Ovestin Cream

Ovestin dosage

Ovestin Cream is for topical application only for use by postmenopausal women to relieve symptoms of vaginal dryness or to aid healing before or after vaginal surgery.

Please use it as directed by a doctor. You will be prescribed the lowest dose to effectively manage your symptoms.

To treat vaginal dryness:

• Apply 1 applicator, up to the red ring mark, (0.5 mg) once a day for 2 - 3 weeks.
• After this time apply 1 applicator, up to the red ring mark, twice a week.

How to use Ovestin Cream

The recommended time to use Ovestin Cream is just before you go to bed.

1. For your first application, you will need to pierce the tup on the tube using the sharp point on the cap.
2. Screw the reusable plastic applicator onto the end of the tube.
3. Squeeze the tube, using both hands, to fill the applicator with cream, up to the red ring mark.
4. Unscrew the applicator from the tube.
5. Lie down and insert the applicator deep into your vagina then slowly push the plunger all the way in and remove the applicator.
6. Clean the applicator using hot soapy water.

Before using Ovestin Cream please read the Patient Information Leaflet thoroughly.

How to stop using Ovestin Cream

You should speak to your doctor before stopping using Ovestin Cream. Your doctor will be able to explain the effects of discontinuing treatment and they will be able to discuss the opportunities for further treatment with you.

Ovestin Cream ingredients

The active ingredient in Ovestin Cream: Estriol

The other ingredients are: chlorhexidine dihydrochloride, octyldodecanol, cetyl palmitate, glycerin, cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, polysorbate 60, sorbitan stearate, lactic acid, sodium hydroxide and purified water.

Ovestin Cream side effects

Ovestin Cream, like all HRT, can cause some women to experience side effects. Symptoms are, however, less prevalent and less severe than in women who take oral HRT. Most symptoms will improve within the first 3 months of treatment.

If you are worried about any side effects or you do not feel that they are improving over the first few months you should discuss this with a doctor or pharmacist.

If you experience a severe side effect or have an allergic reaction you must seek medical support from your nearest emergency department as soon as possible.

The most common side effects associated with Ovestin Cream use are the following:

• Irritation or itching around the entrance of the vagina
• Headaches
• Breast tenderness
• Stomach pain and nausea
• Vaginal bleeding, discharge or discomfort
• Rash
• Gallbladder problems
• Fly-like symptoms

You must read the Patient Information Leaflet thoroughly before using Ovestin Cream.

Ovestin Cream warnings

• You should not use Ovestin Cream if you have unexplained vaginal bleeding, thickening of the womb lining, liver disease, have ever had breast cancer or other oestrogen-sensitive cancers or have ever had a blood clot or a clotting disorder.
• Speak to your doctor before using Ovestin Cream if you have asthma, epilepsy, diabetes, gallstones, high blood pressure, suffer from migraines or severe headaches, endometriosis, otosclerosis, SLE or fibroids inside your womb.
• You should tell your doctor before using Ovestin Cream if you are currently or have recently stopped using any prescribed or non-prescribed medication.

Please read the Patient Information Leaflet thoroughly before using Ovestin Cream.

Ovestin Cream and cancer

Estrogen-only HRT taken orally can increase the risk of developing cancer of the womb lining and also that of cervical cancers and breast cancers. However, because Ovestin Cream is inserted into the vagina very low levels of estrogen are absorbed into the bloodstream and, therefore, it is less likely to cause cancers.

It continues to be very important, however, for all women that use any form of HRT to attend regular health check-ups with their GP and to also regularly check their breasts for changes and to see a doctor if they experience any abnormal vaginal bleeding.

Ovestin Cream and blood clots

Using any form of HRT including Ovestin Cream can slightly raise your chances of developing a blood clot in a vein or of experiencing a stroke. You should see a doctor immediately if you think you are developing symptoms of a blood clot.

The following people are at an even higher risk of developing a blood clot and you should speak to a doctor before using Ovestin Cream if any of them are relevant to you:

• You are immobile for an extended amount of time due to surgery, injury or illness.
• Your BMI is over 30.
• Your close relatives have ever had a blood clot.
• You have systemic lupus erythematosus.
• You have cancer.

Ovestin Cream in pregnancy and breastfeeding

Ovestin Cream should only be used by postmenopausal women and is not a contraceptive. If you are under 50 years old or have had a natural period in the last 12 months you should speak to a doctor about contraceptive options.

If you become pregnant while using any form of HRT you should stop using it and speak to a doctor for advice.