Intrinsa

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. Each patch contains 8.4 mg of testosterone, releasing 300 micrograms over a 24 hour period. The Intrinsa patch must be changed every 3 to 4 days.

Intrinsa is only available on prescription. In order to proceed with an application to use Intrinsa, please click on the Free Consultation button and answer the short medical questionnaire.

How does Intrinsa Work?

Decreases in testosterone levels in women have been associated with low sexual desire, reduced sexual arousal and reduced sexual thoughts. All of these problems can cause personal distress or relationship difficulties. By introducing testosterone through an Intrinsa transdermal patch, increased levels of testosterone can lead to a normalisation of sexual desire. It should be borne in mind that the application of Intrinsa will not have an immediate effect. It may take up to one month before you notice an improvement. If there has been no positive effect from using Intrinsa within 3 to 6 months, use of the product should be discontinued.

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, Intrinsa can cause side effects but not everyone will get them.

Tell your prescribing doctor immediately:

• If you experience hair loss, enlargement of the clitoris, an increase in the amount of hair on the upper lip or chin, voice deepening or hoarseness. These effects may be very mild but we should be notified. These effects are usually reversible if Intrinsa is discontinued.
• If you notice any skin reactions at the site of application such as redness or blistering. In the case of severe site reaction, the treatment should be discontinued.

The following side effects were very common (more than 1 in 10) at the site of application:

The following side effects are considered common (more than 1 in 100 but less than 1 in 10) but most are mild in nature and reversible.

• Increase in the amount of hair on the chin or upper lip
• Hair loss
• Acne
• Migraine
• Insomnia
• Voice deepening or hoarseness
• Breast pain
• Weight gain

If you wish to be considered for Intrinsa, please complete a Free Consultation form which will be submitted to one of our doctors who will assess your suitability.