Vagifem

Vagifem is a medication used to relieve vaginal dryness, itching, and burning in postmenopausal women. This prescription medication works by replacing the estrogen that the ovaries no longer produce. Prior to beginning treatment, talk to your healthcare provider about other medical conditions you have and other medications you are taking. Side effects of Vagifem can include headaches, back pain, and vaginal yeast infections.

 

What Is Vagifem?

Vagifem® (estradiol vaginal tablets) is a prescription medication that contains an estrogen hormone. It is used to treat dryness, itching, and burning in and around the vagina, usually in postmenopausal women. It is inserted vaginally using a special applicator.
 
(Click Vagifem Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes Vagifem?

Vagifem is made by Novo Nordisk.
 

How Does Vagifem Work?

Vagifem tablets contain estradiol, the main estrogen hormone produced by the ovaries before menopause. This medication helps relieve menopausal symptoms by replacing the estradiol that the ovaries no longer produce. It is a good alternative to hormone replacement therapy taken by mouth, especially in women who only have vaginal menopausal symptoms. Vagifem does not provide enough estrogen to treat other non-vaginal menopause symptoms (such as hot flashes) in most women.
 

When and How to Use Vagifem

General considerations for when and how to use Vagifem include the following:
 
  • Each Vagifem tablet comes packaged in a single-use, disposable applicator tube. The applicator is inserted vaginally (much like a tampon), and the tablet is released by pushing the plunger.
     
  • Your Vagifem package comes with detailed instructions on how to use the tablets.
     
  • Dispose of the applicator just as you would a plastic tampon applicator (do not flush it).
     
  • Vagifem is typically used daily for the first two weeks; after that, it is usually used just twice a week.
     
  • If you accidentally release the tablet from the applicator before inserting it vaginally, do not try to replace the tablet into the applicator. Simply throw it away and use a new one.
     
  • For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed.
     

Dosing Information for Vagifem

There is only one standard dose of Vagifem. As always, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Vagifem Dosage for more information.)
 

Side Effects of Vagifem

As with any medicine, Vagifem can cause side effects. However, not everyone who uses the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most women tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
 
Common side effects of Vagifem include but are not limited to:
 
(Click Vagifem Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 

Drug Interactions With Vagifem

Vagifem may possibly interact with several other medications (see Vagifem Drug Interactions).
 

Vagifem: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

Talk with your healthcare provider prior to using Vagifem if you have:
 
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you:
 
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Vagifem Warnings and Precautions to learn more, including information on who should not take the drug.)
 

What If I Take an Overdose of Vagifem?

People who take too much Vagifem may experience the following symptoms:
 
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Vaginal bleeding.
     
(Click Vagifem Overdose for more information.)
 

How Should Vagifem Be Stored?

Vagifem should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep Vagifem and all other medications out of the reach of children.
 

What If I Miss a Dose of Vagifem?

If you do not take your Vagifem as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double your dose.
 

Strengths of Vagifem

Vagifem comes in one strength, with one 25-mcg (0.025-mg) tablet of Vagifem per disposable applicator. It comes in packs of 8 or 18 tablets and applicators.
 

Generic Vagifem

At this time, no generic versions of Vagifem are licensed for sale (see Generic Vagifem for more information).
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;