Vagifem (Estradiol)

Estradiol vaginal tablets belong to the class of medications known as estrogen replacement therapy. Estradiol is a type of estrogen, a hormone that is produced by the ovaries. This medication is used to treat vaginal atrophy such as dryness, burning and itching caused by low estrogen levels in the body due to menopause. At menopause, the amount of estrogen made by the ovaries declines and symptoms such as vaginal atrophy can occur. When an estradiol vaginal tablet is inserted into the vagina, it releases estradiol, which helps to make vaginal tissues thicker. You should see the symptoms of improvement after 2 to 3 weeks of treatment. The usual dose is 1 tablet inserted into the vagina once daily for 2 weeks, then 1 tablet twice weekly after the first 2 weeks.

Manufacturer Information

Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• Chest pain or heaviness;
• Pain or swelling in the leg;
• Sharp pain in the chest, coughing blood, or sudden shortness of breath;
• Sudden partial or complete loss of vision;
• Sudden severe headache or worsening of headache, vomiting, dizziness, fainting, disturbance of vision or speech, or weakness or numbness in the arm or leg;
• Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction (such as shortness of breath, hives, or swelling of the face or throat)

Less serious side effects include:

• Acne or skin color changes, increases facial hair, thinning scalp hair;
• Breast pain, swelling, tenderness and nipple discharge;
• Changes in your menstrual periods, break-through bleeding;
• Flu symptoms;
• Headache;
• Vaginal discharge, itching, and spotting

Estradiol vaginal should not be used to prevent heart disease, stroke or dementia, because this medicine may actually increase your risk of developing these conditions. Long term use of estradiol may increase your risk of breast cancer, uterine cancer, heart attack, stroke, or blood clot. Talk with your doctor about you risks before using this medication for the long term. Estradiol can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects. Do not use this medication if you are pregnant. Estradiol can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication if you are breast-feeding. There may be an interaction between estradiol vaginal tablets and other medications such as anastrozole, anticoagulants, and blood pressure lowering medications.

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