US panel backs first ever 'viagra' for sexual dysfunction in women

A drug aimed at helping women who've lost their sex drive cleared a key hurdle Thursday, winning backing from a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) panel. An FDA advisory committee voted 18-6 to recommend the agency approves the drug flibanserin for the treatment of hypoactive sexual desire disorder in premenopausal women. The drug's benefits are marginal, panelists said, but meaningful for some patients. Serious side effects include the risk of fainting at unpredictable times, accidental injury and low blood pressure. The panel's recommendation will be given to the FDA, which will ultimately decide whether to approve the drug, frequently referred to as "female Viagra" because it's a pill for sexual dysfunction in women.