VAGIFEM® FAQs

You've got questions about VAGIFEM® – we've got answers. Browse the information below to find answers to the most frequently asked questions about VAGIFEM®. Get the facts about possible side effects, active ingredients and more.

Does VAGIFEM® have any side effects?

As with any medication, VAGIFEM® may cause some side effects. They are generally mild. Those commonly reported in clinical studies include headache, abdominal pain, back pain, upper respiratory tract infection, vaginal itching, and vaginal yeast infection. VAGIFEM® is designed to work only where it is applied in the vagina, and has not been shown to have a significant effect on other organs or tissues (such as the breasts or bones). If you experience side effects while taking VAGIFEM®, be sure to tell your healthcare professional.

What are the active ingredients in VAGIFEM®?

The main active ingredient in VAGIFEM® is an estrogen called estradiol. Estradiol is naturally produced by your body before menopause.

Is VAGIFEM® hormone therapy?

VAGIFEM® is a local estrogen therapy used vaginally for the treatment of atrophic vaginitis. Unlike some other hormone therapies that deliver estrogen throughout the body, VAGIFEM® provides estrogen directly to irritated vaginal tissues where it is needed, with minimal absorption by other organs of the body.

How can VAGIFEM® help me?

When used as directed, VAGIFEM® is designed to relieve the symptoms and discomfort associated with atrophic vaginitis, including dryness, soreness, and irritation.

How do I use VAGIFEM®?

VAGIFEM® tablets come in preloaded, disposable applicators. The slender, smooth applicator can be simply inserted into the vagina. With a click of a button the tablet is delivered directly to the vagina. VAGIFEM® is a clean, comfortable, and convenient treatment designed to relieve vaginal dryness and pain associated with atrophic vaginitis.

How often do I use VAGIFEM®?

Begin treatment by inserting one VAGIFEM® tablet into your vagina daily for the first two weeks. After the initial two weeks, continue treatment by inserting one tablet into your vagina two times a week, as directed by your healthcare professional. VAGIFEM® can be inserted at any time of the day but should be inserted at the same time every day.

How soon does VAGIFEM® begin to work?

Your symptoms may begin improving within 2 weeks. However, it may take up to 7 weeks to feel the full benefits of the medication. All women going through menopause have different experiences. Be sure to ask your healthcare professional any questions you have about your treatment.

Should therapy with VAGIFEM® be continued indefinitely?

Vaginal estrogen therapy should be continued as long as distressful symptoms remain. It is important to understand that the relief of atrophic vaginitis symptoms requires that you follow the treatment plan prescribed by your healthcare professional. When used as directed, treatment with VAGIFEM® is designed to relieve the symptoms and discomfort of atrophic vaginitis. All women going through menopause are different. Together with your healthcare professional, you can decide if continuing treatment is right for you.

How does VAGIFEM® compare to the estrogen that is produced naturally in my body?

The estrogen contained in VAGIFEM® is identical to the estrogen produced normally in the body before menopause.

Is VAGIFEM® different from other vaginal medications for atrophic vaginitis?

VAGIFEM® is the only vaginal tablet available containing estrogen. VAGIFEM® is cleanly and easily inserted into the vagina, providing local treatment of atrophic vaginitis by providing the estrogen lost during menopause. VAGIFEM® tablets come in preloaded, disposable applicators. The thin, smooth applicator provided with VAGIFEM® is easily inserted into the vagina. It delivers the tablet with a click of a button and can be discarded in the household trash. VAGIFEM® is a clean, comfortable, and convenient therapy for atrophic vaginitis.

Are there any risks associated with VAGIFEM®?

Estrogen, when used alone, has been reported to increase the risk of uterine cancer. In fact, estrogen users may be at higher risk of developing uterine (endometrial) cancer than nonusers. This is because estrogen treatments have been associated with an increased risk of developing a condition called endometrial hyperplasia, which has been known to lead to cancer of the uterus. The risk of developing uterine cancer depends on such factors as length and type of treatment and dosage strength, as well as other health factors. VAGIFEM® has not been associated with an increased risk of uterine cancer.

Is VAGIFEM® appropriate for all women?

VAGIFEM® should not be used by women who are pregnant or who think they may be pregnant. It should not be used immediately after childbirth or while breast-feeding. It also should not be used by women who have unusual vaginal bleeding, a history of breast or uterine cancer, or a history of blood clots.

Important Safety Information