At a glance
Effects
- Increased sexual desire: Used as-needed for low sexual desire causing distress in premenopausal women; taken at least 45 minutes before anticipated sexual activity [1][2].
- Rapid onset: Reaches peak plasma levels about 1 hour after subcutaneous injection; subjective effect typically begins within 30–60 minutes [9][5].
- Transient blood-pressure rise: Each dose transiently raises blood pressure and slightly lowers heart rate, usually resolving within about 12 hours [6].
- Skin/gum darkening: Can cause focal hyperpigmentation of the face, gums and breasts, more likely with darker skin and frequent dosing; may not fully reverse after stopping [6][12].
Melanocortin receptor agonist (cyclic heptapeptide)
~2.7 h (range 1.9–4.0 h)
Subcutaneous (abdomen/thigh) autoinjector
Take ≥45 min before activity; Tmax ~1 h
Transiently raises blood pressure
About Bremelanotide
Every point here is drawn from public medical and harm-reduction sources. A bracketed number after a claim — like [1]— is a reference: tap it to open the exact source it's based on (numbered list at the bottom). It is not a rating or score. Educational information, not medical advice.
Product specifics
- Est. delivery
- 3–7 business days · EU tracked
Product details as stated by the vendor (claims, not independently verified). Delivery is our standard EU estimate.
What it is
Bremelanotide (brand name Vyleesi; research name PT-141) is a melanocortin receptor agonist peptide [4]. It is FDA-approved (2019) to treat acquired, generalized hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women, and is not indicated to enhance sexual performance or for use in men or postmenopausal women [3][1].
How it works
Bremelanotide is a synthetic cyclic 7-amino-acid peptide (a lactam analogue of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone) that nonselectively activates several melanocortin receptors, with MC1R and MC4R binding being most relevant at therapeutic doses [4][7]. MC4R-expressing neurons are widespread in the central nervous system, and activation of central melanocortin pathways is thought to modulate sexual desire — but the exact mechanism by which it improves HSDD is unknown [7][2]. Activation of MC1R on melanocytes drives melanin production, which explains its skin-darkening (hyperpigmentation) effect [7].
Risks & side effects
Most important: Bremelanotide transiently raises blood pressure and lowers heart rate after each dose, so it is contraindicated in people with uncontrolled hypertension or known cardiovascular disease, and is not recommended for those at high cardiovascular risk [6][8]. To limit pronounced blood-pressure effects, no more than one dose should be taken in 24 hours and no more than 8 doses per month [6].
Common
Serious
- Transient blood-pressure increase with decreased heart rate after each dose — contraindicated in uncontrolled hypertension or known cardiovascular disease [6][8]
- Focal hyperpigmentation of face, gums and breasts that may not resolve after discontinuation, especially with darker skin or frequent dosing [6][12]
- Potential fetal harm — animal studies showed developmental harm; not recommended in pregnancy [3]
Rare
- A single case of acute hepatitis (transaminases >40× upper limit of normal) was reported in a patient who received 10 doses over one year [10]
- Less common (<2%): abdominal pain, diarrhea, myalgia, arthralgia, restless leg syndrome, rhinorrhea, raised creatine phosphokinase [10]
- Severe allergic reactions [12]
Safety & harm reduction
- People with uncontrolled hypertension or known cardiovascular disease (contraindicated) [8]
- Those at high risk for cardiovascular disease (not recommended) [6]
- Pregnant women, or those who may become pregnant without effective contraception — potential fetal harm [3]
- Men, postmenopausal women, or for enhancing sexual performance (not indicated) [2]
- May significantly decrease systemic exposure of orally administered naltrexone; avoid use with oral naltrexone-containing products for alcohol/opioid addiction [6]
- May slow gastric emptying and reduce absorption of other oral medications [6]
- Alcohol did not affect bremelanotide pharmacokinetics in a study, though transient blood-pressure increases were still seen [9]
Dosage context
The FDA-approved dose is 1.75 mg injected subcutaneously into the abdomen or thigh, as needed, at least 45 minutes before anticipated sexual activity [1]. No more than one dose should be used within 24 hours, and no more than 8 doses per month [6]. This is the labeled regimen, not a personal prescription — dosing should be set with a clinician.
Sources
- 1.DailyMed — VYLEESI (bremelanotide injection) label
- 2.MedlinePlus — Bremelanotide Injection
- 3.FDA accessdata — Vyleesi prescribing information (2019)
- 4.DrugBank — Bremelanotide (DB11653)
- 5.Peptides Lab UK — PT-141 pharmacology reference
- 6.Vyleesi HCP site — Safety / Important Safety Information
- 7.Vyleesi Full Prescribing Information (Clinical Pharmacology)
- 8.Vyleesi HCP — Dosing and Administration (contraindications)
- 9.Synapse / PatSnap — Bremelanotide acetate mechanism & onset
- 10.DailyMed — adverse reactions / hepatitis case
- 11.Drugs.com — Vyleesi side effects / monitoring
- 12.WebMD — Vyleesi (bremelanotide) warnings
This information is provided for educational and harm-reduction purposes only. It is not medical advice. These substances can carry serious health risks; effects and safe use vary by individual. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before use. Legal status varies by country — it is your responsibility to know your local law. We do not encourage misuse.
Other options for Bremelanotide· 2 offers
Same compound from different labs/brands and pack sizes. Tap a row to switch brand — the price and buy button update instantly.
| Brand | Form | Strength | Pack | Price | Per mg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GenericSelected | vial | 10 mg | 10 vial | 329,99 € | — |
Generic | vial | 10 mg | 10 vial | 600,00 € | — |