Vagifem is a female hormone (estrogen). It is used by women to help reduce vaginal symptoms of menopause (such as vaginal dryness/burning/itching). These symptoms are caused by the body making less estrogen. When treating only vaginal symptoms of menopause, products applied directly inside the vagina (such as this medication) should be used first. Estrogens that are taken by mouth, absorbed through the skin, or injected may have greater risks of side effects due to more estrogen being absorbed.

Use this medication as directed by your doctor, usually once daily for the first 2 weeks, and then 2 times a week thereafter. The applicator comes packaged with the tablet inside. If the tablet falls out before using, throw it away and use a new applicator/tablet. Gently insert the applicator into the vagina as directed and press the plunger to release the medication. Throw away the applicator after use.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. Follow your dosing schedule carefully. Do not increase your dose or use this medication more often or for a longer time than directed.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.

Before using estradiol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Estradiol can increase the risk that you will develop endometrial cancer (cancer of the lining of the uterus). If you have not had a hysterectomy, you should take progestin along with estradiol to decrease this risk. Estradiol can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects. You should not use this medication while pregnant.

Vaginal estrogen may cause side effects.

Nausea/vomiting, bloating, diarrhea, breast tenderness, headache, or weight changes may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:

-mental/mood changes (such as depression, memory loss),

-breast lumps

-unusual vaginal bleeding (such as spotting, breakthrough bleeding, prolonged/recurrent bleeding)

-Increased or new vaginal irritation/itching/odor/discharge

-Severe stomach/abdominal pain

-Persistent nausea/vomiting

-Yellowing eyes/skin

-Dark urine

-Swelling hands/ankles/feet

-Increased thirst/urination

How long does Vagifem 10 mcg take to work?

Vagifem 10 mcg treats the loss of vaginal estrogen, which is the underlying cause of your symptoms. Even though you may not see results right away, Vagifem begins working to help replenish vaginal estrogen when you start using it. One study, which had a primary endpoint of 12 weeks, showed that Vagifem 10 mcg reduced a combined score of the most bothersome vaginal symptoms at 12 weeks, but some people may see improvements as early as at 8 weeks of treatment.

Who should not use Vagifem?

Do not start using Vagifem if you currently have or have had certain cancers. Estrogens may increase the chances of getting certain types of cancers, including cancer of the breast or uterus. Also, do not start using Vagifem® if you have unusual vaginal bleeding, had a stroke or heart attack, currently have or have had blood clots, currently have or have had liver problems, have been diagnosed with a bleeding disorder, are allergic to Vagifem or any of its ingredients, or think you may be pregnant.

What time of day should I use Vagifem 10 mcg?

You can use Vagifem 10 mcg at any time of the day, but you should try to use it at the same time every day.

What if the insert has come out of the applicator inside the package?

If, after opening the package, you see that the insert has come out of the applicator but has not fallen out of the package, carefully put it back into the applicator for insertion. Please keep your hands clean and dry while handling the insert.

What if the insert falls out of the applicator?

If, prior to insertion, the insert falls out of the applicator, throw the insert and applicator away and use a new insert-filled applicator.