide with a free acid at the carboxyl terminus and an acetylated amino group at the amino terminus of the peptide with the following structure: Ac-Nle-cyclo-(Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys-OH)
- xCH 3 COOH The molecular formula of bremelanotide acetate is C 50 H 68 N 14 O 10
- xCH 3 COOH (1≤ x ≤ 2) and the molecular weight is 1025.2 (free base). VYLEESI (bremelanotide injection) is supplied as a sterile, clear solution in a pre-filled syringe contained in a single-dose autoinjector for subcutaneous administration. Each pre-filled syringe contains 1.75 mg of bremelanotide (equivalent to 1.89 mg bremelanotide acetate) in 0.3 mL solution. Inactive ingredients consist of 2.5% glycerin, sterile water for injection, and hydrochloric acid or sodium hydroxide added to adjust the pH.
FDA Approved Uses (Indications)
AND USAGE VYLEESI is indicated for the treatment of premenopausal women with acquired, generalized hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), as characterized by low sexual desire that causes marked distress or interpersonal difficulty and is NOT due to: A co-existing medical or psychiatric condition, Problems with the relationship, or The effects of a medication or drug substance. Acquired HSDD refers to HSDD that develops in a patient who previously had no problems with sexual desire. Generalized HSDD refers to HSDD that occurs regardless of the type of stimulation, situation or partner. Limitations of Use VYLEESI is not indicated for the treatment of HSDD in postmenopausal women or in men. VYLEESI is not indicated to enhance sexual performance. VYLEESI is a melanocortin receptor agonist indicated for the treatment of premenopausal women with acquired, generalized hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) as characterized by low sexual desire that causes marked distress or interpersonal difficulty and is NOT due to: A co-existing medical or psychiatric condition, Problems with the relationship, or The effects of a medication or drug substance ( 1 ). Limitations of Use ( 1 ): Not indicated for treatment of HSDD in postmenopausal women or in men. Not indicated to enhance sexual performance.
Dosage & Administration
AND ADMINISTRATION Inject 1.75 mg subcutaneously via the autoinjector to the abdomen or thigh, as needed, at least 45 minutes before anticipated sexual activity. ( 2.1 ) Do not administer more than one dose within 24 hours. ( 2.1 ) More than 8 doses per month is not recommended. ( 2.1 )
2.1 Recommended Dosage The recommended dosage of VYLEESI is 1.75 mg administered subcutaneously in the abdomen or thigh, as needed, at least 45 minutes before anticipated sexual activity. The duration of efficacy after each dose is unknown and the optimal window for VYLEESI administration has not been fully characterized. Patients may decide the optimal time for VYLEESI administration based on how they experience the duration of effect on desire and any adverse reactions such as nausea [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )]. Patients should not administer more than one dose within 24 hours. The efficacy of consecutive doses within 24 hours has not been established and administering doses close together may increase the risk of additive effects on blood pressure <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )]</span>. Administering more than 8 doses per month is not recommended. Few patients in the phase 3 program received more than 8 doses per month. Also, more frequent dosing increases the risk for focal hyperpigmentation and the length of time per month when blood pressure is increased <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 , 5.2 )]</span>. VYLEESI is self-administered via a prefilled autoinjector pen. Visually inspect the drug product for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit. Discard if the solution is cloudy, discolored, or visible particles are observed.
2.2 Discontinuation of VYLEESI Discontinue VYLEESI after 8 weeks if the patient does not report an improvement in her symptoms.
Contraindications
VYLEESI is contraindicated in patients who have uncontrolled hypertension or known cardiovascular disease [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )]. Uncontrolled hypertension or known cardiovascular disease. ( 4 )
Known Adverse Reactions
REACTIONS The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail elsewhere in labeling: Transient increases in blood pressure and reductions in heart rate [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ) and Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.2 ) ] Focal hyperpigmentation [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Nausea [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 ) ] Most common adverse reactions (incidence > 4%) are nausea, flushing, injection site reactions, headache, and vomiting. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Cosette Pharmaceuticals, Inc. at 1-800-922-1038 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch
6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to the rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The efficacy and safety of VYLEESI was studied in two identical, 24-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials in 1247 premenopausal women with acquired, generalized HSDD. The age range was 19-56 years old with a mean age of 39 years old; 86% were White and 12% were Black. Both trials also included a 52-week open-label, uncontrolled extension phase during which 684 patients received VYLEESI <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Clinical Studies ( 14 )]</span>. Most patients used VYLEESI two to three times per month and no more than once a week. Serious adverse reactions were reported in 1.1% of VYLEESI-treated patients and 0.5% of placebo-treated patients.
