Indications
- This medication is a hormone prescribed for women to alleviate vaginal symptoms associated with menopause, including vaginal dryness, burning, and itching.
- These symptoms occur because the body produces less estrogen during menopause.
- When addressing only the vaginal symptoms of menopause, products applied directly inside the vagina, like this medication, are recommended as the first line of treatment.
- Estrogens taken orally, absorbed through the skin, or injected may pose greater risks of side effects due to increased estrogen absorption.
Dosage and administration
- Before starting to use this medication and with each refill, read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist. If you have any inquiries, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
- Follow your doctor’s instructions when using this medication. Fill the applicator with the prescribed medication as per the given directions. Insert the applicator deeply into the vagina and press the plunger to release the medication. After use, clean the applicator with warm soapy water and rinse thoroughly. Avoid boiling or using hot water for cleaning.
- The dosage of this medication is determined by your medical condition and response to treatment.
- Use the medication regularly to obtain the maximum benefit. Adhere to your dosing schedule carefully. Do not exceed the prescribed dose or use the medication more frequently or for a longer duration than directed by your doctor.
Side effects
- Possible side effects of this medication may include nausea/vomiting, bloating, breast tenderness, headache, or weight changes. If these effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
- Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because they believe the benefits outweigh the potential risks. Many individuals using this medication do not experience serious side effects.
- Report to your doctor immediately if you encounter serious side effects such as persistent nausea/vomiting, mental/mood changes (like depression or memory loss), breast lumps, unusual vaginal bleeding (spotting, breakthrough bleeding, prolonged/recurrent bleeding), increased or new vaginal irritation/itching/odor/discharge, severe stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine, swelling in hands/ankles/feet, or increased thirst/urination.
- Rarely, this medication may cause serious problems related to blood clots (e.g., heart attacks, strokes, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism). Seek immediate medical help if you experience chest/jaw/left arm pain, unusual sweating, sudden/severe headache, weakness on one side of the body, confusion, trouble speaking, sudden vision changes (partial/complete blindness), pain/redness/swelling in legs, tingling/weakness/numbness in the arms/legs, trouble breathing, coughing up blood, or sudden dizziness/fainting.
- While a severe allergic reaction to this product is rare, seek medical assistance immediately if you observe symptoms like rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.
- This list does not cover all possible side effects. If you notice any other effects not mentioned here, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
- Before using this medication, inform your doctor or pharmacist about any allergies you have. The product may contain inactive ingredients that can cause allergic reactions. Seek advice from your pharmacist for more details.
- Share your medical history with your doctor or pharmacist, especially if you have a history of vaginal bleeding of unknown cause, certain cancers (such as breast, uterine, or ovarian cancer), blood clots, stroke, heart disease (including heart attack), liver disease, kidney disease, a family history of certain conditions (such as breast lumps, cancer, blood clots), a family or personal history of a swelling disorder (angioedema), blood clotting disorders (like protein C or protein S deficiency), high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol/triglyceride levels, obesity, lupus, underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), mineral imbalance (low or high calcium levels in the blood), a certain hormone problem (hypoparathyroidism), uterus problems (such as fibroids or endometriosis), gallbladder disease, asthma, seizures, migraine headaches, mental/mood disorders (such as dementia or depression), or certain blood disorders (porphyria).
- Do not smoke or use tobacco while using this medication, as estrogen combined with smoking increases the risk of stroke, blood clots, high blood pressure, and heart attack, particularly in women over 35 years old.
- Inform your doctor if you have recently had or will have surgery or if you will be immobile for an extended period (such as a long plane flight), as these conditions increase the risk of blood clots, especially when using estrogen products. Your doctor may recommend stopping the medication temporarily or taking special precautions.
- This medication may cause dark, blotchy areas on the face and skin (melasma). Sunlight can worsen this effect, so limit your time in the sun, avoid tanning booths and sunlamps, and use sunscreen and protective clothing when outdoors.
- If you are nearsighted or wear contact lenses, you may experience vision problems or difficulty wearing your contacts. Contact your eye doctor if such issues arise.
- Some estrogen products contain mineral oil, which can weaken latex products like condoms, cervical caps, and diaphragms, potentially leading to failure. Check with your pharmacist if you’re unsure whether your product contains mineral oil. If it does, discuss alternative birth control options (such as polyurethane condoms) with your doctor while using this medication.
- This medication should not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant or suspect pregnancy, inform your doctor immediately.
- This medication passes into breast milk and may reduce the quality and quantity of breast milk produced. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.