Viacreme

• How It Works

  There is no scientific evidence that Viacreme can enhance sexual pleasure in women.

  Viacreme is a topical cream that contains menthol and L-arginine. It is being promoted to increase sexual response in women by sensitizing the genital area. Many cancer patients may have painful intercourse and difficulty in maintaining arousal resulting from stress, hormonal changes, cancer treatments, or use of antidepressants. The manufacturer claims application of Viacreme in the clitoral region results in genital warming and increased clitoral sensitivity. The L-arginine increases blood flow to the genital tissue. However, this claim is not supported by clinical studies and the positive results of Viacreme may be due to a placebo effect. This product has not been studied in cancer patients.

• Purported Uses

  Female sexual dysfunction
  This use is not backed by scientific studies.

• Patient Warnings

  Sexual dysfunction could be a result of physical, biological, or psychological disorders. Patients should see a doctor before using this product.

• Do Not Take If
  • You are sensitive to any of the ingredients.
  • You have an infection or irritation in the genital area.
• Side Effects

  Use of Viacreme may result in a strong genital burning sensation.

• Special Point

  This product is intended for external use only, but should not be used if you have a genital infection or irritation, or have skin sensitivity to menthol or L-arginine.

• Clinical Summary

  Viacreme is a topical formulation of menthol and L-arginine in an aqueous base. It is promoted to enhance sexual responsiveness in women by sensitizing the genital area. Cancer patients may experience symptoms of sexual dysfunction that include painful intercourse, loss of libido, and difficulty in maintaining arousal. These problems may be caused by factors such as stress, hormonal changes, and treatment involving surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or hormone therapy. Application of Viacreme is believed to cause genital warming and increase clitoral sensitivity, although these results may be due to placebo effects.

  No clinical trials have been conducted to study the efficacy of Viacreme. Use of Viacreme may cause a sensation of strong genital burning.

  This product has not been studied in cancer patients.

• Purported Uses
  • Female sexual dysfunction
• Mechanism of Action

  Menthol (0.25 – 0.5%) in Viacreme is thought to facilitate absorption of L-arginine and cause increase in vaginal lubrication. L-arginine is converted to nitric oxide by nitric oxide synthase that may result in vasodilation of the genital tissues.

• Warnings

  sexual dysfunction could be a result of other complexes underlying physical, biological, or psychological disorders. Patients should consult and be monitored by a physician when using this product.

• Contraindications
  • Hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients
  • Vulvar irritation, atrophy, or infection
• Adverse Reactions

  May cause a sensation of strong genital burning.

• References
  1. Health nexus. http://www.health-nexus.com/viacreme.htm. Accessed December 2, 2010.