Adverse Reactions
Leading to Study Discontinuation The discontinuation rate due to adverse reactions was 18% among patients treated with VYLEESI and 2% among patients treated with placebo. The most common adverse reactions leading to study drug discontinuation in the VYLEESI group were nausea (8%), headache (2%), vomiting (1%), flushing (1%), injection site reactions (1%), flu-like symptoms (<1%) and increased blood pressure (<1%).
Common Adverse Reactions Table
1 provides the incidence of common adverse reactions (those reported in at least 2% of patients in the VYLEESI treatment group and at an incidence that was greater than in the placebo group). The most common adverse reactions included nausea, flushing, injection site reactions and headache. The majority of events were reported to be mild (31%) to moderate (40%) in intensity and transient.
Table
1: Adverse Reactions Occurring in ≥ 2% of Patients in Randomized, Double-Blind Controlled Trials with VYLEESI in Premenopausal Women with HSDD a Includes injection site pain, unspecified injection site reactions, erythema, hematoma, pruritus, hemorrhage, bruising, paresthesia and hypoesthesia VYLEESI (n = 627) % Placebo (n= 620) % Nausea 40.0
1.3 Flushing 20.3
0.3 Injection site reactions a 13.2
8.4 Headache 11.3
1.9 Vomiting 4.8
0.2 Cough 3.3
1.3 Fatigue 3.2
0.5 Hot flush 2.7
0.2 Paraesthesia 2.6
0.0 Dizziness 2.2
0.5 Nasal congestion 2.1
0.5 Nausea In the pooled phase 3 placebo-controlled trials, nausea was the most common adverse reaction, reported in 40% of VYLEESI-treated patients compared to 1% of placebo-treated patients. The median onset of nausea was within one-hour post-dose and lasted about two hours in duration. The incidence of nausea was highest after the first VYLEESI dose (reported in 21% of patients) then declined to about 3% after subsequent doses. Thirteen percent of VYLEESI-treated patients received an anti-emetic medication. Overall, 8% of VYLEESI-treated patients and no placebo-treated patients prematurely discontinued the trials due to nausea. <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )]</span> In a phase 4, single-dose, placebo-controlled clinical study, pre-treatment with oral ondansetron (a 5-HT 3 receptor antagonist) did not reduce the incidence of nausea associated with VYLEESI treatment. In this study, 228 healthy women were randomized (1:1) to receive 8 mg ondansetron or placebo orally 30 minutes prior to a single administration of 1.75 mg of VYLEESI given subcutaneously. No significant difference in the incidence of VYLEESI-associated nausea was seen between the treatment groups. Therefore, pre-treatment with oral ondansetron given 30 minutes prior to VYLEESI administration does not reduce the incidence of VYLEESI-associated nausea and is not recommended. Treatment with ondansetron after VYLEESI administration or after the onset of nausea has not been formally studied. Headache In the pooled phase 3 placebo-controlled trials, headache occurred at a higher incidence in VYLEESI-treated patients (11%) than placebo-treated patients (2%). One patient experienced a headache event that was serious (intractable pain leading to hospitalization) and 1% of patients who received VYLEESI discontinued the study due to headache. Flushing In the pooled phase 3 placebo-controlled trials, flushing occurred more frequently in VYLEESI-treated patients (20%) than placebo-treated patients (<1%). None of the flushing events were serious and few were severe (<1%), and 1% of patients who received VYLEESI discontinued the study due to flushing.
