What is this medicine?
Bremelanotide Acetate (BRE me LAN oh tide AS e tate)
Bremelanotide is a nonselective melanocortin receptor agonist.
- It may affect brain pathways involved in sexual response
- It may help address patients experiencing symptoms of sexual dysfunction
- It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Compounded Drug Forms: troche, nasal spray
What should the injectable product look like?
Upon visual inspection, the vial contents should appear as a clear solution with no visible particles.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
- Allergy to bremelanotide
- History of or existing hypertension
- Known or high risk for cardiovascular disease
- Kidney or liver problems
- Pregnant or breastfeeding
How should I use this medicine?
Follow the package directions provided by the pharmacy and by your prescriber. Your dosage is based on
your medical condition and response to therapy. Follow the dosing schedule provided carefully.
- Nasal sprays may need to be primed. Blow nose gently to clear any mucus from nasal passages and wash hands. Hold the bottle with thumb at the bottom and the nozzle between two fingers (use L hand for R nostril and vice versa). Tilt head forward slightly and close nostril not receiving medication. Insert the tip of the nozzle gently into nostril roughly ¼ to ½ inch inward. Point spray toward ear, away from nasal septum at center. Sniff deeply while pushing down on nozzle once. Breathe out through the mouth. Repeat with other nostril if dosing suggests waiting 10 seconds between sprays.
- Sublingual formulations should be placed under the tongue or between the cheek and gums and held in place until fully dissolved. Avoid swallowing saliva to ensure the best absorption into the blood stream. Avoid eating or drinking 15 minutes before or after taking sublingual formulations.
What are the limits to how often I can use this medication?
- Do not inject more than one dose within 24 hours of the last dose.
- Do not inject more than 8 doses within a month.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
- Signs of an allergic reaction: hives blistering, swelling of the mouth, face, lips tongue throat, trouble breathing.
- Signs of injection site reaction: redness or itching around the administration site.
- Monitor blood pressure and heart rate as indicated by your provider.
- Monitor for skin discoloration of face, gums, breasts, or at injection site.
- Regular check-ups with your provider are recommended.
What may interact with this medicine?
- Due to the medication’s nature, bremelanotide may cause delayed gastric emptying.
- Drug interactions exist with this medication.
- Of note: Bremelanotide may decrease serum concentration of naltrexone when naltrexone is taken at doses used to address alcohol or opioid addiction.
- Discuss your medication regimen with your health care provider to determine the best therapy for you.
What side effects or adverse drug reactions may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that may occur and may go away as your body gets used to the medication include:
- Flushing
- Headache
- Focal hyperpigmentation
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Injection site reactions
- Increases in blood pressure
- Decreases in heart rate
- Fatigue
- Hot flash
- Cough
Related concerns: transient increases in blood pressure and reductions in heart rate may occur after each dose. Peak effects 2-4 hours post dose and typically regulate within 12 hours.
What serious events prompt immediate attention?
Contact your doctor immediately or seek medical attention if you experience:
- Severe headache or dizziness
- Passing out
- Vision changes
- Slow heartbeat
You may experience side effects not listed. Contact your doctor with questions.
An allergic reaction to this medication is unlikely but seek medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an
allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, and/or trouble breathing.
Contraindications: Uncontrolled hypertension or known cardiovascular disease
Where should I keep my medicine?
- Follow the storage recommendations found on your prescription label.
- Store troches at room temperature between 59- and 86-degrees F, unless otherwise specified on the packaging.
- Store injectable and nasal bremelanotide at refrigeration, between 36 to 46 degrees F, unless otherwise specified on the packaging.
- Protect injectables from light.
Additional Information:
- Do not share this medication with others to whom it was not prescribed.
- Keep out of reach of children and pets.
- If an overdose is suspected contact your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 or go to the nearest emergency room.
If you have any questions concerning this or any of your medications, a pharmacist is available during normal
business hours to answer your questions. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer: This information should not be used to decide whether or not to
take this medication or any other medication. Only the healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to
decide which medicines are right for a specific patient. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general
information about this medicine. It does not include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to this medicine. For questions about the source of any of the information provided herein, pharmacists at Belmar Pharma Solutions are available. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from the healthcare provider. You must talk with the healthcare provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of this medicine.
Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to dispose of medications. There may be a drug take-back program in your area.
References:
- Bremelanotide. Lexi-Drugs. Lexicomp. Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. Riverwoods, IL. Available at: http://online.lexi.com. Accessed April 2023.
