How does it work?

Oestrogen is the main sex hormone in the female body. 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). Oestrogen applied as a cream 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 womb (endometrium).

What is it used for?

Irritation of the opening to the bladder (atrophic urethritis) in post-menopausal women

Short term treatment of irritation and dryness of the vagina (atrophic vaginitis)

Shrinking of the vulva

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.

There may be an increased risk of developing a blood clot (thromboembolism) when taking this medicine and treatment should be discontinued if this occurs.

The use of this medicine should be discontinued and the cause investigated should any of these conditions develop: jaundice, migraine-like headaches, visual disturbances and very high blood pressure.

Women with an intact uterus, of child bearing potential, should use non-hormonal contraception.

There is an increased risk of post menopausal women receiving oestrogen therapy, to develop gall bladder disease.

Use with caution in

Asthma

Decreased heart function

Diabetes

Disorder causing deafness in adult life (otosclerosis)

Endometriosis

Epilepsy

Fibroids of the uterus

History of benign breast lumps

History of heart attack

History of stroke

Impaired kidney function

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

Long-term inflammation of skin and some internal organs (systemic lupus erythematosus)

Malignant skin cancer

Multiple sclerosis

Small lumps or swellings in the breasts (breast nodules)

Treatment of migraine

Not to be used in

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

Acute liver disease

Blood clot in the blood vessels

Blood clot lodged in a vein of the leg

Breast cancer

Breastfeeding

Chronic liver disease

History of breast cancer

Inherited disorder of bile excretion that causes jaundice (Rotor syndrome)

Metabolic disorder that runs in families and causes mild jaundice (Dubin-Johnson syndrome)

Pregnancy or suspected pregnancy

Severe cardiovascular disease

Severe kidney disease

Tumours which grow rapidly in the presence of the hormone oestrogen, eg endometrial cancer

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 in pregnancy. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

This medicine 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

Changes in mood

Breast tenderness/swelling

Dizziness

Nausea and vomiting

Spotting of blood between menstrual periods in women

Weight changes

Vaginal thrush (candidiasis)

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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