VAGIRUX ^®

What to do if you missed your VAGIRUX ^® dose

Other known brand names

Vagifem, Ovestin

About Vagirux

Vagirux is classed as a hormone replacement therapy (HRT). It contains estradiol, which acts in the same way as the female sex hormone oestrogen. It is used to treat vaginal atrophy and for the prophylaxis of recurring urinary tract infections (UTIs) in postmenopausal women. Vagirux pessaries help to treat menopausal symptoms such as vaginal dryness and irritation.

NowPatient offers Vagirux, Vagifem, or estradiol pessaries as a treatment for HRT, following an online consultation with a prescribing clinician.

Key facts of Vagirux

• For the treatment of vaginal atrophy and for the prophylaxis of recurring urinary tract infections (UTIs) in postmenopausal women
• Vagirux has some common side effects which include nausea and headaches
• Vagirux will not prevent pregnancy in otherwise fertile women
• It can be dangerous if you use Vagirux with certain medications. If you’re not sure if it is safe, discuss this with the prescribing clinician

Who is Vagirux not suitable for?

Vagirux may not be suitable for some people. To make sure it’s safe for you, speak to the prescribing clinician before using Vagirux if you:

• Have hypersensitivity to the active ingredients estradiol hemihydrate
• Have ever had breast cancer
• Have cancer sensitive to oestrogen
• Have untreated endometrial hyperplasia (an excessively thick womb lining)
• Suffer from blood clots
• Suffer from porphyria
• Have had a heart attack, angina, stroke, or high blood pressure
• Have unusual vaginal bleeding
• Have liver disease or any other liver problems
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Have fibroids
• Have uterine problems such as endometriosis or endometrial hyperplasia
• Have diabetes
• Suffer from migraines
• Have gallbladder disease
• Have asthma
• Have epilepsy
• Have fluid retention
• Have high cholesterol levels in the blood
• Are obese
• Have a hereditary ear disorder

How and where to get Vagirux?

Vagirux pessaries are available with a prescription only. It is not available over the counter at a pharmacy.

NowPatient does not allow customers to buy Vagirux directly. Our service is certified, safe and effective, and we only ever treat conditions. If you book a consultation with a prescribing clinician, you can discuss if Vagirux is a suitable treatment option for you.

At the end of the consultation, the clinician will decide if a treatment plan is suitable for you. If it is, the clinician will issue you with a prescription which can then be ordered, paid for and delivered directly to your chosen address by NowPatient.

Dosage and strength for Vagirux pessaries for HRT

Vagirux pessaries contain estradiol as the active ingredient. It is available as pessaries containing 10 micrograms of estradiol.

Information about how to use Vagirux for HRT

Use one Vagirux tablet each day for the first 2 weeks of treatment. Then use 1 vaginal tablet twice a week, leaving 3 to 4 days between each dose. While Vagifem comes with a single-use applicator, Vagirux has a reusable applicator, which must be cleaned after each use. Read the patient information leaflet provided or speak to a healthcare professional for further information.

What happens if you use too much Vagirux?

If you use more than prescribed, then it can lead to some unpleasant side effects. You should talk to your doctor or reach out to one of our prescribing clinicians, if you have used too much Vagirux and you experience any of the following side effects:

What are the side effects of Vagirux?

Side effects of Vagirux are split into common and serious.

Common side effects include:

• Nausea
• Headache, dizziness
• Breast soreness, breast pain
• Change in sex drive
• Anxiety, insomnia
• Stomach pain, indigestion, flatulence, diarrhoea
• Irregular bleeding
• Acne, skin irritation, rash
• Vaginal discharge
• Fluid retention, weight gain, bloating
• Hot flush, hypertension

Serious side effects include:

• Blood clots
• Stroke
• Heart disease – chest pain passing into the neck or arm
• Liver disease – jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), abdominal pain

If you experience any serious side effects, you should contact NHS 111.

If you experience a serious allergic reaction with the signs shown below you should contact emergency services on 999.

• Your lips, mouth, throat or tongue suddenly become swollen
• You’re breathing very fast or struggling to breathe (you may become very wheezy or feel like you’re choking or gasping for air)
• Your throat feels tight or you’re struggling to swallow
• Your skin, tongue or lips turn blue, grey or pale (if you have black or brown skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet)
• You suddenly become very confused, drowsy or dizzy
• Someone faints and cannot be woken up

Information about using Vagirux at the same time as other medications or herbal supplements

There is not enough evidence to suggest there are any drug interactions between herbal supplements and Vagirux. In any event, you should let your prescribing clinician know if you are taking any herbal supplements or other prescription drugs.

Can Vagirux used for HRT be used long term?

HRT should only be used as a short-term treatment for the menopause. Women who use HRT for more than 5 years may be at an increased risk of ovarian cancer. Speak to your GP to review your treatment at least once each year and have regular checkups.

Is there a herbal Vagirux?

No. Herbal Vagirux does not exist. If you have been marketed such a formulation, it may be fake.

Should I avoid any particular food or drink when using Vagirux?

You can eat and drink normally when using Vagirux.

What lifestyle changes can I make to help me with HRT?

You modify your lifestyle in a number of ways, and this may have a positive impact on your symptoms:

• Using a fan
• Cool showers
• Light clothing
• Lubricants
• Healthy diet
• Regular exercise
• Quit smoking

Alternatives to Vagirux

Alternative HRT pessaries include Gina, Ovestin, and Vagifem.

Sources

• Vaginal oestrogen: medicine for vaginal dryness and irritation – NHS