How Vagifem® Helps Relieve Menopausal Symptoms

Vagifem® is a type of hormone therapy (HT) called local estrogen therapy.  Unlike some other horomone therapies which deliver estrogen to the entire body, this therapy delivers estrogen directly to the uterus and vagina.

Vagifem® (estradiol vaginal inserts) are 10 mcg tablets that deliver a type of estrogen called estradiol.  Estradiol is the same estrogen a woman’s body makes.  According to the North American Menopause Society (NAMS), it is recommended that women who take estrogen receive the lowest effective dose. Vagifem® is the lowest dose of vaginal estrogen available commercially.

How Vagifem® works

During menopause estrogen levels drop. The Vagifem® tablet is inserted directly into the vagina, where it then releases estrogen.   It may take anywhere from 8 to 12 weeks to start seeing relief of the most common uncomfortable symptoms, though Vagifem® does start to work as soon as the first dose. The tablet is put into place with a single use plastic applicator. 

Vagifem® is used to treat menopause-related symptoms such as:

• Vaginal dryness
• Irritation
• Soreness
• Pain and/or bleeding during intercourse
• Painful urination
• Itching around and in the vagina

Your healthcare provider will prescribe Vagifem® and recommend it be used once a day for the first two weeks of treatment.  After that you will use Vagifem® twice weekly.

It is recommended that you take Vagifem® at the same time every day.  If you feel like your symptoms have gone away you should speak to your doctor about whether or not you should stop taking Vagifem®.  The length of time you should continue to use the medication depends on your response to the medication.

Vagifem ® Side effects and Warnings

If you have had certain types of cancer or if you have cancer you should not use Vagifem®.  You should not use Vagifem® if you have had blood clots, a stroke, heart attack or unusual vaginal bleeding. You should also not use Vagifem® if you have liver problems or allergies to the ingredients in Vagifem® or if you may be pregnant.  Common side effects include headache, yeast infections, vaginal itching, back pain, abdominal pain and diarrhea.  Speak to your pharmacist about other side effects and warnings to be aware of.

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