Vagifem Side Effects

Although Vagifem provides a low dose of estrogen compared to most other estrogen medications, it can still cause side effects. Vagifem may cause headaches, back pain, and vaginal yeast infections. In most cases, these side effects are minor and easily treated. However, serious side effects of Vagifem are possible, such as chest pain and migraines, which should be reported immediately to your healthcare provider.

 

An Introduction to Vagifem Side Effects

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Vagifem® (estradiol vaginal tablets). 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.
 
(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with Vagifem. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of Vagifem side effects with you.)
 

Common Vagifem Side Effects

Vagifem has been studied thoroughly in clinical trials. In these studies, the side effects that occurred in a group of people taking the drug were documented and compared to the side effects that occurred in another group of people taking a placebo (a "sugar pill" that does not contain any active ingredients). As a result, it was possible to see what side effects occurred, how often they appeared, and how they compared to the group not taking the medicine.
 
In these studies, the most common Vagifem side effects included:
 
  • Headaches -- in up to 9 percent of women
  • Abdominal pain (stomach pain) -- up to 7 percent
  • Back pain -- up to 7 percent
  • Vaginal yeast infections -- up to 5 percent
  • Upper respiratory tract infections (such as the common cold) -- up to 5 percent.
     
Other possible side effects (occurring in 3 to 5 percent of women) included:
 
  • Bronchitis
  • Indigestion or heartburn
  • Blood in the urine
  • Hot flashes
  • Insomnia
  • Pain
  • Sinus infections
  • Vaginal discomfort
  • Vaginal irritation or infection.
     
(Vagifem Side Effects Continued: Page 2)
Add this article to your Favorites     Email this article     Print
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;