WHY is this medicine prescribed?
Bremelanotide injection is used to treat women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD; a low sexual desire that causes distress or interpersonal difficulty) who have not experienced menopause (change of life; the end of monthly menstrual periods); who have not had problems with low sexual desire in the past; and whose low sexual desire is not due to a medical or mental health problem, a relationship problem, or medication or other drug use. Bremelanotide injection should not be used for the treatment of HSDD in women who have gone through menopause, in men, or to improve sexual performance. Bremelanotide injection is in a class of medications called melanocortin receptor agonists. It works by activating certain natural substances in the brain that control mood and thinking.
HOW should this medicine be used?
Bremelanotide injection comes as a solution (liquid) in a prefilled automatic injection device to inject subcutaneously (under the skin). It is usually injected as needed, at least 45 minutes before sexual activity. You and your doctor will determine the best time for you to inject bremelanotide injection based on how well the medication works for you and the side effects you experience. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use bremelanotide injection exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Do not inject more than one dose of bremelanotide injection within 24 hours. Do not inject more than 8 doses of bremelanotide injection within a month.
Before you use bremelanotide injection yourself the first time, carefully read the manufacturer's instructions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to show you how to inject it. Be sure to ask your pharmacist or doctor if you have any questions about how to inject this medication.
Use a new prefilled automatic injection device each time you inject your medication. Do not reuse or share automatic injection devices. Discard used automatic injection devices in a puncture resistant container that is out of the reach of children. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about how to discard the puncture-resistant container.
You should inject bremelanotide injection into the skin of the stomach area or the front of the thigh. Avoid giving your injection within the 2-inch area around your belly button. Do not inject into areas where the skin is irritated, sore, bruised, red, hard, or scarred. Do not inject through your clothes. Choose a different site each time you give yourself an injection.
Always look at your bremelanotide solution before you inject it. It should be clear and free of particles. Do not use bremelanotide solution if it is cloudy, colored, or contains particles.
If your symptoms do not improve after 8 weeks of treatment, call your doctor.
Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient.
Are there OTHER USES for this medication?
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
What SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS should I follow?
Before using bremelanotide injection,
What SPECIAL DIETARY instructions should I follow?
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
What SIDE EFFECTS can this medicine cause?
Bremelanotide injection may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms or those listed in the SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS section, call your doctor:
Bremelanotide injection may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while using this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).
What should I do in case of OVERDOSE?
In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at http://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.
What should I know about STORAGE and DISPOSAL of this medication?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it in the refrigerator or at room temperature and away from light, excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Do not freeze.
Keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers are not child-resistant. Always lock safety caps. Place the medication in a safe location - one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org
Dispose of unneeded medications in a way so that pets, children, and other people cannot take them. Do not flush this medication down the toilet. Use a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist about take-back programs in your community. Visit the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p for more information.
What OTHER INFORMATION should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
Keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines, vitamins, minerals, and dietary supplements you are taking. Bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to the hospital. You should carry the list with you in case of emergencies.
This report on medications is for your information only, and is not considered individual patient advice. Because of the changing nature of drug information, please consult your physician or pharmacist about specific clinical use.
The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. represents that the information provided hereunder was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose, with respect to such information and specifically disclaims all such warranties. Users are advised that decisions regarding drug therapy are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and the information is provided for informational purposes only. The entire monograph for a drug should be reviewed for a thorough understanding of the drug's actions, uses and side effects. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. does not endorse or recommend the use of any drug. The information is not a substitute for medical care.
AHFS® Patient Medication Information™ Copyright, 2025. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists®, 4500 East-West Highway, Suite 900, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.
Selected Revisions: November 15, 2019.