Vagifem

Other Related Names or Treatments

Vagirux, Ovestin

About Vagifem

Vagifem is classed as a hormone replacement therapy (HRT). It contains estradiol, which acts in the same way as the female sex hormone oestrogen. It is used to treat vaginal atrophy and for the prophylaxis of recurring urinary tract infections (UTIs) in postmenopausal women. Vagifem pessaries help to treat menopausal symptoms such as vaginal dryness and irritation.

NowPatient offers Vagifem, Vagirux, or estradiol pessaries as a treatment for HRT only, following an online consultation with a prescribing clinician.

Key facts of Vagifem

• For the treatment of vaginal atrophy and for the prophylaxis of recurring urinary tract infections (UTIs) in postmenopausal women
• Vagifem has some common side effects which include nausea and headaches
• Vagifem will not prevent pregnancy in otherwise fertile women
• Estrogens may increase the risk of endometrial cancer. Taking a progestin can help reduce this risk
• It can be dangerous if you use Vagifem with certain medications. If you’re not sure if it is safe, discuss this with the prescribing clinician

Who is Vagifem not suitable for?

Vagifem may not be suitable for some people. To make sure it’s safe for you, speak to the prescribing clinician before using Vagifem if you:

• Have hypersensitivity to the active ingredients estradiol
• Have ever had breast cancer
• Have cancer sensitive to oestrogen
• Have untreated endometrial hyperplasia (an excessively thick womb lining)
• Suffer from a blood clots
• Suffer from porphyria
• Have had a heart attack, angina, stroke, or high blood pressure
• Have unusual vaginal bleeding
• Have liver disease or any other liver problems
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Have fibroids
• Have uterine problems such as endometriosis or endometrial hyperplasia
• Have diabetes
• Suffer from migraines
• Have gallbladder disease
• Have asthma
• Have epilepsy
• Have fluid retention
• Have high cholesterol levels in the blood
• Are obese
• Have a hereditary ear disorder

How and where to get Vagifem?

You can buy Vagifem safely and securely from NowPatient. You can start a consultation today for free and if you qualify for treatment, you only pay for the cost of the medication. Delivery is made to your home or office from our registered pharmacy.

Our service is certified, safe and effective, and we only ever treat conditions. If you book a consultation with a prescribing clinician, you can discuss if Vagifem is a suitable treatment option for you.

At the end of the consultation, the clinician will decide if a treatment plan is suitable for you. If it is, the clinician will issue you with a prescription which can then be ordered, paid for and delivered directly to your chosen address by NowPatient.

Dosage and strength for Vagifem pessaries for HRT

Vagifem contains estradiol as the active ingredient. It is available as pessaries containing 10 micrograms of estradiol.

Information about how to use Vagifem for HRT

Use one vaginal tablet each day for the first 2 weeks of treatment. Then use 1 vaginal tablet twice a week, leaving 3 to 4 days between each dose. Vagifem tablets are inserted into the vagina using a single-use applicator. Read the patient information leaflet provided or speak to a healthcare professional for further information.

What happens if you use too much Vagifem?

If you use more than prescribed, then it can lead to some unpleasant side effects. You should talk to your doctor or reach out to one of our prescribing clinicians, if you have used too much Vagifem and you experience any of the following side effects:

What are the side effects of Vagifem?

Side effects of Vagifem are split into common and serious.

Common side effects include:

• Nausea
• Headache, dizziness
• Breast tenderness, breast pain
• Change in sex drive
• Anxiety, insomnia
• Stomach pain, indigestion, flatulence, diarrhoea
• Irregular bleeding
• Acne, skin irritation, rash
• Vaginal discharge
• Fluid retention, weight gain, bloating
• Hot flush

Serious side effects include:

• Blood clots
• Stroke
• Heart disease – chest pain passing into the neck or arm
• Liver disease – jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), abdominal pain

If you experience any serious side effects, you should contact NHS 111.

If you experience a serious allergic reaction with the signs shown below you should contact emergency services on 999.

• Your lips, mouth, throat or tongue suddenly become swollen
• You’re breathing very fast or struggling to breathe (you may become very wheezy or feel like you’re choking or gasping for air)
• Your throat feels tight or you’re struggling to swallow
• Your skin, tongue or lips turn blue, grey or pale (if you have black or brown skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet)
• You suddenly become very confused, drowsy or dizzy
• Someone faints and cannot be woken up

Information about using Vagifem at the same time as other medications or herbal supplements

There is not enough evidence to suggest there are any drug interactions between herbal supplements and Vagifem. In any event, you should let your prescribing clinician know if you are taking any herbal supplements or other prescription drugs.

Can Vagifem used for HRT be used long-term?

HRT should only be used as a short-term treatment for the menopause. Women who use HRT for more than 5 years may be at an increased risk of ovarian cancer. Speak to your GP to review your treatment at least once each year and have regular checkups.

Is there a herbal Vagifem?

No. Herbal Vagifem does not exist. If you have been marketed such a formulation, it may be fake.

Should I avoid any particular food or drink when using Vagifem?

You can eat and drink normally when using Vagifem.

What lifestyle changes can I make to help me with HRT?

You modify your lifestyle in a number of ways, and this may have a positive impact on your symptoms:

• Using a fan
• Cool showers
• Light clothing
• Lubricants
• Healthy diet
• Regular exercise
• Quit smoking

Alternatives to Vagifem

Alternative HRT pessaries include Gina, Ovestin, and Vagirux.

Sources

• Vaginal oestrogen: medicine for vaginal dryness and irritation – NHS
• Novo Nordisk