Vagifem Vaginal Tablets

Vagifem dosage

With any medicine, it is important to get the dose right.

Here is how much Vagifem to use:

• Use 1 vaginal tablet a day for the first 2 weeks of treatment
• After this, use 1 vaginal tablet twice a week
• Leave 3-4 days between each dose

Vagifem is suitable for menopausal women over the age of 18 years who have been prescribed it by a doctor.

You should only insert Vagifem tablets into the vagina. You should not take this medication orally.

Each tablet is pre-inserted into a single-use applicator. You will need to open a new applicator for every dose of Vagifem.

How to insert Vagifem

The full instructions for how to insert Vagifem can be found in the Patient Information Leaflet that comes with the tablets.

1. Wash your hands and dry them thoroughly before and after use
2. Open one applicator from the end, and take it out of the packet without touching the insertion end
3. Insert the end of the applicator containing the tablet inside the vagina until you reach some resistance (this will be approximately 8-10cm)
4. Release the tablet by pushing down on the plunger end of the applicator until you feel it click
5. Take out the applicator and throw it away in the bin

Always take this medicine exactly how your doctor has told you. If you are not sure, check with your doctor or pharmacist, or read the Patient Information Leaflet thoroughly for more detail.

Can you use Vagifem more than twice a week?

Vagifem should only be used as directed in the Patient Information Leaflet or as advised by your doctor.

In the first 2 weeks of treatment, you will insert 1 Vagifem tablet into the vagina every day. After this, you must only use 1 tablet twice a week.

If you do not feel that Vagifem is working for you, do not use more than is recommended.

Instead, discuss your options with a doctor or pharmacist. They may suggest alternative treatment options that might suit you better.

How to stop taking Vagifem

You should speak to your doctor before stopping using Vagifem. Your doctor will explain the effects of stopping treatment and they will be able to discuss the possibilities for further treatment with you.

Vagifem ingredients

It is important to know what is in any new medication or treatment you decide to use, especially if you have any known allergies.

Below is a list of the active and inactive ingredients that are found in Vagifem tablets.

Each Vagifem vaginal tablet contains the same active ingredient: 10 micrograms of estradiol hemihydrate.

Each Vagifem vaginal tablet contains the same inactive ingredients:

• Hypromellose
• Lactose monohydrate
• Maize starch
• Magnesium stearate

The film coating contains hypromellose and macrogol 6000.

You can find the full ingredients list in the Vagifem Patient Information Leaflet. You must read this thoroughly before using Vagifem tablets.

Vagifem side effects

In the same way as other HRT, Vagifem can cause some women to experience side effects.

Unlike other hormone replacement therapy, using estradiol vaginal inserts like Vagifem tends to result in fewer, milder side effects. On the whole, these symptoms are less common and less severe than in women who take oral HRT.

Most commonly women who use Vagifem report the following side effects:

• Headaches
• Stomach pain and nausea
• Vaginal bleeding, discharge or discomfort
• Vaginal thrush
• Rash
• Weight gain or fluid retention
• Hot flush
• High blood pressure

If you are concerned about any side effects or you do not feel that they are improving over the first few months you should discuss this with a doctor or pharmacist.

If you experience a severe side effect or have an allergic reaction you must seek medical support from your nearest emergency department as soon as possible.

You must read the Patient Information Leaflet thoroughly before using Vagifem 10mcg tablets.

Vagifem warnings

Before you start taking any new medication, it is important to familiarise yourself with the possible health risks and side effects associated with this type of treatment. Carefully reading the Vagifem Patient Information Leaflet that comes with your treatment will help.

Here are some points to note about Vagifem:

• You should not use Vagifem if you have unexplained vaginal bleeding, thickening of the womb lining, liver disease, you have ever had breast cancer or other oestrogen-sensitive cancers or have ever had blood clots or have a clotting or bleeding disorder
• Speak to your doctor before using Vagifem if you have asthma, epilepsy, diabetes, gallstones, liver disease, high blood pressure, suffer from migraines or severe headaches, endometriosis, otosclerosis, SLE, or fibroids inside your womb
• You should tell your doctor before using Vagifem if you are currently or have recently stopped using any prescribed or non-prescribed medication

If you have any questions or concerns, you should discuss these with your GP before taking this treatment.

Likewise, if you are currently taking Vagifem and you notice any symptoms or signs of the above health conditions or anything you are worried about, speak to your doctor immediately.

You will only be able to purchase Vagifem online as a repeat prescription from The Independent Pharmacy if you stay up-to-date with your annual check-up with your doctor.

Vagifem and endometrial cancer

Oestrogen-only HRT taken orally can increase the risk of developing cancer of the womb lining (endometrial cancer), as well as increased risk of developing cervical cancers and breast cancers.

Because Vagifem vaginal tablets have a very low absorption rate of oestrogen into the bloodstream it is, therefore, less likely to cause cancers.

You should see a doctor immediately if you experience any unusual vaginal bleeding or if something doesn’t feel right.

Vagifem and breast cancer

It is very important for all women that take any form of HRT to attend regular health check-ups with their GP.

You should also regularly check your breasts for any changes, including lumps, dimples or changes to the nipple. If you notice anything unusual, feel any breast pain, or anything else, it is best to get checked out as soon as possible.

Vagifem and blood clots

Using any form of HRT — including Vagifem — can slightly increase your chances of developing a blood clot in a vein or experiencing a stroke. You should see a doctor immediately if you think you are developing symptoms of a blood clot.

The following people are at an even higher risk of developing a blood clot and you should speak to a doctor before using Vagifem if any of them apply to you:

• You are immobile for an extended amount of time due to surgery, injury or illness
• Your BMI is over 30
• Your close relatives ever had a blood clot
• You have systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
• You have cancer

Developing blood clots can be dangerous and life-threatening, and can lead to heart attacks and strokes.

If you think you are experiencing symptoms of a blood clot, you must either call 111 or see a doctor straight away.

Vagifem and pregnancy

Vagifem should only be used by postmenopausal women and is not a contraceptive. If you are under 50 years old or have had a menstrual period in the last 12 months, you may still need to use additional contraception to prevent pregnancy.

If you become pregnant while using Vagifem, you should stop using this medication and speak to a doctor for advice.

Vagifem and breastfeeding

Vagifem is for use in postmenopausal women only. You should not use Vagifem if you are breastfeeding.