Addyi vs Aygestin: side-by-side comparison
Addyi (Flibanserin) and Aygestin (Norethindrone) both belong to the Women's Sexual Health class. They share clinical context but use different active ingredients. The choice between them depends on mechanism nuances, side-effect profile and individual response.
| Property | Addyi | Aygestin |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Flibanserin | Norethindrone |
| Manufacturer | Sprout Pharmaceuticals | Various generics |
| Class | Women's Sexual Health | Women's Sexual Health |
| Strengths | 100mg | 5mg |
| Forms | tablet | tablet |
What's the same
Addyi and Aygestin both belong to the Women's Sexual Health class and are used for partially overlapping indications. The active ingredients — Flibanserin vs Norethindrone — share the same therapeutic approach, so many safety and management points carry across both.
Key differences
Meaningful differences are in active ingredient (Flibanserin vs Norethindrone), strengths (100mg vs 5mg), forms (tablet vs tablet), and the mechanism, half-life and side-effect nuances that distinguish members of the class.
Mechanism and action
Addyi: Sexual desire is modulated by complex central nervous system pathways involving serotonin (generally inhibitory) and dopamine and norepinephrine (generally excitatory). Aygestin: Norethindrone binds to progesterone receptors and exerts progestational effects: thickening cervical mucus, suppressing the LH surge, thinning the endometrium and reducing endometrial implant activity in endometriosis.
When Addyi is preferred
Addyi is indicated for the treatment of acquired, generalised hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women.
When Aygestin is preferred
Aygestin is approved for endometriosis-associated pain, abnormal uterine bleeding due to hormonal imbalance, and secondary amenorrhoea.
Frequently asked questions
Is Addyi or Aygestin better? ▾
There is no single answer. Addyi and Aygestin both belong to the Women's Sexual Health class but differ in mechanism nuances, half-life and side-effect profile. Preference depends on the patient, the prescriber and prior response to other therapies.
Can I switch from Addyi to Aygestin? ▾
Switching within the Women's Sexual Health class is done under supervision, typically using equivalent doses and a follow-up period to confirm response and tolerance. It is not a self-directed decision.
Do Addyi and Aygestin have the same side effects? ▾
They share many of the Women's Sexual Health class side effects, with differences from mechanism and dose. Each medication's prescribing information lists specifics.
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