In this episode of The Dr. Gabrielle Lyon Show, I sit down with the incredible Cindy Eckert—serial entrepreneur, founder of Sprout Pharmaceuticals, and the driving force behind Addyi (commonly known as “the female Viagra”). Cindy shares her groundbreaking journey in advocating for women’s sexual health, challenging the medical system, and fighting for equal treatment in medicine.
Cindy reveals the startling double standards between male and female sexual health, recounting her experiences bringing Addyi to market and navigating the resistance she faced. Together, we dive deep into why women’s pleasure, health, and biology have been historically overlooked and undervalued, and why now more than ever, the conversation must change.
Key highlights:
If you want to learn more about the untold truths of women’s health and why this conversation is so critical, hit play and join us for this powerful discussion.
Who is Cindy Eckert?
Cindy Eckert is a self-made serial entrepreneur and fierce advocate for women, known for her bold leadership and mission to empower female entrepreneurs through her Pinkubator. Over her 24-year career in healthcare, Cindy has built and sold two companies for over $1.5 billion, including Sprout Pharmaceuticals, which introduced the first FDA-approved drug for low sexual desire in women, often called "female Viagra." After selling Sprout for $1 billion, she fought to reclaim the drug and relaunched it on her own terms. Cindy’s work, widely featured in major media, focuses on creating mission-driven companies with a profound impact, and she is committed to helping others achieve success.
What is ADDYI?
ADDYI is for premenopausal women with acquired, generalized hypoactive (low) sexual desire disorder who have not had problems with low sexual desire in the past, and who have low sexual desire no matter the type of sexual activity, the situation or the sexual partner. The low sexual desire is troubling to them and is not due to a medical or mental health problem, problems in the relationship or medicine or other drug use. ADDYI is not for use in men or to enhance sexual performance.
Your risk of severe low blood pressure and fainting is increased if you drink 1-2 standard alcoholic drinks close in time to your ADDYI dose. Wait at least 2 hours after drinking before taking ADDYI at bedtime. Your risk of severe low blood pressure and fainting is also increased if you take certain prescription, over the counter or herbal medications, or have liver problems. Low blood pressure and fainting can happen when you take ADDYI even if you don’t drink alcohol or take other medicines. Do not take if you are allergic to any of the ingredients in ADDYI. Allergic reactions may include hives, itching or trouble breathing. Sleepiness, sometimes serious, can occur. Common side effects include dizziness, nausea, tiredness, difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep and dry mouth. See full PI and Medication Guide, including Boxed Warning at addyi.com/pi or call 844-PINK-PILL.
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Want to read more?
Sexual Dysfunction in Women - https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMcp2313307?query=TOC&cid=DM2357883_Non_Subscriber&bid=-1796380385
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