Vagifem - anyone used? Any side effects?

[Oldisthenewblack]

I've just been prescribed Vagifem tablets. I asked my GP for something to help with what felt like dryness 'inside' - difficult to describe but something that I never used to feel. Having just read the enclosed leaflet, it sounds like HRT! I didn't realise. I thought it would be just some kind of fancy lube I'm now a bit concerned as this sounds like serious stuff, and I'm not sure about putting it in my body. I'm not menopausal yet (as far as I know) though I do hav a whole host of symptoms, but that's more to do with other issues sigh Has anyone used Vagifem and did it have any negative side effects?

Thanks in advance

[Tinkerbell777]

@Lifewithcake , I had exactly the same issues after being on the pill. It's ironic that something to allow you to have sex freely without worry of pregnancy stops you from wanting sex. I was around the same age as you too. I'm now 47 and started taking vagifem recently and it's been a godsend, I wish I'd started it years ago!

[Tess1933]

Has anyone started Vagifem whilst bleeding? I am postmenopausal and went for a smear recently and my cervix and high up is bleeding. The smear was very roughly done. My GP gave me vagifem, but I am scared to use it whilst bleeding. I feel this is the gyno's fault who did the smear. I haven't had problems like this before?

[Lifewithcake]

Looking for some guidance. I am 26 years old and have been struggling with vaginal dryness and low libido for around 4 years. I think it might be linked to the Cerelle mini pill that I was one previously. I stopped taking Cerelle about a year ago but libido and dryness are still an issue .

I have finally gotten around to going to the doctors and they have prescribed me with Sylk moisturiser and Vagifem pessaries. They haven't inspected it internally and I am worried that I am too young to take Vagifem.

If I need to take it for the rest of my life this could be a very long time!

[JinglingHellsBells]

@Gargrave

Thanks for that information, I am in my late 70’s and have been prescribed this. I am also a bit worried when I read of all the possible common side effects.

@Gargrave Please be reassured. The leaflet is for FULL systemic HRT.

Vaginal estrogen is not HRT. The side effects do not apply.

For some odd licensing law , the manufacturer has to put the same leaflet in anything containing estrogen.

menopause consultants are trying to get this changed. (One is on record on a youtube video, explaining this.)

[Gargrave]

Thanks for that information, I am in my late 70’s and have been prescribed this. I am also a bit worried when I read of all the possible common side effects.

[Bmlgl]

Can anyone help me. Been using vagifem 2 x week. Been on it since Nov last Yr. I am so fed up now cause I am burning so bad. Doc have done a swab just waiting on results. Has anyone experienced this at all.

[Ginakee]

Mini stroke I mean

[Ginakee]

I had a more on stroke 11 years ago. My gp assures me this does not cause clots and reading the comments in here has also reassured me.
Thank you
Gina

[JinglingHellsBells]

@Ginakee

I have been prescribed vagifem by my gp . He assures me its a miniscule amount of estrogen. He also assured my that it is topical and therefore is not absorbed by the body. It just reaches the place its applied. Bothers me a bit as I'm not supposed to take hrt as in case of blood clots. What do you think ??
Thanks
Gina

@Ginakee Your GP is right. It's not classed as HRT.
They are writing new leaflets so the risks on the leaflets in current packs are more accurate.
Incidentally, hrt doesn't cause blood clots if it's transdermal -on and through the skin - (only a tiny risk with tablet form.)
Do you have an existing or previous experience of DVT or circulation issues and clots?

[Ginakee]

I have been prescribed vagifem by my gp . He assures me its a miniscule amount of estrogen. He also assured my that it is topical and therefore is not absorbed by the body. It just reaches the place its applied. Bothers me a bit as I'm not supposed to take hrt as in case of blood clots. What do you think ??
Thanks
Gina

[Vickyjenkins]

Hi I have Lichen and the specialist prescribed vagifem to help just started taking it today good luck

[JinglingHellsBells]

No problem and hope it helps :)

[Sissysan]

Thank you so much for the information! This helps me a lot and reassures me. Thank you!

[JinglingHellsBells]

If you use it 2 x a week (or a bit more if needed) that is the same as ONE TABLET/PILL of estrogen (1 mg) taken daily as full HRT

Sorry- that should say 2 x a week FOR A YEAR is the same as a single daily dose.

[JinglingHellsBells]

@Sissysan Most drs now would say that after being in remission for 12 years it's safe to use vaginal estrogen (and many women use it much closer to a diagnosis.)

If you use it 2 x a week (or a bit more if needed) that is the same as ONE TABLET/PILL of estrogen (1 mg) taken daily as full HRT.
It's minute.

It's not absorbed into the blood stream beyond the first few days - once your vaginal walls are thicker as a result of using it.

The leaflets in anything containing estrogen are exactly the same whether it's vaginal creams or full HRT.

There is a bit of a medical 'row' going on around this as the leaflets are totally inappropriate for Ovestin and Vagifem.

[Sissysan]

Thank you very much for responding and giving me your insights! Much appreciated!!

[Boiledeggandtoast]

Hallo Sissysan. I'm sorry to hear that you had breast cancer. I'm not in the same situation but I understand that the dose of oestrogen in Vagifem is so low so this should not be an issue, but hopefully someone with more medical knowledge will be able to answer your question.

I just wanted to reassure you that in my experience Vagifem does not lead to weight gain; I've been using it for 19 months without any change in weight. I'm 59.

[dingledongle]

lizzy60 I use vagifem 3 x per week after I spoke with GP.

Started it in June & it worked initially and then seemed to be less effective.

My periods stopped 2 months ago so I am happy that I am on the downward slope of peri menopause

Might be worth speaking to GP

[Katndaz]

I have been on vagifem for a week now and I am absolutely knackered I am waking up every night sweating profusely. This must be a side effect as I did not have this before I started the vagifem

[Sissysan]

I read all the comments however couldnt find an answer. Sorry if i missed it.
I had breast cancer 12 years ago (48y now) and my gyne subscribed Vagifem today. In the leaflet its mentioned not to use it when you had breast cancer. Anyone in the same situation and do you think its safe to use?
Also do you gain weight with Vagifem?
Thanks a lot!

[Lizzy60]

Whoops Should have said months in previous post not moneys

[Lizzy60]

Hi I’ve been using Vagifem now for nearly 3 months, prescribed by GP for dryness and itching. Things started to improve about 4 weeks ago and then a week ago went back to square one with very annoying itching in that area. I have tried allsorts of over the counter stuff from the pharmacy over the last few moneys and nothing helps with the itching. It’s driving me mad and making me anxious. Spoke to Dr today who says it can take up to 6 months for Vagifem to take effect, she suggested upping dose to every other day for a couple of weeks. I did a swab test when I first started using Vagifem which was negative for Thrush or infection. Has anyone else suffered this awful feminine itching and any ideas to cure it. GP is adamant it can’t be anything else than menopause.

[JinglingHellsBells]

It's a bit sad you can't share intimate stuff with him when you have sex with the bloke! He loves you for who you are- menopausal symptoms and all. No need to behave as if you were 25 and it's not something women go through.

You can use it any time- the gap between night and next day won't matter. Not sure how long it takes to dissolve.

[Flownew]

Thank you, sadly its me who doesn’t feel comfortable. If i want to change dose to daytime, and i have been doing at night do i miss one tonight and go back to mornings tomorrow. Only had 2 doses so far. How long does it take to disperse?

[JinglingHellsBells]

by the way if you are worried about DVT with tablet form hrt you should swap to patches or gel type and there is no risk with those.