The new drug hailed as the first "female Viagra", promised to boost the sex drive of unsatisfied women around the world, but health regulators are not convinced, the UK's Daily Mail reported.
The drug called flibanserin, manufactured by German company Boehringer Ingelheim, was originally tested as an antidepressant, but was found to have desirable "libido-boosting" side effects.
However, drug reviewers at the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said two studies have failed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the drug.
The research revealed the drug only made sexual intercourse "slightly" more satisfying and came with a list of unpleasant side effects such as drowsiness, depression, fainting and dizziness.
Toleration of the drug was "moderate" according to the FDA, and they warned that labelling alone would not be sufficient to alert women of the numerous drug interactions that exist with flibanserin.
An FDA advisory committee of external experts will meet today to decide whether to recommend approval of the drug — though the agency is not required to follow their advice.
Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) impacts many women during their life. In fact, of the thousands of women surveyed for the Sex in Australia: Australian Study of Health and Relationships, more than half had lost interest in sex.
Symptoms include low or absent desire, inability to become aroused or experience an orgasm and painful intercourse.
There are several factors which contribute to FSD such as certain medical conditions and medications, hormonal imbalance and psychological conditions, such as depression or stress.
If you are experiencing symptoms of FSD, see your doctor. In most cases, it's a treatable condition.
Have your say: would you still try this drug, given the results?
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