Vagifem
Medication features
- Used to treat vaginal dryness
- Contains estradiol
- For local use in the vagina
Overview
Order Vagifem Vaginal Tablets Online
Written by Clinical Pharmacist Hywel McGlinchy
You can order Vagifem online from our UK registered online doctor and pharmacy service. You will need to complete an online assessment which our UK registered doctors will review. If your order is approved, our doctors will pass a prescription to our pharmacy team. Our pharmacy team will then dispense and dispatch the medication to your chosen address.
What is Vagifem?
Vagifem is a type of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). It is an oestrogen-only HRT. It contains the active ingredient estradiol, a type of oestrogen. It is used to treat vaginal symptoms of menopause, also known as vaginal atrophy.
Vagifem vaginal tablets (also known as Vagifem pessaries) are tablets that are inserted directly into the vagina using an applicator.
How does it work?
During menopause, oestrogen levels in the body decline. This decline in oestrogen can lead to menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes, difficulty sleeping, night sweats, and reduced libido.
Decreased oestrogen levels can also cause the walls of the vagina to thin. This is known as vaginal atrophy and can cause a number of symptoms such as:
- Itching, irritation or burning
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Vaginal dryness before/during sex
- Recurring or frequent vaginal or urinary infections
- Vaginal discomfort
Vagifem contains estradiol, a type of oestrogen hormone. The vaginal tablets are inserted locally into the vagina. This replaces the lost oestrogen in the vagina and helps to relieve the above symptoms.
The usual dose is to insert one Vagifem tablet into the vagina once daily for two weeks. This is then reduced to one dose twice a week.
Inserting Vagifem
- Open the blister pack at the plunger end
- Insert the applicator carefully into the vagina until you feel some resistance
- Press the release button until it clicks, this releases the tablet
- Pull the applicator out and throw it away
The patient information leaflet contains diagrams on how to insert it.
Vagifem Summary
Dose | Use the applicator to insert the pessary into the vagina as directed by the doctor |
Mechanism | Adds oestrogen locally into the vagina to relieve symptoms of low oestrogen |
Indications | Menopause & vaginal atrophy symptoms |
Active Ingredient | Estradiol |
Price | from £39.99 |
Side Effects | Can include headache, vaginal discomfort, stomach pain, vaginal discharge |
Alternatives
Vagifem is known as an intravaginal oestrogen because it works locally in the vagina. Other intravaginal oestrogen products available are a gel (Blissel), a cream (Ovestin), and a vaginal ring (Estring).
Other HRT treatment options include:
- Tablets
- Vaginal pessaries
- Topical gels
- Vaginal creams
- Vaginal gels
Our doctors are able to prescribe the following HRT treatments:
- Elleste Solo
- Provera
- Elleste Duet
- Elleste Duet Conti
- Trisequens
- Premique
- Kliovance
- Premarin
- Livial
- Estring
- Prempak C
FAQ
What is Vagifem used for?
Vagifem is a Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). It is used to treat vaginal symptoms of the menopause, also known as vaginal atrophy.
What are the benefits of Vagifem?
Vagifem is inserted locally into the vagina meaning that only a small amount reaches the bloodstream. This means that it is effective at treating vaginal symptoms of the menopause (e.g dryness, discomfort, itching). It also means that it is less likely to lead to the risks of HRT.
After the first two weeks of treatment, a dose only needs to be inserted into the vagina twice a week. Some patients find this easier than taking a daily dose of a different HRT product.
How long does it take for Vagifem to dissolve?
After a Vagifem vaginal tablet is ejected from the applicator it will stick to the wall of the vagina and not fall out. From here it will slowly dissolve over several hours.
What are the side effects of Vagifem?
Commonly reported side effects include:
- Headache
- Vaginal bleeding or discharge
- Vaginal discomfort
- Stomach pain
The patient information leaflet contains further information on less common side effects (e.g fluid retention).
Can you use Vagifem more than twice a week?
When Vagifem is first prescribed, a dose is usually inserted once daily for two weeks. Afterwards, the dose is reduced to twice weekly. You should take it exactly as your doctor has prescribed.
Is Vagifem a form of HRT?
Yes, Vagifem is an oestrogen-only HRT.
Can I buy Vagifem over the counter?
It cannot be bought over the counter. In the UK it must be prescribed by a doctor.
Can I order Vagifem (UK) online?
Yes, you can order Vagifem online via our UK registered online pharmacy and doctor service. After having an online assessment, our doctors can assess your suitability for treatment and issue a prescription if approved.
Side Effects
There is always a risk of side effects when taking any medicine.
Commonly reported Vagifem side effects include:
- Headache
- Vaginal bleeding or discharge
- Vaginal discomfort
- Stomach pain
HRT can be very beneficial for women who suffer from menopause symptoms. However, there are risks associated with HRT. The following diseases are reported more often in women taking HRT compared to women not taking HRT:
- Breast cancer
- Stroke
- Endometrial (womb) cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Blood clots (venous thromboembolism)
- Heart disease
Treatment should be reviewed by your doctor at least annually. Further information can be found on the NHS website for signs of a blood clot, breast cancer, endometrial cancer and stroke as well as information on the risks of HRT.
The above risks are associated with HRT products in general. It is likely that the risks are lower with Vagifem because it is for local treatment in the vagina and very little is absorbed into the bloodstream.
For medical advice about side effects, you should call your doctor for medical advice or speak to your pharmacist.
Reviews
Info Leaflet
Before taking any medication, it is important to read the Patient Information Leaflet. You can find information leaflets for your medicines by typing them into the search bar at medicines.org, or by contacting us.
Warnings
Other conditions and Vagifem
When completing the online assessment, mention any medical conditions you currently have. This helps our doctors to ensure the treatment is safe for you.
Vagifem is unsuitable for people who have certain conditions or for people who develop certain conditions whilst using it. Examples of these are:
- If you currently have cancer which is sensitive to oestrogens, such as cancer of the uterus, or have had it in the past
- Current breast cancer or a history of cancer of the breast
- Endometrial hyperplasia (thickening of the womb lining)
- A blood problem called porphyria
- Recent stroke or heart attack
- Unexplained or unusual vaginal bleeding
- A blood clotting disorder or blood disorder
- Current liver disease or a history of liver disease
- A current blood clot or a history of blood clots
- A previous allergic reaction to estradiol
Further information can be found in the patient information leaflet.
Interactions with other medicines
When answering the online assessment, it is important to tell us about any medication you currently take. Vagifem is a local treatment in the vagina which means very little is absorbed into the bloodstream. This means it is unlikely to interact with other medicines. It may affect other treatments applied into the vagina.
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