How does it work?

Dienestrol is a form of the female sex hormone, oestrogen. Oestrogen is the main female sex hormone. Certain parts of the body such as the vagina, bones and breasts rely on oestrogens to function normally. When the levels of oestrogen are low, these tissues can slowly degenerate. This is especially true of the delicate lining of the vagina, which can become inflamed and painful (atrophic vaginitis). Dienestrol is available as a cream and is useful on a short term basis to treat the soreness and irritation of atrophic vaginitis. If is is used on a long term basis oral progesterone may have to be added to prevent overstimulation of the endometrium (lining of the womb).

What is it used for?

Irritation and dryness of the vagina (atrophic vaginitis) in post-menopausal women

Painful sexual intercourse due to dryness of the vagina (atrophic vaginitis)

Shrinking of the vulva in post-menopausal women

Vaginal itching due to dryness of the vagina (atrophic vaginitis)

Warning!

There is a possibility that this preparation may damage latex condoms and diaphragms, and the effectiveness of these contraceptives may consequently be reduced.

In women with an intact uterus, long-term use of oestrogen therapy will require the addition of a progestogen to prevent the risk of over-growth (hyperplasia) and possible cancer of the lining of the womb (endometrium).

Medicines used on the skin or mucous membranes (e.g. vagina) require application of the minimum effective amount. This is to minimise absorption of the active ingredient into the bloodstream.

If you wear contact lenses you may find that the lenses cause you discomfort, or you become less tolerant to them, while you are taking oestrogens.

This medicine is for vaginal use only.

Blood pressure should be monitored during treatment with oestrogens, particularly with high doses.

Physical examinations, (including blood pressure, breasts, abdomen, pelvic organs and PAP smear) should be carried out pre-treatment and at regular intervals in women taking oestrogens.

Use with caution in

Benign breast lumps

Bone disease associated with high blood calcium levels

Cardiovascular disorders e.g. thrombophlebitis

Contact lens wearers

Decreased heart function

Decreased kidney function

Decreased liver function

Diabetes

Epilepsy

Family history of breast cancer

Gall bladder disease

History of depression

History of jaundice in pregnancy

Incomplete bone growth

People who have had an abnormal breast X-ray

Treatment of migraine

Not to be used in

A history of blood clots in the blood vessels (thromboembolism)

Blood clot in the blood vessels

Blood clot lodged in a vein of the leg

Breastfeeding

Cancer that is responsive to female hormones (oestrogen dependent neoplasia) eg endometrial cancer

Fibroids of the uterus

Life long inherited blood diseases which can cause a variety of symptoms, including mental health problems (porphyrias)

Overgrowth of the lining of the womb (endometrial hyperplasia)

Peanut allergy

Pregnancy

Severe liver disease

Vaginal bleeding of unknown cause

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should not be used during pregnancy as it may be harmful to the unborn baby. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Significant amounts of this medicine may pass into breast milk. It should not be used by breastfeeding mothers. Discuss this with your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Headache

Rash

Itching (pruritus)

Changes in mood

Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)

Irritation in area of use

Changes in blood sugar levels

Breast tenderness/swelling

Nausea and vomiting

Spotting of blood between menstrual periods in women

Burning sensation

Weight changes

Migraine

Excessive production of cervical mucus

Increase in the size of uterine fibroids

Irregular brown patches on the skin of the face and elsewhere (chloasma)

Steepening of corneal curvature which may make contact lenses uncomfortable.

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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