Vagirux vs Vagifem pessaries for Vaginal atrophy symptoms

[Iamreallyworried]

Has anyone else been switched from Vagifem to Vagirux and found that all their symptoms have returned?
I have been comfortable on Vagifem for years and my repeat Px was recently changed to Vagirux - presumably due to cost. I have been using the Vagirux for 3 weeks and all my symptoms have come back. According to the box, the formula is the same, but it definitely isn't working for me. I need to speak to my GP, but it would be helpful to know if this is a problem for others.

Anyone?

They both contain exactly the same active and other ingredients, however for some reason some women find their symptoms start to return when switched from one to the other, though for the majority it isn’t an issue.
If it continues it would be a good idea to discuss this with your doctor and see if you can go back onto Vagifem

Thank you. I do feel as if I am going mad. I tried to buy a box of Gina OTC today and they wouldn't sell it to me. So I will have to see if I can get to speak to GP. Meanwhile I am really suffering. I have gone back to using a pessary every day to see if that helps, but they won't prescribe enough to continue that, I am sure.

Depending on your symptoms you could also use moisturiser applied at other times internally/externally as needed eg Yes VM internally or emollient ointment externally

I know this thread is from last year but like the OP, I have also had a return of symptoms after the pharmacy switched my prescription to Vagirux from Estradiol (Mercury Pharma). OP, if you're around, did you manage to get back on Vagifem and did that work for you again? I'm going to ask for my previous type but know I'll be told they're made of the same ingredients

Although as mentioned a small number of women find they experience a return of symptoms when switching from generic (eg Vagirux or estradiol 10mcg) to branded (Vagifem) or vice versa, your situation might be complicated since Mercury is just one manufacturer of the generic version. (Have attached a screenshot)
I'm wondering if you have ruled out any other cause of the symptom return. Are you post menopause and what are your symptoms and where (eg vagina/vulva/urethra)?

Just found this thread again. My gp agreed to switch me back to vagifem and I am a little better than I was. I have been waiting for my gynae appointment which is happening in April.
GP won't prescrible anything else despite symptoms persisting. So 10 months waiting. It is difficult. I am in my late 60s so not a priority, tbh I don't hold out much hope.

Thanks for replying. I am post menopause (63) and had ongoing issues since I was 50 with UTIs and horrible vaginal soreness on the side where the episiotomy scar is. I've been using Estradiol for 3 years with relative comfort and no UTIs until now. The pharmacy gave me Vagirux last time and a couple of weeks in, my symptoms returned. It may be a coincidence but I've asked for the previous brand to see if things improve again.

I hope you get some answers. At the last gynae appointment I had 3 years ago, it was suggested I try systemic HRT but I've managed okay with Estradiol until now.

When you say vaginal soreness on the side where the episiotomy scar is do you still mean internally in the vagina or externally on the /perineum/vulva? Or maybe at the vaginal entrance?
The reason I ask is I was using Vagifem for a couple of years that initially helped both internal and external symptoms. However, eventually I developed increasing soreness and skin splits externally on the vulva and couldn’t even walk properly. I was prescribed an oestrogen cream to use there and also advised to use emollient ointment e.g. Epaderm or Hydromol at other times which I made frequent use of and helped massively.
If the soreness is internal in the vagina, you could try using vaginal moisturiser at other times to the estradiol pessaries eg Yes VM, or if you prefer something oil based Yes OB.
Adding in a moisturiser can often be the missing link in improving symptoms and is part of menopause guidelines

That sounds horrendous @over50andfab My soreness is definitely more internal (large scar internally as well as externally) although externally is also red and sore. GP has prescribed some emollient cream which I'll collect tomorrow and I've been using Trimovate. I've been reading interesting things about Intrarosa and dhea. Sorry @Iamreallyworried for hijacking your thread

And thanks for the advice re internal moisturiser

Just to note that emollient whether cream or ointment (The latter is thicker and more protective) should only be applied externally on the vulva.
Intrarosa is a pessary containing DHEA that the body converts to oestrogen and testosterone. We’re all different in which product suits us best.