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:
