Intrinsa Patches

Intrinsa patches are transdermal and work constantly to release small amounts of testosterone which are absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream. Intrinsa's active ingredient testosterone, is the hormone that drives both the male and female sex drive. Intrinsa helps women suffering from female sexual dysfunction (FSD) and hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD). If you suffer from either of these conditions, your testosterone levels can drop to half of what they once were or should be. A decrease in testosterone is associated with low sexual desire, reduced sexual thoughts, and reduced sexual arousal. All these sexual problems can cause personal distress or relationship difficulties.

What is Intrinsa used for?

Intrinsa is used for the treatment of HSDD. Intrinsa is intended for women up to the age of 60 years old who also have:

• A low sexual desire, which is causing distress or concern
• Both of their ovaries removed
• Their womb removed (hysterectomy)
• Has been receiving oestrogen therapy

How long does the Intrinsa treatment last?

It takes more than a month or 2 before you notice any positive effect from the Intrinsa treatment. If however, you do not notice any improvement within 3-6 months, you should consult a doctor. He or she will suggest whether you should stop the Intrinsa treatment. The Intrinsa treatment should not last for more than a year.

What are the precautions for Intrinsa?

Intrinsa patches are safe, but take special care before you take the Intrinsa treatment if:

• You have history of heart, liver or kidney disease
• You are diabetic (testosterone may lower blood glucose levels)
• You have a history of excessive adult acne, body or facial hair, hair loss, enlargement of the clitoris or voice deepening/ hoarseness

Inform your doctor about all the above-mentioned conditions, before you order Intrinsa.

Who should not take Intrinsa?

There are certain women for whom Intrinsa is contraindicated and they should not take the treatment. They are as follows:

• Allergy (hypersensitivity) to testosterone or any of the other ingredients of Intrinsa
• You have had in the past, currently have, or think that you might have, breast cancer or any other cancer which your doctor has described as being caused or stimulated by the female hormone oestrogen, known as the 'oestrogen-dependent' cancers
• Conditions that your doctor may consider inappropriate for the use of oestrogen and/or testosterone

What are the side effects of Intrinsa?

Very common side effects

The following side effects are very common and occur in more than one out of 10 patients at the site of the skin where the patch is applied:

• Rash
• Irritation
• Itching
• Redness

Common side effects

These side effects occur in more than one out of 100 but less than one out of 10 patients and are generally mild and reversible.

• 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

If these side effects persist or become especially bothersome, consult your doctor.

Note:

The efficacy of Intrinsa is reduced if your oestrogen therapy is of a certain type ('conjugated equine estrogens'). Therefore, you need to discuss your type of oestrogen with your doctor, who can advise you which type of oestrogen is suitable to use with Intrinsa. If you stop oestrogen therapy, you must also stop using Intrinsa.