FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION

What is Intrinsa and how does it work?

Intrinsa is a transdermal patch that helps women with sexual dysfunction get back their sexual desire and libido. It comes in the form of a thin, clear, oval patch and has the natural hormone testosterone as its active substance testosterone. Intrinsa works by constantly releasing small amounts of testosterone into the bloodstream through the skin.

Who can use Intrinsa?

Women up to the age of 60 years can buy and use Intrinsa. This medicinal patch is recommended for women who have low sexual desire, or have had both of their ovaries removed, or have had their womb removed (hysterectomy). Intrinsa can also be used by women who are already receiving estrogen therapy for their libido problems. Intrinsa is a prescription medicine for women, you would need to complete a consultation with our doctors - if suitable they will authorise a prescription to be dispensed by our pharmacies.

Who should take Intrinsa?

Intrinsa is used to treat women who have had their both their ovaries and uterus (womb)removed, and suffer from a lack of sexual thoughts and sexual desire that causes them distress. It is used in patients already taking an estrogen (a female sex hormone).

New research from an independent market analysis company has found that over 40% of women suffer from sexual problems, but less than 20% of them approach their physician for help.

Part of the problem, say the researchers, is that female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is anill-defined condition with a range of physical and psychological symptoms. With no widely accepted guidelines for diagnosing the condition, women seeking help for FSD can find themselves left with a diagnosis ranging from depression to dyspareunia, or even no diagnosis at all.

You should take Intrinsa if you:

* Have a low sexual desire which is causing distress or concern and
* Have had both of their ovaries removed and
* Have had their womb removed (hysterectomy) and
* Are receiving estrogen therapy

It may take longer than one month for you to notice an improvement after taking Intrinsa. If you have not experienced positive effect of Intrinsa within 3-6 months, you should inform your doctor, who may suggest that treatment be discontinued.

Who cannot take Intrinsa?

Women with the following conditions should not buy or use Intrinsa patches:

* Allergic (hypersensitive) to testosterone or any of the other ingredients of Intrinsa
* Breast cancer or any other cancer which your doctor has described as being caused or stimulated by the female hormone estrogen, also called ‘estrogen-dependent’ cancers
* Any other medical conditions that your 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 or voice deepening or hoarseness, take special care in taking Intrinsa.

Intrinsa is not meant for use in children and adolescents.

Intrinsa is only indicated for women with libido problems who are in their menopause after the ovaries and uterus have been removed. Do not buy Intrinsa or use it if you are, or suspect that you may be pregnant or are likely to become pregnant as it may cause harm to the unborn child. Do not use Intrinsa in case of breast-feeding because it may cause harm to the child.

How does Intrinsa help?

Testosterone levels in the body decrease due to age as well as various medical conditions. Levels can drop by up to 50% after removal of the ovaries. This reduction in testosterone levels causes a decrease in sexual desire and libido, and reduced sexual feelings as well as sexual arousal. In medical terms, this condition is known as Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder – commonly termed as HSDD. Intrinsa helps by increasing the level of testosterone in the blood, thereby treating HSDD.

When a woman buys Intrinsa, she gets more than just improved libido. Her increased sexual desire and sexual arousal can provide not only physical benefits but also help her emotionally; she can overcome personal misery and relationship difficulties in a much better way.

How to use Intrinsa patches?

Buy Intrinsa patches and use them exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Apply Intrinsa patches on dry, clean skin on the lower abdomen. Don’t use the same area for applying a repeat patch for at least a week. Choose a skin area which is not cut or irritated. Do not apply lotions, powders, moisturizers on the skin before applying the Intrinsa patch as these might interfere with the adhesive of the patch.

You can use Intrinsa patches during bathing, swimming or showering. However, when sunbathing, make sure the Intrinsa patch is covered with clothing. After removing the used patch, fold it into half and dispose it off in a garbage bin. Never flush the used Intrinsa patch down the toilet.

How often should I change Intrinsa patches?

Intrinsa patches should be replaced twice a week. Change the patch after 3-4 days and apply a new patch on a different area of the abdomen.

How long will it take to see results?

While Intrinsa patches deliver the medication directly into your bloodstream, they do need some time to show effect. So you might find visible changes in your libido a month or more after you buy and start using Intrinsa. If after 3 to 6 months of treatment, you don’t get the expected results from your Intrinsa patches, you should contact your doctor and get your treatment reviewed.

Are there any side effects with Intrinsa?

As with all other medications, Intrinsa too has certain side effects. However these side effects vary from person to person and may or may not appear for everyone.

Tell your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side effects: hair loss, enlargement of the clitoris, an increase in the amount of hair on the chin or upper lip, deepening or hoarseness of voice. These side effects are usually reversible if Intrinsa treatment is discontinued. They generally occur because testosterone is a male sex hormone and development of male characteristics could be an adverse reaction.

Side effects like rash, irritation, itching and redness may occur commonly at the area of the skin where the Intrinsa patch is applied.

Some other effects experienced due to increase in testosterone level are increase in the amount of hair on the chin or upper lip, hair loss, acne, migraine, insomnia, voice deepening, breast pain and weight gain. These side effects are generally mild and go away if the Intrinsa treatment is stopped.

However, if any of the side effects become serious and persistent, kindly inform your doctor.