Less Common Adverse Reactions
Less common adverse reactions occurring in <2% of VYLEESI-treated patients and at an incidence greater than in the placebo group were upper abdominal pain, diarrhea, myalgia, arthralgia, pain, restless leg syndrome, rhinorrhea, increased creatine phosphokinase, blood pressure increased, pain in extremity and focal skin hyperpigmentation. Acute hepatitis In the open-label, uncontrolled extension phase of one study, a single case of acute hepatitis was reported in a patient who had received 10 doses of VYLEESI over one year. She presented with serum transaminases exceeding 40 times the upper limit of normal (ULN), total bilirubin 6 times the ULN, and alkaline phosphatase less than 2 times ULN. Liver tests returned to normal 4 months after study drug discontinuation. Because another etiology was not identified, the role of VYLEESI could not definitively be excluded. There was no imbalance between treatment groups in serum transaminase outliers or other signals for hepatotoxicity in the clinical development program.
Warnings
AND PRECAUTIONS Transient increase in blood pressure and decrease in heart rate: Occurs after each dose and usually resolves within 12 hours. Consider the patient's cardiovascular risk before initiating VYLEESI and periodically during treatment and ensure blood pressure is well-controlled. VYLEESI is not recommended in patients at high risk for cardiovascular disease. ( 5.1 ) Focal hyperpigmentation: Reported by 1% of patients who received up to 8 doses per month, including involvement of the face, gingiva and breasts. Higher risk in patients with darker skin and with daily dosing. Resolution was not confirmed in some patients. Consider discontinuing VYLEESI if hyperpigmentation develops. ( 5.2 ) Nausea: Reported by 40% of patients who received up to 8 monthly doses, requiring anti-emetic therapy in 13% of patients and leading to premature discontinuation for 8% of patients. Improved for most patients with the second dose. Consider discontinuing VYLEESI or initiating anti-emetic therapy for persistent or severe nausea. ( 5.3 )
5.1 Transient Increase in Blood Pressure and Reduction in Heart Rate VYLEESI transiently increases blood pressure and reduces heart rate after each dose. In clinical studies, VYLEESI induced maximal increases of 6 mmHg in systolic blood pressure (SBP) and 3 mmHg in diastolic blood pressure (DBP) that peaked between 2 to 4 hours post dose. There was a corresponding reduction in heart rate up to 5 beats per minute. Blood pressure and heart rate returned to baseline usually within 12 hours post-dose. No additive effects were seen for blood pressure or heart rate following repeat daily dosing 24-hours apart for up to 16 days [ see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.2 ) ]. Before initiating VYLEESI, and periodically during treatment, consider the patient's cardiovascular risk and ensure blood pressure is well-controlled. VYLEESI is not recommended for patients at high risk for cardiovascular disease and is contraindicated in patients with uncontrolled hypertension or known cardiovascular disease [ see Contraindications ( 4 ) ]. To minimize the risk of more pronounced blood pressure effects, advise patients to not take more than one VYLEESI dose within 24 hours <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Dosage and Administration ( 2.1 )]</span>.
5.2 Focal Hyperpigmentation In the phase 3 placebo-controlled trials, focal hyperpigmentation, including involvement of the face, gingiva, and breasts, was reported in 1% of patients who received up to 8 doses per month of VYLEESI compared to no placebo-treated patients. In another clinical study, 38% of patients developed focal hyperpigmentation after receiving VYLEESI daily for 8 days; among patients who continued VYLEESI for 8 more consecutive days, an additional 14% developed new focal pigmentary changes. Patients with dark skin were more likely to develop focal hyperpigmentation. Resolution of the focal hyperpigmentation was not confirmed in all patients after discontinuation of VYLEESI. More than 8 monthly doses of VYLEESI is not recommended. Consider discontinuing VYLEESI if hyperpigmentation develops.
5.3 Nausea In the phase 3 placebo-controlled trials, nausea was the most commonly reported adverse reaction, reported in 40% of VYLEESI-treated patients, requiring anti-emetic therapy in 13% of VYLEESI-treated patients and leading to premature discontinuation from the trials for 8% of VYLEESI-treated patients. Nausea improves for most patients with the second dose <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )]</span> . Consider discontinuing VYLEESI for persistent or severe nausea or initiating anti-emetic therapy for those patients who are bothered by nausea but wish to continue with VYLEESI treatment.
Drug Interactions
INTERACTIONS VYLEESI may slow gastric emptying and impact absorption of concomitantly administered oral medications. ( 7.1 ) VYLEESI may significantly decrease the systemic exposure of orally-administered naltrexone; avoid use with orally administered naltrexone-containing products intended to treat alcohol or opioid addiction. ( 7.2 )