Vagirux HRT tablets

Vagirux tablets are HRT vaginal tablets containing oestradiol (a form of natural oestrogen), used to treat symptoms of vaginal dryness, itching and discomfort during menopause.

Each tablet contains 10 micrograms of oestradiol hemihydrate, which is the active ingredient in Vagirux. Vagirux tablets look like 6mm white, round, film coated tablets with a capital letter ‘E’ on one side. They are manufactured by Gedeon Richter Pharmaceutical Company.

Vaginal dryness and irritation happens because of the natural drop in oestrogen levels in your body during the menopause.

Vagirux tablets can be used by women with or without a uterus (who have had a hysterectomy).

Vagirux tablets work by releasing small amounts of oestrogen into the vaginal wall tissues regularly, which helps restore its thickness and natural lubrication, improving symptoms of vaginal dryness and discomfort.

Within a few weeks, you should start noticing some improvement in your symptoms and less discomfort in the vaginal area, but it can take up to 8-12 weeks to experience the full effects of using Vagirux.

How long does Vagirux last?

Vagirux is made for long-term treatment to manage menopausal symptoms. Your doctor should initially prescribe you one tablet daily for 2 weeks. After this, you should continue on a dose of one tablet twice a week with 3-4 days between each application. Vagirux dissolves in your vagina over several hours, sometimes up to 24 hours. You need to take it as prescribed to ensure you experience the full effect.

How long does Vagirux take to work?

Usually a few weeks, however it can take up to 8-12 weeks for you to experience the full effects of Vagirux.

How effective is Vagirux?

Clinical trials have found after 12 weeks of treatment on Vagirux, patients experienced significant improvements in their symptoms.

You can start using Vagirux vaginal tablets any day you feel ready. You should use Vagirux as prescribed by your doctor.

Vagirux comes with a reusable vaginal applicator to put the tablet inside your vagina. The patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine pack has detailed step by step instructions on how to use the vaginal applicator safely.

To use your Vagirux vaginal tablets:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soapy water and dry them. Before you insert your vaginal tablet, get into a comfortable position. Some people choose to stand up, others lie down when they insert it, it’s important to do what makes you feel comfortable.
2. Remove the applicator from the sealed packaging.
3. Hold the tube, carefully pull the plunger out of the applicator until it stops.
4. Take a vaginal tablet from the blister pack supplied with your treatment. Place this in the wide end of the applicator.
5. Insert the applicator into your vagina gently, it should be inserted around 8 - 10cm, until you feel some resistance.
6. You can then release the vaginal tablet by pressing on the button of the plunger. It will stick to your vaginal walls and won’t fall out if you stand and walk.

You can use the Vagirux applicator up to 24 times. Each time you use it you should clean it after using it. We recommend cleaning your applicator by:

• removing the plunger from the applicator
• cleaning both the tube and plunger with warm tap water and soap for around 5 seconds, rinsing both inside and outside of the tube
• allowing your applicator to air dry on a safe and clean surface

How much Vagirux should I take?

Your doctor would usually start you on one tablet daily for 2 weeks, then continue a maintenance dose of one tablet twice a week, leaving 3-4 days between each application. You should always take Vagirux as prescribed by your doctor.

How long do you need to take Vagirux for?

When your symptoms improve, you should discuss with your doctor about using Vagirux for longer, as well as the risks and benefits of using it for you. If you are using Vagirux long term, you will need annual check-ups with your doctor to make sure it is still suitable for you.

What if I take too much Vagirux?

If you take more than your prescribed Vagirux dose, speak to your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible.

What if I miss a dose of Vagirux?

If you forget to take your dose, take it as soon as you remember but do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.

You can buy Vagirux online from UK registered providers like ZAVA. Simply complete our brief online consultation form for one of our doctors to review and check if the treatment is suitable for you. If it is right for you, our doctors will prescribe the treatment, and we can deliver it to your door. Our doctors will recommend a suitable alternative if Vagirux is not right for you.

Can I buy Vagirux over the counter?

No, you cannot buy Vagirux over the counter. You will need a prescription from a doctor first, who will review you and check if it is suitable for you before giving you a prescription.

Can I get Vagirux on the NHS?

