Sexual Desire
Vyleesi is intended for eligible women with HSDD. It is not approved to enhance sexual performance.
Peptide Therapy in Pasadena
Bremelanotide
Private, personalized guidance for your sexual-health concerns and treatment options.
Book Your AppointmentWhat Is Bremelanotide?
Bremelanotide is a synthetic peptide that activates melanocortin receptors. Its FDA-approved formulation, Vyleesi®, is used for a specific type of low sexual desire.
Approved use: Vyleesi treats acquired, generalized hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women when low desire causes distress and is not explained by another condition, medication, or relationship problem.
Understanding Its Role
Low desire can have several causes. A medical evaluation helps determine whether bremelanotide or another approach fits your needs.
Melanocortin Signaling
Bremelanotide acts through melanocortin receptors involved in neural signaling. It is not a hormone replacement therapy.
Individual Response
Response varies. Your provider reviews your symptoms, treatment goals, and progress rather than promising a particular outcome.
Formulations and Treatment Planning
Your provider will explain the prescribed product, its evidence, and any limitations before treatment.
FDA-Approved Vyleesi
Vyleesi is a subcutaneous injection used as needed before anticipated sexual activity. Follow the product instructions and your prescriber’s guidance.
Other Formulations and Uses
Nasal sprays and oral troches are not FDA-approved Vyleesi formulations. Compounded products are not FDA-approved, and their safety and effectiveness cannot be assumed to match the approved injection. Use in men is off-label and has limited supporting evidence.
Men’s Sexual Health and Compounded Options
Men experiencing low desire or erectile concerns can discuss established treatments and off-label options during a private consultation.
Men’s Libido and Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
Bremelanotide (PT-141) has been studied for erectile dysfunction and may be considered off-label for selected men with ED or low libido. Libido refers to sexual desire; ED concerns achieving or maintaining an erection. Evidence in men remains limited, and neither use is FDA-approved. Your provider reviews possible causes and established treatment options first.
Combinations With Tadalafil or Oxytocin
When medically appropriate and legally permissible, a prescriber and licensed compounding pharmacist may discuss a patient-specific formulation containing bremelanotide with tadalafil, oxytocin, or other selected ingredients. The exact combination, route, and availability require pharmacy confirmation.
These combinations are not FDA-approved, and evidence supporting their combined safety and effectiveness is limited. Added ingredients should not be assumed to improve results.
Individual review matters. Your provider and pharmacist must assess interactions, blood-pressure effects, and whether an approved medication can meet your needs. Compounded products are not reviewed by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or quality before marketing.
Safety Comes First
Review your medical history, blood pressure, current medications, and any pregnancy plans with your provider.
When It Must Not Be Used
Vyleesi is contraindicated in people with uncontrolled hypertension or known cardiovascular disease. It can temporarily raise blood pressure and lower heart rate.
Side Effects to Discuss
Nausea, flushing, headache, vomiting, and injection-site reactions can occur. Skin darkening is also possible and may not resolve after treatment stops.
Tell your provider about all medications and supplements. Bremelanotide can affect absorption of oral medicines. Review the full prescribing information for warnings, interactions, and instructions.
Melanotan II, Pigmentation, and Skin Safety
Bremelanotide is related to Melanotan II—not melatonin, the hormone involved in sleep.
Related Peptides, Different Products
Bremelanotide (PT-141) is a derivative of Melanotan II. Both act on melanocortin receptors, which participate in sexual signaling and pigmentation. They are not interchangeable, and Vyleesi’s approval does not establish the safety of Melanotan II tanning products.
What the Melanoma Reports Mean
Case reports describe changing moles and melanoma after Melanotan exposure, sometimes alongside tanning-bed use. These reports raise concern but do not prove causation. They also do not establish that prescribed bremelanotide causes melanoma.
Vyleesi can cause focal skin darkening, which may persist after stopping. Pigmentation changes should not be mistaken for proof of cancer—or dismissed without assessment.
Tell your provider about prior melanoma, atypical moles, or new skin changes. Seek prompt assessment for a new, changing, irregular, or bleeding lesion; a dermatology review may be appropriate. Do not use bremelanotide as a tanning treatment.
Sources: melanocortin pharmacology, Melanotan-associated melanoma case report, and Vyleesi prescribing information.
Your Private Consultation
At Alpha Hormones® in Pasadena, the discussion starts with your concerns and goals.
Understand the Concern
Discuss when symptoms began, how they affect you, and relevant medical, medication, and relationship factors.
Evaluate Possible Causes
Your provider reviews your history and decides whether testing or another evaluation is needed.
Choose a Next Step
Discuss appropriate options, risks, costs, and follow-up. A consultation does not guarantee a prescription.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is bremelanotide FDA-approved?
Vyleesi is approved for certain premenopausal women with acquired, generalized HSDD. It is not approved for men, postmenopausal women, or sexual-performance enhancement.
How is it administered?
The approved Vyleesi product is injected under the skin. Compounded nasal or oral products are different formulations and are not FDA-approved.
How soon does it work?
Vyleesi is used before anticipated sexual activity according to its prescribing instructions. Response varies; your provider will explain timing and how to assess benefit.
Can men use bremelanotide?
Selected men may discuss off-label use for low libido or erectile dysfunction (ED). These are different concerns and require individual evaluation. Bremelanotide is not FDA-approved for either condition in men, and supporting evidence is limited.
Can it be combined with other sexual wellness medications?
Patient-specific combinations with tadalafil or oxytocin may be discussed when clinically appropriate and legally permissible. See Men’s Sexual Health and Compounded Options above. Do not combine products without prescriber and pharmacist review.
Is it safe for everyone?
No. Review the safety section above and the full prescribing information. A clinician must evaluate cardiovascular health, medication interactions, and other individual risks.
Where are medications sourced?
Prescriptions are filled through appropriately licensed pharmacies. Ask which product is being prescribed and whether it is FDA-approved or compounded.
Will I need lab work?
Testing depends on your symptoms and history. Your provider may recommend evaluation for other causes of low desire before selecting treatment.
Will insurance cover it?
Coverage depends on your plan, eligibility, and the prescribed product. Our team can help review benefits and expected costs.
Can I use HSA or FSA funds?
Eligibility depends on the expense and your plan’s rules. Confirm with your administrator before using funds.
Start a Private Conversation
Meet with our licensed medical team to discuss your sexual-health concerns and options.
Book Your AppointmentImportant Information
This content is educational and does not replace medical advice. Treatment requires individual evaluation, and results vary. See the full Vyleesi prescribing information for approved uses, contraindications, warnings, and instructions.
