THIS PRODUCT IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE IN THE UK/EU

About Intrinsa

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.

THIS PRODUCT IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE IN THE UK/EU

What is it used for?

Low sex drive (hypoactive sexual desire disorder) in women who have had their womb and both ovaries surgically removed, resulting in a surgically-induced menopause. Women should also be taking oestrogen replacement therapy (HRT).


How does it work?

Intrinsa patches contain the active ingredient testosterone, which is the same as the sex hormone that is produced naturally in both men and women.

Testosterone is known as an androgen. In women it is produced in small amounts by the ovaries. The ovaries also produce large amounts of the female sex hormone oestrogen.

Women who have had their ovaries removed produce less testosterone and oestrogen. This reduced level of testosterone in women can cause decreased sexual desire, and reduce sexual thoughts and arousal. This lack of libido can lead to personal distress and result in relationship difficulties. Medically, this condition can be known as hypoactive sexual desire disorder, referred to as HSDD.

Testosterone replacement therapy for women allows natural testosterone levels to return to normal, thus helping to restore libido.

Intrinsa patches are designed to be applied twice a week on a continuous basis. The testosterone is absorbed through the skin from the patch and into the bloodstream.


Who can use the Intrinsa patch?

Intrinsa patch has been developed for the treatment of low sexual desire in women up to the age of 60, who have had both their ovaries and their womb removed (surgically induced menopause) and who are taking oestrogen hormone replacement therapy (HRT).


How do I use the patches?

When using your patches follow the instructions in the leaflet provided with your patches carefully. Only one patch should be applied at a time. The patch should be applied to clean, dry, hairless, healthy skin on the lower abdomen below the waist. The patch must not be applied to the breasts or bottom. Don’t apply lotions, creams or powders to the skin before applying the patch, as they will prevent it sticking properly.

The patch must be changed every three to four days, which means you will use two patches a week. This means that one patch stays on the skin for three days and the other one stays on for four days. You need to decide which two days each week are going to be your patch change days. For example, if you start your treatment on Sunday, then you must change your patch on the following Wednesday. It may help if you write your patch change days on the medication box.

When changing the patch the old patch should be removed and disposed of safely; the new patch should be applied to a different area of the skin on the lower abdomen so as to avoid irritating the same area of the skin. If an oestrogen patch is being used at the same time as the Intrinsa patch, make sure that they do not overlap.

The Intrinsa patch has been designed to remain in place during showering, bathing and exercising, but it should be covered by clothing when sunbathing. If for any reason a patch does come off, re-apply by pressing it firmly or replace it with a new one. However, the regular patch day change routine should be continued as normal.


What do I do if I forget to change my patch?

If you forget to change your patch on the day it is due, then change it as soon as you remember and then continue with your regular routine of patch change days. This may mean you have to remove a patch after only having worn it for less than three or four days. By returning to your regular routine in this way it may help you remember your patch change day.


Warning!

Women using Intrinsa patches must see their doctor regularly. It is recommended that women see their doctor within three to six months of starting the treatment and every six months thereafter. It may take over a month to notice any changes in libido.

It is important for women to be aware of possible side effects of this treatment, such as increased facial hair growth, acne, increase in the size of the clitoris, hair loss and changes in their voice. Tell your doctor if you experience any of these or have severe skin irritation due to the patches.

Women with heart disease or high blood pressure should have their weight and blood pressure checked regularly by the doctor while using the patches.


Use with caution in

Heart disease.
High blood pressure (hypertension).
Diabetes.
Liver disease.
Kidney disease.
History of adult acne.
History of excessive body or facial hair growth.
History of hair loss, enlargement of the clitoris, voice deepening or hoarseness.


Not to be used in

Women with known, suspected or past history of breast cancer.
Women with any form of cancer that is caused or stimulated by the female hormone oestrogen.

Pregnancy.
Breastfeeding.
Naturally menopausal women (women who still have their ovaries and uterus intact).
Women taking conjugated equine oestrogens, eg Premarin.


This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy.


If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.


Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine must not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Seek medical advice from your doctor.


Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. Just because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine:

irritation of skin at patch application site
acne
excessive facial hair growth
migraine
voice deepening
breast pain
weight gain
hair loss
difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
increased sweating
anxiety
nasal congestion
dry mouth
increased appetite
double vision
vaginal burning or itching
enlargement of the clitoris
palpitations.


The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug\'s manufacturer.

For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.


How can this medicine affect other medicines?

It is important to tell your doctor or pharmacist what medicines you are already taking, including those bought without a prescription and herbal medicines, before starting treatment with this medicine. Similarly, check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new medicines while on this treatment, to ensure that the combination is safe.

Testosterone may increase the anti-blood-clotting effects of anticoagulants such as warfarin, nicoumalone and phenindione. If you are taking any of these your blood clotting time (INR) may need to be monitored more frequently; in particular it should be measured after you start or stop testosterone treatment.

If you have diabetes, your dose of insulin or antidiabetic tablets may need to be reduced after you start treatment with this medicine.