The following statement can be attributed to Cynthia A. Pearson, Executive Director of the National Women’s Health Network.

Washington D.C. -- Women should not use flibanserin or any drug unless they have sufficient information to weigh benefits against risks. Sprout Pharmaceuticals’ new alcohol studies should be reviewed with a healthy skepticism, until they have been vetted by the FDA’s medical reviewers. It is common practice for company-sponsored studies to be presented in the best light possible at professional meetings. Consumers rely on peer-reviewed medical journals and FDA scrutiny for reliable information. These studies were required by the FDA as a condition of approval. Until the FDA finishes reviewing the studies, Sprout’s conclusions should be viewed with caution. We believe that women should either avoid flibanserin, or if using it, avoid alcohol completely, as the FDA black box warning states.

The National Women’s Health Network is supported by our members and by choice we do not accept financial support from drug companies or medical device manufacturers. We bring the voices, concerns and needs of women consumers to policy and regulatory tables.

Cindy Pearson was the NWHN’s Executive Director from 1996 to 2021. One of the nation's leading advocates for women's health, Cindy often testified before Congress,  NIH and the FDA and was frequently featured in the news as a consumer expert on women’s health issues. When she retired, Cindy received a Congressional Resolution in honor of her outstanding contributions to the health of women and girls.

Read more from Cindy Pearson.