Vagirux after a pulmonary embolism

[RubyMurry22]

I’m 56 and have been on Oestrogel/Utrogestan for 4 months and feeling much better. Still suffering a bit with stress incontinence and have been prescribed Vagirux. I’ve read that it might not be suitable if you have a history of blood clots and I have had a PE post surgery 25 years ago. I have stopped taking it for now. I will obviously ask my doctor when I get the opportunity. Thanks.

Vagirux is much milder that the oestrogel you are already taking. The clotting issue is with oral oestrogen as it is metabolized by the liver. Oestrogen through the skin is much better for clotting risk. All oestrogen products have the same warnings on them, even if they are not relevant.

Using vaginal estrogen for a whole year is equal to one day of your systemic HRT.
There is no risk of blood clots with transdermal estrogen (such as the Oestrogel you are using already.)

The leaflets in vaginal estrogen do not apply to it. They are a standard leaflet for anything with estrogen in. Consultants have been asking the manufacturers for years to remove / edit those leaflets. You will see exactly the same 'warnings' on the gel, so there is no need to stop Vagirux or probably no need to ask your GP. (Who must know your medical history anyway and has prescribed HRT.) If you're worried have a word with the pharmacist- they are always well informed.

Thank you both - I’ll restart it again. I realised that there was no increased risk with transdermal oestrogen but wasn’t sure about vaginal.

Vaginal is transdermal as it's absorbed through the vaginal walls (skin.)
It's only tablets (swallowed and go through the liver) that are more risky as they affect lipids in the blood.

Good luck with it all!