The testosterone patch designed to boost a womans sex drive after womb and ovary removal may not be effective or safe in the longer term, according to Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin.
Intrinsa was recently approved in the UK for the treatment hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) based on evidence suggesting that a fall in sex drive after menopause might be linked to low testosterone levels.
The Bulletins analysis is based on a review of previous trials of the patch which identified some important shortcomings.
It points out the key trials involved selective groups of women, excluding those with mental or physical conditions that could affect sex drive. Also, a diagnosis of HSDD was often made only on the basis of short questionnaires.
Some of the studies also reported a large placebo response, which indicates low hormone levels might not have been the problem.
In addition to that, side effects were reported by around 75 percent of the women, which included skin reactions, acne, excess hair, hair loss, breast pain and weight gain.
“The published evidence shows small improvements in sexual parameters and large placebo responses,” says DTB, adding that its long term safety is also unknown.
“For all these reasons, we cannot recommend Intrinsa for use in women with sexual dysfunction,” it concludes.
Some studies have suggested that dietary changes or nutritional supplements may help women struggling with a flagging libido. 