Vagifem

Uses of Vagifen

Vagifen is a hormone (estrogen). It is used by women to help reduce vaginal symptoms of menopause (such as vaginal dryness/burning/itching). These symptoms are caused by the body making less estrogen. When treating only vaginal symptoms of menopause, products applied directly inside the vagina (such as this medication) should be used first. Estrogens that are taken by mouth, absorbed through the skin, or injected may have greater risks of side effects due to more estrogen being absorbed.

Precautions and Warnings

You should not use Vagifem if you have undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, liver disease, a bleeding disorder, if you will have major surgery, or if you have ever had a heart attack, a stroke, a blood clot, or cancer of the breast, uterus/cervix, or vagina.

Estradiol may increase your risk of developing a condition that may lead to uterine cancer. Report any unusual vaginal bleeding right away.

Using Vagifem can increase your risk of blood clots, stroke, heart attack, or cancer of the breast, uterus, or ovaries. Vagifem should not be used to prevent heart disease, stroke, or dementia.

Do not use Vagifem if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment.

Estradiol can slow breast milk production. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding.

Dosage

Initial dose: One vaginal tablet daily for two weeks.

Maintenance dose: One vaginal tablet twice a week.

Side Effects

Common side effects:

• nausea, vomiting, bloating, stomach cramps;
• headache;
• swelling in your hands or feet, weight gain;
• breast pain; or
• vaginal itching or discharge, changes in your menstrual periods, breakthrough bleeding.

More information about Vagifem

• Product Monograph – Health Canada
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration Medication Guide