Estradiol 10mcg Vaginal Tablets

What Are Estradiol 10mcg Pessaries?

Estradiol vaginal pessaries are a type of local hormone replacement therapy (HRT). They are tablets that you insert deep into your vagina to treat vaginal dryness, soreness and irritation caused by low oestrogen levels after menopause. They gently release oestrogen directly where it’s needed.

Who Can Use Estradiol Pessaries?

You can use the pessaries if you have gone through the menopause and are experiencing symptoms known in medical terms as vaginal atrophy. These include menopausal symptoms in the vagina, such as dryness or irritation. HRT carries risks, which your prescriber will consider when deciding if estradiol vaginal pessaries are right for you.

How Do Estradiol Vaginal Pessaries Work?

Estradiol vaginal pessaries work by replacing the oestrogen that your body no longer makes. Oestrogen is normally produced in your ovaries, but after you go through menopause, they stop making it. You insert estradiol pessaries directly into your vagina, so they can get to work exactly where they’re needed. Because they’re a local treatment, they are less likely to cause side effects than systemic (whole body) hormonal treatments.

Alternatives to Estradiol Vaginal Pessaries

Alternatives to estradiol pessaries include other hormone-based treatments like creams, rings or gels. You could also use non-hormonal moisturisers and lubricants, although these won’t treat the underlying cause of your symptoms. If your symptoms affect parts of your body other than your vagina, your prescriber may suggest oral or patch-based HRT.

How To Use Estradiol Vaginal Pessaries

Insert one pessary high into your vagina using the applicator. Use one a day for the first two weeks. After that, reduce to twice a week, leaving three or four days between each dose. Clean the applicator after every use and follow your prescriber’s instructions.

Applicator Use And Cleaning

Follow the directions included in your product information leaflet for how to use the applicator. Clean the applicator after every use:

1. Remove the plunger from the applicator.
2. Clean both parts (tube and plunger) with mild soap, then rinse all surfaces with warm tap water for 5 seconds.
3. Air dry both parts on a clean surface, such as a paper towel.

Use the same applicator until you’ve finished the treatment pack, at which point you can dispose of it.

Storage

Always keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. The expiry date is on the carton and refers to the last day of the month. Never use it after that date. If you have leftover medication, speak to your prescriber for the best way to dispose of it.

Ingredients

The active ingredient is estradiol (as estradiol hemihydrate). Each vaginal pessary contains 10mcg of estradiol.

The other ingredients include:

• Hypromellose
• Lactose monohydrate
• Maize starch
• Magnesium stearate

The film coating contains hypromellose and macrogol.

Side Effects

This medicine can cause side effects, including

• Headache
• Stomach pain
• Vaginal bleeding, discharge or discomfort
• A fungal infection of the genitals
• Feeling sick (nausea)
• Rash
• Weight increase
• Hot flush
• Hypertension

Not everyone experiences side effects, and they are usually mild. If your side effects are severe, speak to your prescriber.

Warnings

Oestrogen-only HRT may increase your chance of developing certain cancers. Your prescriber will discuss any risks associated with estradiol with you before you use it.

You should have more frequent check-ups if you have any of the following conditions:

• Asthma
• Epilepsy
• Diabetes
• Gallstones
• High blood pressure
• Migraines or severe headaches
• Increased risk of blood clots
• Endometriosis
• Liver disorders
• Fibroids

They may become worse when you’re treated with estradiol.

People with a medical history of certain health conditions shouldn’t use vaginal estradiol at all. These conditions include cancers sensitive to oestrogen, breast cancer, blood clots or blood clotting disorders, and liver disease.