The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 278 No 7445 p361
31 March 2007

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News summary

Testosterone patch may address low libido in women with surgically induced menopause

A transdermal testosterone patch to treat loss of female sexual desire resulting from surgically induced menopause has been launched. Marketed by Procter & Gamble Pharmaceuticals as Intrinsa, the patch is licensed for the treatment of hypoactive sexual desire disorder in women who have undergone bilateral oophorectomy and hysterectomy and who are receiving oestrogen therapy.

The patch delivers 300mg of the hormone over 24 hours. This can be achieved by applying a new patch every three to four days. Each patch should be applied to a clean, dry area of skin on the lower abdomen below the waist — application sites should be rotated and treatment should be appraised every six months.

All patients should be monitored for, and advised to self-assess, potential androgenic adverse effects, such as acne, changes in hair growth and hair loss.

In addition, the summary of product characteristics advises that, although signs of virilisation such as voice deepening, hirsutism or clitoromegaly were reversible in clinical trials, they may be irreversible in some cases and discontinuation of treatment should be considered if these symptoms occur.

Mild erythema and itching at the patch site is the most common adverse effect.


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