Bremelanotide, taken as needed. It works on the brain's melanocortin receptors rather than on blood flow. Evaluated by a licensed Apex Meds provider and filled by a licensed U.S. pharmacy.
PT-141 is bremelanotide, a synthetic seven-amino-acid peptide modelled on alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone, a hormone your body makes naturally.
Bremelanotide is the active ingredient in Vyleesi, which the FDA approved in 2019 for low sexual desire in premenopausal women. Compounded PT-141 is not itself FDA-approved, and use in men is off-label.
What the research shows
In two 24-week trials of 1,267 premenopausal women, desire scores improved more than placebo. The effect was modest.
Human studyAbout 58% of women on bremelanotide were counted as responders, against about 35% on placebo.
Human studyBlood levels peak about an hour after a dose, and the half-life is about 2.7 hours.
Human studySmall early-phase studies only. There are no large trials and no approved use in men.
Early human
People whose interest has dropped and who want a medical conversation about it.
The group the phase 3 trials studied.
People who would rather not take something every day.
People for whom the question is desire, not circulation.
These describe the people who ask about PT-141, not results. A licensed provider decides whether it is appropriate for you.
Bremelanotide activates melanocortin receptors. Its effect on sexual response is thought to come from receptors in the hypothalamus, where it is believed to increase the signalling tied to desire and arousal.
That is a different route from medications such as sildenafil and tadalafil, which act on blood vessels. The approved product's label notes that the exact mechanism is not known.
Where melanocortin receptors tied to desire are found
Thought to increase the signals tied to desire and arousal
A different route from sildenafil or tadalafil
A small injection just under the skin of the abdomen or thigh, taken as needed at least 45 minutes beforehand. No more than one dose in 24 hours. It arrives already reconstituted by the pharmacy, so there is no powder to mix and nothing to measure out.
Effects typically begin within 30 to 60 minutes. Nausea is common with the first doses and tends to ease. Your provider may start you at a lower dose.
Bremelanotide raises blood pressure slightly for several hours after a dose. That is why your provider asks about your heart and blood pressure history.
Bremelanotide is FDA-approved under the brand name Vyleesi for low sexual desire in premenopausal women. Compounded PT-141 is not FDA-approved, and use in men is off-label.
Those medications act on blood flow. PT-141 acts on melanocortin receptors in the brain that are involved in desire and arousal. Your provider can advise whether they can be used together.
It is a small subcutaneous injection in the abdomen or thigh, taken as needed at least 45 minutes beforehand. Do not take more than one dose in 24 hours.
Nausea is the most common, affecting about 4 in 10 people in clinical trials, and it usually eases after the first couple of doses. Flushing, headache and injection-site reactions are also common.
Anyone with uncontrolled high blood pressure or known heart disease. It should not be used in pregnancy, and it should not be combined with oral naltrexone.
Small early studies showed it can produce erections in men. There are no large phase 3 trials in men and no FDA-approved male use, so results are less certain than for the approved use in women.
Bremelanotide is not currently named on the World Anti-Doping Agency Prohibited List. Tested athletes should confirm with Global DRO or their governing body before use.
Your provider reviews your full history, so tell them about every medication and condition, including any history of cancer. Reported side effects: nausea (about 4 in 10 people in clinical trials); flushing (about 2 in 10); headache and injection-site reactions; a temporary rise in blood pressure; darkening of skin or gums, which may not fully reverse. Who should not use it: uncontrolled high blood pressure; known heart or cardiovascular disease; pregnancy or breastfeeding; anyone taking oral naltrexone; a history of melanoma (tell your provider).
Two peptides that act on separate receptors in the pituitary gland to prompt your body's own growth hormone pulse, rather than supplying the hormone directly.
BPC-157 and TB-500 together: the two most talked-about recovery peptides, prescribed as one protocol and overseen by a physician.
The Wolverine pairing with GHK-Cu added: a copper-carrying peptide your body makes naturally and that has been studied for skin.
Answer a few questions. A licensed Apex Meds provider decides whether it is right for you.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Prescription products require an online evaluation with a licensed medical professional, who will determine whether a prescription is appropriate. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved and have not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness or quality. Research cited on this site describes published studies and is not a claim about what any product will do for you. Individual results vary.
