Medications and Drugs

GENERIC NAME: ESTRADIOL - VAGINAL TABLETS (ess-truh-DYE-all)

BRAND NAME(S): Vagifem

Warning | Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

WARNING: Estrogens have been reported to increase the chance of womb (endometrial) cancer in women who have been through menopause, especially in women with a uterus who receive estrogen-only hormone therapy. Estrogens may also increase the risk of ovarian or breast cancer. If you experience abnormal vaginal bleeding or lumps in the breast, notify your doctor immediately. Estrogen given in combination with another hormone (progestin) for replacement therapy can infrequently cause heart disease (e.g., heart attacks), stroke, serious blood clots (pulmonary embolism and deep venous thrombosis), dementia, and breast cancer. These risks appear to depend on the length of time this drug is used and the amount of estrogen per dose. Therefore, this medication should be used for the shortest possible length of time at the lowest effective dose so you obtain the benefits and minimize the chance of serious side effects from long-term treatment. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details. If you use this drug for an extended period, you should be evaluated at least once a year. See Notes section. Products that contain estrogen should not be used to prevent heart disease. This medication is not effective in preventing or treating a threat or tendency of miscarriage (natural habitual abortion). This drug must not be used during pregnancy because its use may result in birth defects or cancer later in the child's life. See Precautions section.