Intrinsa

The European license for Intrinsa has been withdrawn at the request of the license holder. No new prescriptions for this medication will be issued.

What is Intrinsa?

Intrinsa is a medication manufactured by Proctor and Gamble for use in women suffering from Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder, also known as HSDD. The active ingredient in the treatment is testosterone which is exactly the same as the testosterone which occurs naturally in men and women. The testosterone is delivered using a transdermal patch which is applied to the skin of the lower abdomen.

Intrinsa is no longer available to prescribe.

How does Intrinsa Work?

Most people associate testosterone with men but women also produce testosterone naturally in the ovaries. A reduction in the level of testosterone produced by women has been linked to Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder. Intrinsa is a testosterone replacement therapy that has been specially designed for women. By introducing testosterone through the patch to be applied to the skin, women can normalise their testosterone levels which can then lead to an increase in sexual desire. Intrinsa will not take effect immediately and it can take more than one month before you notice an improvement. If you have not noticed an improvement in your sex drive after using Intrinsa for 6 months then we will discontinue the treatment.

How to use Intrinsa

Intrinsa should be placed on your lower abdomen below the waist. Do not stick the patch on your breast or bottom. Make sure that the area of skin is:

• Clean, dry and free of moisturisers, lotions and powders.
• As smooth as possible and free from folds.
• Not cut or irritated in any way, including rashes or other skin problems.
• Unlikely to be rubbed by clothing excessively.
• Preferably, free from hair.

When you change your patch, please stick the new patch on a new area of skin on your lower abdomen as the rotation of treatment area is likely to reduce the risk of irritation.

Only one patch should be worn at a time.

Special Considerations

Intrinsa is a prescription medication and it is not appropriate for everyone. Do not use Intrinsa if any of the following apply:

• If you are allergic to testosterone or any of the ingredients of Intrinsa.
• If you have had breast cancer or any other estrogen dependent cancer.

Special care needs to be taken if the following apply:

• If you have a history of heart, liver or kidney disease.
• If you are a diabetic, as testosterone may lower blood glucose levels.
• If you have a history of excessive adult acne, body or facial hair, hair loss, enlargement of the clitoris or voice deepening or hoarseness.

If any of the above apply, you must tell the doctor and he/she will advise you what course of action to take.

It is not known whether Intrinsa increases the risk of breast cancer so you should be carefully monitored with regard to breast cancer.

Intrinsa must not be used if there is any risk that you might become pregnant as the testosterone can harm the unborn child. Intinsa should also not be used if you are breast-feeding as this may cause harm to the child.

Possible Side Effects

As with all medications, there are potential side effects associated with Intrinsa. A full list of potential side effects is provided as part of the pre-purchase guidance if you are approved for a prescription by one of our doctors. If you experience any hair loss or enlargement of the clitoris then you should tell us straight away. We should also be informed if develop hair on the chin or upper lip or there is any deepening of the voice. These effects (if they occur) are reversible but we need to be informed in any event.