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Vagifem Vaginal Inserts

Generic name: estradiol vaginal (ES tra DYE ole VA jin ul))
Brand name: Vagifem
Drug classes: Estrogens, Miscellaneous vaginal agents

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on Sep 25, 2023.

What is Vagifem?

Vagifem vaginal inserts contain estradiol, a form of estrogen. Estrogen is a female sex hormone that regulates many processes in the body.

Vagifem is used after menopause to treat menopause symptoms (such as dryness, burning, and irritation) in and around the vagina.

Vagifem is a small, white, round, film-coated, bi-convex vaginal insert containing 10 mcg of estradiol. Each vaginal insert is 6 mm in diameter and is administered in a disposable applicator.

Warnings

You should not use Vagifem if you have: undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, liver disease, a bleeding disorder, if you will have major surgery, or if you have ever had a heart attack, a stroke, a blood clot, or cancer of the breast, uterus/cervix, or vagina.

Do not use Vagifem if you are pregnant.

Estradiol may increase your risk of developing a condition that may lead to uterine cancer. Report any unusual vaginal bleeding right away.

Using Vagifem can increase your risk of blood clots, stroke, heart attack, or cancer of the breast, uterus, or ovaries. Vagifem should not be used to prevent heart disease, stroke, or dementia.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Vagifem if you are allergic to estradiol, or if you have:

Do not use Vagifem if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment.

Using Vagifem vaginal inserts can increase your risk of blood clots, stroke, or heart attack. You are even more at risk if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, if you are overweight, or if you smoke.

Vagifem should not be used to prevent heart disease, stroke, or dementia. This medicine may actually increase your risk of developing these conditions.

To make sure Vagifem is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

Using estradiol may increase your risk of cancer of the breast, uterus, or ovaries. Talk with your doctor about this risk.

Estradiol can slow breast milk production. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding.

How should I use Vagifem?

Use Vagifem exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets.

Estradiol may increase your risk of developing a condition that may lead to uterine cancer. Your doctor may prescribe a progestin to help lower this risk. Call your doctor at once if you have any unusual vaginal bleeding.

Wash your hands before and after inserting Vagifem.

Each Vagifem tablet is supplied in a single-use disposable applicator. Throw the tablet applicator away after one use.

Instructions for use of the applicator:

Your doctor should check your progress on a regular basis to determine whether you should continue this treatment. Self-examine your breasts for lumps on a monthly basis and have a mammogram every year while using Vagifem.

If you need major surgery or will be on long-term bed rest, you may need to stop using Vagifem for a short time. Any doctor or surgeon who treats you should know that you are using Vagifem.

Store Vagifem at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while using Vagifem?

Avoid smoking. It can greatly increase your risk of blood clots, stroke, or heart attack while using Vagifem.

Avoid using other vaginal products without your doctor's advice.

Grapefruit may interact with estradiol and lead to unwanted side effects. Avoid the use of grapefruit products.

Vagifem side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Vagifem: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

Common Vagifem side effects may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Vagifem?

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective.

Many drugs can interact with estradiol. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Does Vagifem interact with my other drugs?

Enter medications to view a detailed interaction report using our Drug Interaction Checker.

Popular FAQ

How long does it take for Vagifem to dissolve?

It takes several hours for a Vagifem insert to fully dissolve, sometimes over 24 hours, and you may find that when you insert a Vagifem the next day, the applicator comes out covered with a sticky gluey substance – this is the previous days dissolving insert which you have touched with the applicator. Continue reading

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Vagifem only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.