Bremelanotide Acetate and Food

Bremelanotide may affect the absorption of other medications that you take by mouth. In some cases, this may affect how well and/or how fast those medications work, or it may make no difference. If you are taking oral medications that depend on adequate blood levels to be effective (e.G., antibiotics) or oral medications that require a rapid onset of effect (e.G., pain medications), it is recommended that you avoid using bremelanotide. Talk to a healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns, and contact your doctor if your symptoms worsen or your condition changes. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

GENERALLY AVOID: Bremelanotide may slow gastric emptying and reduce the rate and extent of absorption of concomitantly administered oral medications. In clinical pharmacology studies, bremelanotide 1.75 mg given subcutaneously did not affect the absorption of most of the tested oral medications to any clinically relevant degree, including amlodipine, bupropion, celecoxib, ethinyl estradiol, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, lisinopril, losartan, metformin, metoprolol, norethindrone, phentermine, pseudoephedrine, sertraline, and venlafaxine. However, naltrexone peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) decreased by approximately 60% and 40%, respectively, relative to administration alone. Indomethacin Cmax and AUC decreased by approximately 35% and 20%, respectively, relative to administration alone.

MANAGEMENT: Patients should avoid the use of bremelanotide when taking concomitant oral medications that are dependent on threshold concentrations for efficacy (e.g., antibiotics). Patients should also consider avoiding bremelanotide when a quick onset of therapeutic effect is desired for concomitant oral medications (e.g., drugs for pain relief such as indomethacin).