Vagifem® is a type of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) that contains a low dose of natural estrogen (estradiol), which is a female hormone. It is used to treat vaginal irritation, dryness, and pain during sexual intercourse, these symptoms are caused by decreased levels of estrogen, which happens naturally after menopause. Vagifem® works by replacing the estrogen.
What should I do if I forget to take/use this medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Then take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed dose.
What precautions should I take?
Inform your healthcare professional if:
- You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication
- You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies.
- You have any unexplained vaginal bleeding.
- You have a history of or current medical conditions such as liver problems, stroke, heart disease, blood clots, migraine headaches, epilepsy, diabetes mellitus or cancer.
- You are going for surgery or will be on bed rest.
What are some common side-effects of this medication?
As Vagifem® contains a very small amount of estrogen, the side effects are usually well tolerated.
Some of the common side effects include:
- Headache
- Stomach pain
- Vaginal discharge or discomfort
If it is painful during the insertion of the applicator into the vagina, the applicator may be moistened with water or lubricated with a lubricating cream/jelly.
What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately?
The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:
- Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
- Difficulty in breathing
- Itchy skin rashes over your whole body
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately:
- Unusual vaginal bleeding or spotting
- Sudden, new severe headaches
- A large rise in your blood pressure which may cause headaches, tiredness, dizziness.
- Dark urine or light-coloured stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, severe stomach pain, yellowing of your eyes or skin. These may be signs of liver disease.
- Painful swelling and redness of the legs, sudden chest pain, difficulty breathing which could be signs of a blood clot.
How should I store this medication?
Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children.
Disclaimers
If you take more than the recommended dose, please seek medical advice immediately. The information provided on this page does not replace information from your healthcare professional. Please consult your healthcare professional for more information.
This article is jointly developed by members of the National Medication Information workgroup. The workgroup consists of cluster partners (National Healthcare Group, National University Health System and SingHealth), community pharmacies (Guardian, Unity and Watsons) and Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore. The content does not reflect drug availability and supply information in pharmacies and healthcare institutions. You are advised to check with the respective institutions for such information.
Last updated on May 2022