You may be able to get Vagirux on the NHS if it is suitable for you. You will need to book an appointment with your GP first for a review, and to check it is the right treatment for your symptoms.

Like all medicines, Vagirux may cause some side effects but not everyone will experience them.

Common Vagirux side effects (may affect 1 in 10 people) are:

• headaches
• stomach pain
• vaginal bleeding

Uncommon Vagirux side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people) are:

• infection of the genitals caused by a fungus
• nausea (feeling sick)
• weight gain
• rash
• hot flushes
• hypertension

Rare Vagirux side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people) are:

• rash
• diarrhoea
• fluid retention
• migraines
• hypersensitivity

If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, stop using Vagirux and seek immediate medical attention:

• chest pain or tightness
• swollen face, lips, throat or tongue
• fast heartbeat (palpitations)
• widespread rash

The full list of known side effects can be found in the patient information leaflet supplied with your medicine pack.

Women using HRT medicines have a slightly increased risk of getting the following medical conditions:

• stroke
• blood clots in the leg or lungs
• ovarian, breast and womb cancer

This risk is even less in locally applied HRT medicines like Vagirux vaginal tablets, but if you notice any of the following symptoms, seek urgent medical review by a doctor:

• symptoms of a blood clot like difficulty breathing, chest pain or leg pain
• stomach pain, bloating Stomach pain, bloating or feeling of fullness
• any breast lump or changes
• abnormal vaginal bleeding/discharge that doesn’t settle after 3-6 months
• symptoms of stroke like sudden headache, weakness in your arms or legs or sudden change in vision

How long do Vagirux side effects last?

Vagirux side effects may last for the first few weeks to months as your body gets used to the medicine. If you experience side effects that worsen or won’t go away, speak to your doctor.

What to do if you experience Vagirux side effects

There are a few things you can try to help manage Vagirux side effects at home, for:

Headaches and stomach pain – increase water intake and try taking paracetamol or ibuprofen. If they persist or become severe, speak to your doctor.

Vaginal bleeding – Vaginal bleeding should settle within 3 months. If it continues after 6 months, speak to your doctor.

Speak to your doctor if you are unable to manage any side effects at home or if they are bothering you.

Does Vagirux cause weight gain?

Weight gain is listed as an uncommon Vagirux side effect but the evidence linking it to actual body fat weight gain is weak. Some users may rarely experience fluid retention, which could be mistaken for weight gain.

Women using Vagirux are usually going through menopause, which is also known to cause weight gain and bloating.

If you are going through menopause or are post menopause, Vagirux can help improve your symptoms of vaginal dryness, itching and discomfort.

Vagirux is not suitable for everyone and should not be taken if you are pregnant, have or have ever had any of the following medical conditions:

· an allergic reaction to the active ingredient in Vagirux (oestradiol)

· blood clot in your leg or lungs

· blood disorders

· stroke

· breast cancer or any other cancer

· liver problems

· heart disease including angina

· a rare condition known as porphyria

· unexplained vaginal bleeding

· endometrial hyperplasia (excessive womb lining thickening)

Vagirux and other medications

You should tell your doctor about all medications you are currently taking including herbal or over the counter medications before starting Vagirux.

Vagirux is locally applied to the vagina so is less likely to interact with other medications in the bloodstream. If you are using other vaginal medications, tell your doctor before starting Vagirux.

The full list of known cautions and medicine interactions linked with Vagirux can be found in the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine pack.

ZAVA offers alternative vaginal HRT medicines that work as effectively as Vagirux to manage vaginal symptoms during menopause. These include:

· Vagifem vaginal tablets

· Estriol vaginal cream

Other forms of HRT treatments offered by ZAVA include:

• Estradot
• Premique
• Kliovance
• Kliofem
• Tibolone
• Femoston-Conti
• Evorel Sequi
• Evorel Conti

Vagirux vs Vagifem

Both Vagirux and Vagifem contain the same active ingredient oestradiol, and are equally effective for treating menopause symptoms of vaginal dryness, itching and discomfort. The main difference is Vagirux comes with a reusable vaginal applicator which requires cleaning between uses, but Vagifem comes with a single use applicator already preloaded with the medicine and can be discarded after each use.