You’ve heard of PDE-5 inhibitors.
PT-141 is not one of them.

Both. PT-141 is prescribed for women and men alike, because the pathway it acts on — the melanocortin receptors in the brain associated with desire and arousal — is the same in both. For women it is most associated with low sexual desire (HSDD, hypoactive sexual desire disorder). For men it is used to support arousal and desire, including alongside a blood-flow medication. Couples are sometimes prescribed it together.

PT-141 (bremelanotide) is a compounded peptide injection that works on the central nervous system to support sexual arousal and desire. It arrives as a lyophilised (powder) vial that is mixed once with the included kit before first use. It activates melanocortin receptors in the brain associated with sexual desire, addressing libido at its neurological source.

Unlike oral medications that work by increasing blood flow, or hormonal therapies that alter hormone levels, PT-141 activates melanocortin receptors in the brain that regulate sexual desire and arousal. Inject 0.5mL (50 units) under the skin of the abdomen or thigh 4 to 6 hours before anticipated activity, rotating injection sites between uses. Effects can last 48 to 72 hours. Do not use more than 8 times per month, and follow the dosing schedule your provider gives you. Individual results may vary.

Viagra (sildenafil) and Cialis (tadalafil) work by increasing blood flow — they address the physical mechanics of arousal and depend on desire already being present. PT-141 works on the brain’s desire centres, addressing wanting at the neurological level. The mechanisms are complementary, so they can be used together — but only if your provider says it is appropriate for you.

No. PT-141 is non-hormonal. It does not change or replace your hormones — it works through the brain’s natural arousal pathways, which makes it a suitable option for anyone who prefers or requires a treatment that does not involve hormone therapy.

Yes. PT-141 is a compounded medication that requires a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. MintRx facilitates a telehealth consultation with a provider to determine your eligibility — your visit and prescription review are free.

Compounded medications are customized by a pharmacy for an individual patient and are not themselves FDA-approved; the FDA does not verify their safety, effectiveness or quality before they are marketed. However, the active pharmaceutical ingredients are sourced from FDA-registered facilities, and your prescription is filled by a licensed U.S. pharmacy.

Before mixing, the powder vial is stored at room temperature. Once you reconstitute it, refrigerate it — and discard it 28 days after mixing, even if there is liquid left. It ships cold-chain by UPS 2nd Day Air, and the beyond-use date on your pharmacy label applies from compounding.

The most common is nausea, which is also the most frequent reason patients stop early — it typically improves after the first 2 to 3 uses, and taking your dose with food can help. Flushing, headache, and warmth or redness at the injection site are also reported. Seek emergency care for signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the tongue or throat, slow heartbeat, blurred vision, numbness or hot flushes.

Same active ingredient, same mechanism. The injection goes just under the skin, is used 4 to 6 hours before, and is mixed once with the included kit before first use; the nasal spray is needle-free and used 1 to 4 hours before. Which is right for you comes down to preference and your provider’s guidance.