Drug Guide
Bremelanotide Acetate
Classification
Therapeutic: Sexual Dysfunction Agent
Pharmacological: Melanocortin Receptor Agonist
FDA Approved Indications
- Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women
Mechanism of Action
Bremelanotide is a melanocortin receptor agonist that modulates neural pathways involved in sexual desire, leading to increased libido in women with HSDD.
Dosage and Administration
Adult: 30 mg injected subcutaneously once, at least 45 minutes before sexual activity, no more than once in 24 hours.
Pediatric: Not approved for pediatric use.
Geriatric: Limited data; use with caution, starting at lower doses.
Renal Impairment: No specific adjustments recommended; monitor for efficacy and tolerability.
Hepatic Impairment: Use with caution; no specific dose adjustments established.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption: Rapid absorption following subcutaneous injection.
Distribution: Widely distributed, crosses the blood-brain barrier.
Metabolism: Primarily metabolized by proteolytic enzymes.
Excretion: Excreted mainly in urine; minimal unchanged drug recovered.
Half Life: Approximately 2 hours.
Contraindications
- History of hypersensitivity to Bremelanotide or any components.
- Use with caution in patients prone to cardiovascular disease or with uncontrolled hypertension.
Precautions
- Monitor blood pressure; avoid in patients with known hormone-sensitive cancers or during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Not recommended for use with other potent vasoconstrictive agents or medications affecting blood pressure.
Adverse Reactions - Common
- Nausea (Very common)
- Vomiting (Common)
- Injection site reactions (pain, redness, irritation) (Common)
- Flushing (Common)
Adverse Reactions - Serious
- Transient increases in blood pressure (Uncommon)
- Anaphylaxis (Rare)
- Darkening of the skin in treated areas (Rare)
Drug-Drug Interactions
- Other vasoconstrictors, agents affecting blood pressure, or serotonergic drugs.
Drug-Food Interactions
N/ADrug-Herb Interactions
N/ANursing Implications
Assessment: Monitor blood pressure before and after administration; assess for hypersensitivity reactions.
Diagnoses:
- Risk for hypertension
- Ineffective coping related to side effects
Implementation: Administer as prescribed via autoinjector; educate patient on injection technique.
Evaluation: Evaluate effectiveness in increasing sexual desire and monitor for adverse effects.
Patient/Family Teaching
- Instruct on proper use of the autoinjector.
- Report any adverse reactions, especially rapid changes in blood pressure or allergic reactions.
- Do not use more than once in 24 hours.
Special Considerations
Black Box Warnings:
- Potential for severe hypoperfusion and ischemia in some patients, especially those with cardiovascular risks.
Genetic Factors: No specific genetic factors impacting use.
Lab Test Interference: No significant interference reported.
Overdose Management
Signs/Symptoms: Excessive vasoconstriction, hypertensive crisis, or allergic reactions.
Treatment: Discontinue drug; provide supportive care, antihypertensive treatment if necessary; seek emergency care.
Storage and Handling
Storage: Store at controlled room temperature, away from moisture and light.
Stability: Stable until the expiration date on the packaging.