Vagifem and/or Equivalents
| Drug | Related Drug Names |
|---|---|
| Vagifem 10mcg and/or Equivalents | Vagifem, Vagifem Low |
Vagifem (Estradiol)
Vagifem Description
Vagifem is a medicinal drug containing estradiol vaginal, which is used after the onset of menopause to relieve various symptoms associated with atrophic vaginitis. Symptoms include dryness in the vagina, itching or soreness. Vagifem is usually available in the form of tablets and is administered through the vagina.
Vagifem, containing estradiol vaginal, is thus used to treat the aforementioned vaginal symptoms pertaining to the onset of menopause.
Conditions Treated by Vagifem
As already mentioned, Vagifem is used primarily for the treatment of particular symptoms brought about by menopause such as burning sensation, itching and dryness in the area in and around the vagina. Vagifem can also be used to reduce any irritation or urgency associated with urination. In certain cases, Vagifem is used for local treatment of various menopause related symptoms of the vagina such as the surrounding tissues and secretions of the vagina. Vagifem may also be used in treating certain other medical conditions not mentioned here.
Vagifem Dosage Information
a.) Typical Dosage Recommendations
It is extremely important that you take Vagifem exactly as your doctor prescribes. Be very careful not to take bigger or smaller amounts or administer the drug for a longer time than recommended and follow the directions given on the prescription label.
Some forms of Vagifem are placed in the vagina itself for local treatment of symptoms pertaining only to the vagina, while other forms are used to treat those symptoms, which affect the vagina as well as other parts of the body.
In order to use the estradiol vaginal or Vagifem ring:
Firstly, squeeze the ring sides together and place them inside the vagina at the maximum possible distance. Ideally, you should not feel the ring once it has been placed. If you are able to touch it, then push it in farther. Let the ring remain in its place for a period of ninety days. If it happens to fall out, then rinse it thoroughly with warm water and place it in the correct place once again. Remove the ring once the period of 90 days has passed.
To apply the Vagifem cream, use the marked applicator that is provided in order to ensure that you apply the correct dosage. Vagifem is also available in tablet form and these should be inserted into the vagina via a plunger that comes with the product.
b.) Missing a Dose
If you end up missing a dose, take the missed dose the moment you remember to do so. If the Vagifem ring happens to fall out by accident, rinse it thoroughly with warmed water and reinsert in into the vagina.
c) Overdosing
If you overdose on Vagifem, seek medical attention right away.
Vagifem Warnings
Vagifem can prove to be harmful if you happen to be suffering from certain conditions. It is important that you avoid taking Vagifem if you suffer from severe liver disease. You should also consult a doctor or a pharmacist for dose adjustments or special tests to make sure it is safe for you to take the drug if you happen to be suffering from the following medical conditions:
- Disorder pertaining to blood clotting
- Bleeding disorder
- A family or personal history of suffering from strokes or problems pertaining to blood circulation
- Breast cancer
- Uterine cancer
- Unusual bleeding in the vagina
- Elevated blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Angina or chest pain
- High cholesterol level in the blood
- High triglyceride level in the blood
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Asthma
- Epileptic fits or seizure disorders
- Diabetes
- Migraines
- Disease of the gallbladder
- Depression
- If you have had a hysterectomy performed
The estradiol contained within Vagifem has the potential to increase the chances of you contracting endometrial hyperplasia, which is a condition that can cause cancer of the uterus.
Using Vagifem for a prolonged period of time can also lead to you developing stroke. Thus it is very important that you regularly consult with your doctor before you go on a long term course of the medicine. Have your doctor conduct regular tests, preferable on a three to six month notice, in order to ensure that you haven’t developed any serious conditions.
Avoid using Vagifem if you happen to be pregnant as the drug could cause harm to the unborn baby. Hence, thoroughly consult your doctor regarding the administration of the drug whilst being pregnant and seek out less harmful alternatives.
Vagifem Side Effects
As with most other drugs, Vagifem has a number of side effects. If you exhibit allergic reactions to Vagifem such as:
- hives
- swelling of tongue
- Swelling of lips
- inflammation of throat
- swelling of face
- appearance of rashes
- excessive itching and difficulty in breathing
you should seek emergency medical help right away and consult your doctor immediately. The more serious side effects of using Nuvaring include:
- Weakness on one side of the body
- Numbness on one side of the body
- Confusion
- Pain in the eyes
- Problems pertaining to vision
- Problems related to speech
- Problems related to balance
- Head aches
- Pain in the arms and shoulder
- Pain in the chest
- Sweating
- Nausea
- Fever
- Pain in the stomach
- Loss of appetite
- Dark colored urine
- Jaundice
- Clay colored stool
- Swelling in the ankles
- Swelling in the feet
- Swelling in the hands
- Lump in the breasts
- Problems in sleeping
- Depression
Less harmful side effects of using Nuvaring are:
- Vomiting
- Cramps in the stomach
- Mild nausea
- Bloating
- Swelling
- Tenderness
- Pain in the breasts
- Freckles
- Loss of hair
- Weight changes
- Change in appetite
- Itching in the vagina
- Unusual vaginal discharge
- Depressed sex drive
- Head ache
- Dizziness
- Exhaustion
- Nervousness
The above is not however an exhaustive list and other side effects may arise upon using Vagifem.
Possible Drug Interactions with Vagifem
Vagifem can prove to be harmful if used in tandem with certain other drugs. Make sure to inform your doctor about the following drugs if you are to take Vagifem:
- Blood thinners such as Coumadin (warfarin)
- Phenobarbital
- St. John's Wort
- Tegretol (carbamazepine)
- Norvir (ritonavir)
- Rifadin (rifampin)
- Antibiotics such as Erythromycin
The above however is not an exclusive list and there are other drugs including minerals, vitamins and herbal products which should not be used simultaneously and concurrently with Vagifem. Hence, it is extremely important that you inform your doctor about any and all medications that you happen to be using at the time of taking Vagifem.
If you have any questions about buying discount Vagifem online or any other prescription products you can contact our team of professional Patient Service Representatives or one of our pharmacists 24-7 by calling 1-800-226-3784.
Notice: The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Vagifem and/or Equivalents warnings, side-effects and general information
