PT-141
Also known as Bremelanotide, Vyleesi, PT141
Last reviewed · Awaiting clinical review
Main safety concerns
Approved for one use in women, low sexual desire. Use in men is off label. Nausea is very common, and it can raise blood pressure, so it is not for uncontrolled high blood pressure or heart disease.
- SeriousAvoid if: Uncontrolled high blood pressure or known heart disease
- SeriousAvoid if: Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- WarningTemporary rise in blood pressure and drop in heart rate
Educational information, not medical advice. If you have symptoms that worry you, contact a clinician or emergency services.
What is known
A melanocortin agonist that acts in the brain to raise sexual desire. Approved as Vyleesi for low desire in premenopausal women.
- Status:
- FDA approved as Vyleesi for low sexual desire in premenopausal women. Use in men is off label.[1]
- Strongest evidence for any claim:
On this page
What it is and how it works
PT-141, also called bremelanotide, is a melanocortin that works in the brain rather than on blood flow. By acting on MC4 receptors it raises sexual desire and arousal. This is different from drugs like sildenafil (Viagra), which mainly improve blood flow. It is a close relative of Melanotan II but is used for desire rather than tanning. It is approved by the FDA as Vyleesi for hypoactive sexual desire disorder in premenopausal women.[1]
Evidence by claim
Each claim is graded on its own. Tap a grade to see what it does and does not mean.
Raises sexual desire in premenopausal women with low desire.
Source type: Randomized trial
Approved by the FDA in 2019 based on the phase 3 RECONNECT trials.
[1]U.S. FDA / Obstetrics & Gynecology 2019 (opens source in a new tab)· Randomized trialHelps libido and erections in men.
Source type: Randomized trial
Used off label in men, with some supporting studies, but this is not an approved use.
Reported side effects
- WarningTemporary rise in blood pressure and drop in heart rate[1]Usually mild and short, but it is why heart conditions matter.
- WarningPatchy skin darkening with frequent use(uncommon)[1]More likely if you go over the monthly dose limit.
- CautionNausea(common)[1]Very common, about 40 percent on the first dose, and it fades with use. Taking it earlier before activity helps.
- CautionFacial flushing(common)[1]
- CautionHeadache(common)[1]
Interactions and combination risks
It transiently raises blood pressure, so discuss timing with your prescriber.
PT-141 can lower naltrexone levels, which matters for anyone using it for alcohol or opioid dependence.
- CautionMelanotan II or other melanocortin agonists
They share a mechanism, so combining adds to the nausea and blood pressure effects.
Who should avoid it
- SeriousUncontrolled high blood pressure or known heart disease
It can raise blood pressure, so it is not for uncontrolled hypertension or cardiovascular disease.
- SeriousPregnancy or breastfeeding
No safety data in pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Dosing
Placed after the evidence and risks on purpose. Nothing here is a recommendation for you.
| Route(s) | subcutaneous |
|---|---|
| Typical range | The approved dose is 1.75 mg, taken as needed at least 45 minutes before sex, with no more than 8 doses per month. Doses used in men are often lower. |
| Frequency | As needed, not daily. No more than 8 times a month. |
| Cycle guidance | Used on demand, not in cycles. |
| Notes | Because it is used on demand rather than daily, it does not build up. The limit of 8 doses a month exists because frequent use can cause patchy skin darkening. Take it well before activity, since nausea peaks early. |
For the equipment itself, see syringes, needles, and the rest of the kit.
Reconstitution
| Vial sizes | 10 mg |
|---|---|
| Diluent | Bacteriostatic water for multi dose vials, or sterile water for single use |
| Concentration | Example: a 10 mg vial plus 1 mL of water gives 10 mg/mL, so a 1.75 mg dose is 0.175 mL, which is about 18 units on a U-100 syringe. |
| Notes | The approved product (Vyleesi) is a prefilled autoinjector. Research material is usually a 10 mg freeze dried vial. |
General reconstitution technique
Units and volume arithmetic
Converts between an amount and syringe units for the vial and diluent you enter. It starts empty and does not suggest an amount. Open the full calculator
Result
Fill in steps 1 to 3 to see the arithmetic. Nothing here is a suggested amount.
Settings live in the address bar, so a pasted link reopens this calculator as you left it.
Educational arithmetic only. It does not choose an amount for you and is not medical or dosing advice. Verify every calculation independently.
Storage and stability
Dry powder (lyophilized)
| Temperature | Freeze for long term storage, or 2 to 8 short term |
|---|---|
| Shelf life | Many months when frozen |
| Notes | Keep dry and out of light until you mix it. |
After mixing
| Temperature | 2 to 8 (refrigerated) |
|---|---|
| Shelf life | About 2 to 4 weeks |
| Notes | Do not freeze after mixing. Discard if cloudy or discolored. |
COA and purity notes
| Common adulterants | underdosed or mislabeled research vials, research material sold without the controls of the approved product |
|---|---|
| Mislabeling | There is an approved product (Vyleesi) made to pharmaceutical standards. Research vials are not, so a recent third party COA matters. |
| Notes | PT-141 has an FDA approved version (Vyleesi) for women. Research or off label material is not the same product. |
Sources
[1]Bremelanotide (Vyleesi) approval and the RECONNECT phase 3 trials
U.S. FDA / Obstetrics & Gynecology 2019 (opens source in a new tab)· Randomized trial[2]Double-blind, placebo-controlled evaluation of the safety, pharmacokinetic properties and pharmacodynamic effects of intranasal PT-141 in healthy males and patients with mild-to-moderate erectile dysfunction
Diamond LE et al. (International Journal of Impotence Research) 2004 (opens source in a new tab)· Randomized trial
Last reviewed 8 July 2026 · editorial status: reviewed