Vagifem Vaginal Tablets

Vagifem vaginal tablets contain the active substance estradiol, which is a natural form of the main female sex hormone estrogen. Vagifem is a hormone replacement therapy (HRT) that is used for women in menopause. Vagifem vaginal tablets release small amounts of estrogen locally into the vaginal tissues and are used to alleviate menopausal symptoms in the vaginal area. Vagifem is a prescription-only medicine.

Vagifem works by replacing the estrogen that is normally produced in the ovaries of women. It is inserted inside your vagina so that the hormone is released in a place where it is needed. This can alleviate discomfort in the vagina. Experience in treating women over 65 years of age is limited.

Vagifem comes as vaginal tablets coated in a single-use disposable applicator. Each package contains 15 applicators each containing one tablet. Vagifem contains the female sex hormone estradiol, which is identical to estradiol produced by a woman's ovaries and is classified as natural estrogen. Vagifem is indicated to relieve or eliminate vaginal symptoms such as dryness or irritation. In medical terms, this disorder is known as atrophic vaginitis and is caused by a loss of the female sex hormone, estrogen, which occurs around menopause.

Follow these instructions unless your doctor has given you different directions. If in doubt, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Initial dose: 1 vaginal tablet daily for two weeks.

Maintenance dose: 1 vaginal tablet twice a week.

Treatment can start any day. Using the applicator, Vagifem vaginal tablets can be inserted easily and hygienically inside the vagina.

The lowest effective dose that allows relief of symptoms should be used for the shortest period of time. If the response to treatment after three months is not sufficient to relieve symptoms, you should contact your doctor. Treatment should only be continued for as long as the relief of symptoms is greater than the risks associated with treatment.

Instructions for the correct application of Vagifem

Separate the blister pack and open it at the end as indicated in the drawing. Insert the applicator carefully into the vagina until you feel some resistance. To release the tablet, gently press the button until a click is felt. The tablet is fixed to the wall of the vagina immediately, and will not fall even when you get up and/or walk. Remove and discard the applicator.

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not all people suffer it.

The following disorders have been reported more frequently in women using HRT drugs circulating in the blood than in women not using THS. These risks are less common with vaginal treatments such as Vagifem:

• breast cancer
• ovarian cancer
• blood clots in the veins of the legs or lungs (venous thromboembolism)
• stroke
• probable memory loss if HRT is started over 65 years of age

Common: may affect up to 1 in 10 people

• Headache
• Stomach ache
• Vaginal bleeding, discharge, or vaginal discomfort

Uncommon: may affect up to 1 in 100 people

• Genital fungal infection
• Dizziness (nausea)
• Acne
• Weight gain
• Hot flushes
• Hypertension

Very rare: may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people

• Diarrhea
• Fluid retention
• Worsening migraine
• Generalized hypersensitivity (eg anaphylactic reaction or shock)

The following side effects have been reported with systemic estrogen treatment:

• Gallbladder disease
• Different skin disorders
• discoloration of the skin especially on the face or neck, known as "Spots of pregnancy" (chloasma)
• painful reddish-colored nodules on the skin (erythema nodosum)
• skin rashes with red inflammations or sores (erythema multiforme).

Infections and infestations

• Common: genital yeast infections or vaginal inflammation

Benign and malignant tumors

• Very rare: breast cancer, endometrial cancer (cells that line the uterus)

Immune system disorders

• Very rare: hypersensitivity (allergic reactions)

Metabolism and nutrition disorders

• Very rare: fluid retention

Psychiatric disorders

• Very rare: insomnia, depression

Nervous system disorders

• Common: headaches (headache)
• Very rare: aggravation of existing migraine

Vascular disorders

• Very rare: deep vein thrombosis (blood clot)

Gastrointestinal disorders

• Common: nausea, abdominal (stomach) pain, bloating or discomfort, indigestion, vomiting, flatulence
• Very rare: diarrhea

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders

• Very rare: hives, rashes, genital itching (itching)

Reproductive system and breast disorders

• Common: vaginal bleeding, discharge or discomfort, breast edema (fluid retention), enlarged breasts, breast pain, or discomfort.
• Very rare: endometrial hyperplasia (overgrowth of cells lining the uterus), vaginal irritation, vaginal pain, vaginismus (painful spasm of the vagina), or vaginal ulceration.

General disorders

• Common: peripheral edema (swelling of the arms or legs)

Very rare: ineffectiveness of the drug, weight gain, increased estrogen concentrations in the blood.

You can buy Vagifem online through one of the UK’s leading online pharmacies, Pharmacy Planet. It's easy and convenient. You will need to fill out a short assessment and the item will be delivered directly to your door. If you want to buy menopause treatment medication online, use Pharmacy Planet, a UK pharmacy you can trust.