Description
Vagifem is a topical estrogen used for the treatment of atrophic vaginitis due to menopause. Atrophic vaginitis symptoms include drying, inflammation, and thinning of the vaginal walls.
Vagifem is available by prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
During menopause, the body's natural levels of estrogen decrease, causing changes in the vaginal walls. Vagifem helps to restore levels of estrogen and relieve the symptoms of vaginal atrophy.
Directions
Vagifem is inserted intravaginally using the included applicator.
Insert one 10 or 25 mcg tablet vaginally once daily for two weeks, followed by one tablet twice weekly.
Ingredients
The active ingredient in Vagifem is Estradiol. The generic name for Vagifem is also Estradiol.
Interactions
Vagifem is a topical medication, so very little absorbs into the bloodstream, and drug-drug interactions are unlikely. However, they can still occur under certain conditions. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any of the following:
- Anastrazole
- Anticoagulants
- Apalutamide
- Carbamazepine
- Enzalutamide
- Exemestane
- Fosphenytoin
- Growth hormone analogs
- Mitotane
- Ospemifene
- Phenobarbital
- Phenytoin
- Pomalidomide
- Primidone
- Tipranavir
- Tizanidine
Fact Table |
Formula |
C18H24O2 |
License |
EU EMA |
Bioavailability |
Oral: less than 5% |
Legal status |
RX Only |
Chemical Name |
Estradiol |
Elimination half-life |
Oral: 13–20 hours, Sublingual: 8–18 hours, Topical (gel): 36.5 hours |
Dosage (Strength) |
10mcg (18 tablets), 10mcg (36 tablets) |
Pregnancy |
Consult a doctor |
Brands |
Vagifem |
Protein binding |
98% |
PubChem CID |
5757 |
MedlinePlus |
a601121 |
ChEBI |
16469 |
ATC code |
G03CA03 |
DrugBank |
DB00783 |
KEGG |
D00105 |
Routes of administration |
Inserted |
Cautions
Keep Vagimen out of reach of children.
You should not use Vagifem if you have any of the following:
- Known or suspected pregnancy
- Liver problems
- Active clotting disorder
- Known or suspected history of breast cancer
- Undiagnosed genital bleeding
This is not a full list of warnings. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist to learn if any precautions apply to you.
Side Effects
The most common Vagifem side effects may include:
- Abdominal pain
- Arthralgia
- Arthritis
- Back pain
- Bacterial vaginosis
- Diarrhea
- Flu-like symptoms
- Genital candidiasis
- Headache
- Hot flash
- Hypersensitivity reaction
- Insomnia
- Leukorrhea
- Mastalgia
- Migraine
- Nausea
- Pharyngitis
- Sinusitis
- Skeletal pain
- Stress
- Upper respiratory tract infection
- Urinary tract infection
- Urticaria
- Vaginal discomfort
- Vaginal hemorrhage
- Vaginal pain
- Vaginitis
- Vulvovaginal pruritus
References
Vagifem [package insert]. Princeton, NJ: Novo Nordisk; 2009.
About Dr. Conor Sheehy (Page Author)
Dr. Sheehy (BSc Molecular Biology, PharmD) works a clinical pharmacist specializing in cardiology, oncology, and ambulatory care. He’s a board-certified pharmacotherapy specialist (BCPS), and his experience working one-on-one with patients to fine tune their medication and therapy plans for optimal results makes him a valuable subject matter expert for our pharmacy. Read More....
IMPORTANT NOTE:
The above information is intended to increase awareness of health information and does not suggest treatment or diagnosis. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Product Code : 2347