PT-141
aka Bremelanotide, Vyleesi
Melanocortin receptor agonist (libido)
Half-life
~2 hours; effect duration 4–8 hours
How long it stays active in your body
Dosing
Per use — 45 min before desired effect; max 8 doses/month
How often you take a dose
Route
SubQ
How it goes into the body
Status
FDA
Approved by the FDA for prescription use
What it is
A synthetic peptide analog of α-MSH that acts centrally on melanocortin-4 receptors in the brain to drive sexual desire. FDA-approved as Vyleesi for premenopausal women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder. Cross-applies off-label in men.
How it works
Activates MC4R in the hypothalamus, triggering dopamine release in the reward pathway. Works centrally on desire — not vascularly like PDE5 inhibitors (Viagra/Cialis). Effect is independent of blood flow.
What the research says
Phase 3 trials in premenopausal women showed significant improvement in desire and satisfaction. Off-label use in men is widespread but lacks dedicated RCT data — informal reports consistently positive.
Sources: FDA Vyleesi label · PubMed: Bremelanotide
Common dosing ranges
- Range
- 1.75 mg SubQ (Vyleesi label); off-label 0.5–2 mg
- Frequency
- Per use — 45 min before desired effect; max 8 doses/month
- Duration
- As needed; not daily
Sources: FDA label
Administration
Side effects
Common
- Nausea (~40% of users — most common)
- Flushing
- Headache
- Injection site reactions
Serious / theoretical
- Transient BP elevation
- Avoid in uncontrolled hypertension or cardiovascular disease
- Skin hyperpigmentation with chronic high-dose use
Sources: FDA label
Notes
JD Denham, Froese, and Jay Campbell's library all reference PT-141 for libido. Dr. Jones DC notes FDA approval for women cross-applies in men. Take on empty stomach to minimize nausea.