Estradiol Vaginal Insert (ESTRADIOL TABLET - VAGINAL)

For menopausal symptoms.

Brand Name(s): Vagifem, Yuvafem

Generic Name: Estradiol

Instructions

This medicine is for use in the vagina. DO NOT take this medicine by mouth.

Hold the insert with the larger end between your fingers and place it about 2 inches into the vagina.

Use the medicine at about the same time each day.

Keep the medicine at room temperature. Avoid heat and direct light.

Wash your hands before and after using this medicine.

This medicine may cause dark patches to appear on your face. Avoid sunlight and use sunscreen lotion to minimize further darkening of these skin patches.

If you forget to take a dose on time, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, do not take the missed dose. Return to your normal schedule. Do not take 2 doses at one time.

Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.

Tell your doctor if symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.

Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.

Cautions

This medicine may increase the risk of some types of cancer in women. Please speak with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medicine.

This medicine is associated with an increased risk for serious blood clots. Speak with your doctor about the benefits and risks from using this medicine.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

Do not use the medication any more than instructed.

Avoid smoking while on this medicine. Smoking may increase your risk for stroke, heart attack, blood clots, high blood pressure, and other diseases of the heart and blood vessels.

Ask your doctor how to do a breast self-exam. Check monthly. Report any changes to your doctor.

Talk to your doctor about getting a complete physical exam every year while on this medicine.

This medicine passes into breast milk. Ask your doctor before breastfeeding.

Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant, contact your doctor immediately.

Side Effects

The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.

  • bloating
  • breast pain or swelling
  • diarrhea
  • headaches
  • brown colored patches on the face
  • nausea and vomiting
  • vaginal itching or discharge
  • weight gain

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:

  • breast lumps
  • chest or jaw pain
  • depression or feeling sad
  • dizziness
  • swelling of the legs, feet, and hands
  • fainting
  • fever
  • severe or persistent headache
  • sudden leg pain, swelling, warmth or redness
  • signs of liver damage (such as yellowing of eye or skin, dark urine, or unusual tiredness)
  • shortness of breath
  • symptoms of stroke (such as one-sided weakness, slurred speech, confusion)
  • persistent or unusual thirst
  • increased urinary frequency
  • cramping of the uterus or bleeding from the vagina
  • vaginal itching or yeast infection
  • sudden change or loss of vision

A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.

Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.

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