How to Use PT-141 (Bremelanotide): Timing and Side Effects
PT-141 is taken as needed, injected under the skin at least 45 minutes before sexual activity according to the FDA-approved label. Nausea is the most common side effect, and it can briefly raise blood pressure.
PT-141 (bremelanotide) is used as needed rather than every day. The FDA-approved version, Vyleesi, is injected under the skin of the belly or thigh at least 45 minutes before anticipated sexual activity, and the label limits how often it can be used. Nausea is the most common side effect, and it can temporarily raise blood pressure. Your licensed provider and your prescription label will give you your exact directions.
Key takeaways
- PT-141 is an as-needed injection, not a daily medicine.
- The approved label says to use it at least 45 minutes before sexual activity, with limits on how often.
- Nausea, flushing and headache are the most common side effects.
- It can briefly raise blood pressure and is not for people with uncontrolled hypertension or heart disease.
- Golden Glow PT-141 is compounded by a licensed US pharmacy and is not FDA-approved.
How PT-141 works
Bremelanotide activates melanocortin receptors in the brain, which are involved in sexual desire. It is not a hormone and does not act on blood flow the way some medicines for men do. FDA approved bremelanotide in 2019 for premenopausal women with acquired, generalized hypoactive sexual desire disorder, meaning low desire that developed after a period of normal desire, happens in all situations, causes distress and is not explained by another condition, relationship problems or medications.
Timing
According to the approved label summarized in FDA's Drug Trials Snapshot, bremelanotide is used at least 45 minutes before anticipated sexual activity. The label also limits use to no more than one dose in 24 hours and a set number of doses per month. Your Golden Glow prescription label will state your exact directions; follow those.
How long the effect lasts varies, and the label does not promise a specific window. Some people notice a change within an hour or so; others notice little.
How to inject
Golden Glow PT-141 is a compounded vial with directions from the pharmacy. General subcutaneous injection steps, as MedlinePlus describes them, are: wash hands, clean the vial top and the skin with alcohol, draw up the prescribed dose, pinch a fold of skin on the belly or thigh, insert the needle at the angle your directions give, inject slowly, and dispose of the needle in a sharps container. See our guide to subcutaneous injections for more detail.
Side effects
| Effect | What to know |
|---|---|
| Nausea | Most common, often with the first doses, and usually eases with later use |
| Flushing | Warmth or redness of the face |
| Headache | Usually mild |
| Injection-site reactions | Redness or stinging |
| Blood pressure | Temporary rise and lower heart rate after a dose |
| Darkening of skin | Patches of darker skin, more likely with frequent use |
In trials, about 40 percent of women had nausea, and some stopped treatment because of it. Tell your provider about any lasting skin darkening.
Who should not use it
PT-141 is not for people who have uncontrolled high blood pressure or known heart disease, are pregnant, could become pregnant without using contraception, or are breastfeeding. It can reduce the effect of oral naltrexone, so tell your provider about every medication you take.
Is it working?
The FDA label suggests stopping after eight weeks if there is no improvement. Benefits in clinical trials were modest, and the medicine does not work for everyone. If it is not helping, a licensed provider can review other causes and options.
Frequently asked questions
How long before sex do I take PT-141, and how long does it last?
The approved label says at least 45 minutes before sexual activity. How long the effect lasts varies from person to person, and the label does not promise a specific time.
Can I use PT-141 every day?
No. It is an as-needed medicine, and the label limits use to no more than one dose in 24 hours and a limited number of doses per month.
Can I drink alcohol with PT-141?
The bremelanotide label does not carry the alcohol warning that flibanserin does, but alcohol can affect desire, arousal and nausea. Ask your provider.
Can I use PT-141 after menopause?
The FDA approval covers premenopausal women. Use after menopause would be off-label, and your provider will discuss whether it is appropriate.
Talk to a licensed provider
If you are considering PT-141, start an online PT-141 visit. A licensed provider will review your history, blood pressure and medicines. This article is educational and does not determine eligibility for any treatment.
Sources
This article is educational and is not medical advice. Golden Glow content is written to be accurate and is reviewed against the sources above. Rx programs require an online visit with a licensed provider. Results vary.