Intrinsa Patches

Intrinsa treatment is manufactured by Procter and Gamble is meant for use only by women. This is the first-ever treatment for women who have lack of sexual desires and are not easily sexually aroused. Women no longer have to suffer in silence; Intrinsa patches can help them to reawaken their sexual desires. Intrinsa is a transdermal patch, which constantly releases small amounts of testosterone that is absorbed through skin into the bloodstream. The testosterone in Intrinsa patch is the same hormone that is produced naturally in men and women.

Can I obtain Intrinsa patches?

You can obtain Intrinsa treatment only if you are a woman, below 60 years of age; have a low sexual desire, which is a cause of concern or distress; have both the ovaries removed; have hysterectomy and consequently womb removed; and are receiving estrogen therapy.

How long does Intrinsa treatment last?

Intrinsa treatment may last for a year. You might experience positive effects in couple of months only. However, if you do not observe any improvement in 3-6 months your doctor may advice you to stop the treatment.

How to use Intrinsa treatment?

Intrinsa patches should be replaced two times a week i.e. if you start Intrinsa treatment on Monday, the next application should be on Thursday the same week. In any case, follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.

Is Intrinsa treatment approved for use in women?

Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) has approved Intrinsa treatment. They concluded that the benefits of Intrinsa treatment are far more than its risks and hence cleared Intrinsa for marketing. The European Commission has also granted a marketing authorization throughout the European Union to Procter & Gamble Pharmaceuticals on July 28, 2006.

How does Intrinsa patch work?

After removal of the ovaries, testosterone drops to half in menopausal women compared to before the operation. Decrease in testosterone is associated with low sexual desire, reduced sexual thoughts, and reduced sexual arousal.

Intrinsa supplies testosterone on a constant basis to the body and reverses all the effects caused by low testosterone level.

What are the side effects of Intrinsa patches?

The following side effects may occur very commonly (in more than one out of 10 patients) at the site of the skin where Intrinsa patch is applied.

• rash
• irritation
• itching
• redness

Common side effects

The following side effects may occur but most of them are mild in nature and reversible in nature:

• increase in the amount of hair on the chin or upper lip
• hair loss
• acne
• migraine
• insomnia/inability to sleep properly
• voice deepening or hoarseness
• breast pain
• weight gain

What are the contraindications for Intrinsa?

Women with the following conditions should not use Intrinsa patches:

• Allergic (hypersensitive) to testosterone or any other ingredients of Intrinsa
• Breast cancer or any other cancer caused or stimulated by the female hormone estrogen, also called 'estrogen-dependent' cancers
• Any other medical conditions that doctor may consider not appropriate for the use of estrogen and/or testosterone
• History of heart, liver or kidney disease
• Diabetes

If you have history of excessive adult acne, body or facial hair, hair loss, enlargement of the clitoris, voice deepening or hoarseness, take special care in taking Intrinsa.

Intrinsa is not meant for use in men, children and adolescents.