How Long Does It Take For Vagifem to Dissolve?

Vagifem is a vaginal tablet that is inserted directly into the vagina to treat some of the symptoms of menopause. The tablet dissolves over several hours. Some people find that it can take more than 24 hours to fully dissolve.

In this article, we’ll explore what Vagifem is, how to use it, and how long it takes for it to dissolve, so you can make sure you’re getting the most out of your treatment.

What is Vagifem?

Vagifem is a type of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) that’s used to treat the symptoms of menopause. It is a vaginal oestrogen that is inserted directly into the vagina to combat the loss of oestrogen in the vagina. Increasing the levels of oestrogen in the vagina helps to effectively relieve symptoms such as vaginal dryness and irritation.

How to use Vagifem

Vagifem is a vaginal tablet that you can insert into your vagina yourself for effective menopause relief. Inserting Vagifem is easy to do yourself and can be thought of as similar to inserting a tampon.

To insert Vagifem, you should:

• Tear off one blister pack and open the end of the pack as shown in the image:

• Insert the applicator into the vagina, similar to how you would insert a tampon. Stop inserting it when you can feel some resistance, usually when it is 8 to 10 cm deep.

• Release the Vagifem tablet by gently pressing the push button until you feel a click. It will immediately stick to the vaginal wall and will not typically fall out when you stand up or walk.

• Gently remove the applicator and throw it away in your household rubbish.

Vagifem dose

The usual Vagifem dose is:

• One vaginal tablet every day for 2 weeks, then
• One Vagifem tablet twice a week, leaving 3 to 4 days between doses

How long does it take for Vagifem to dissolve?

Once the Vagifem tablet has been inserted, it slowly dissolves over several hours. Some people may notice it takes up to 24 hours before it fully dissolves while for some people it may not completely dissolve away.

During your first 2 weeks of treatment, when you insert the Vagifem tablet the next day, you may notice a sticky substance attached to the removed applicator. This glue-like substance is the previous day's Vagifem tablet which you have touched with the applicator.

This is nothing to worry about and is normal. Vagifem is designed to dissolve slowly over many hours.

How long does Vagifem take to work?

As soon as you insert Vagifem, it immediately starts to replace your naturally lost oestrogen levels. It can take between 8 and 12 weeks to notice the full benefit of Vagifem treatment.

If you do not feel better after 3 months of using Vagifem, you should speak to your clinician because you may need to try a different type of HRT to find the right treatment for you.

Vagifem alternatives

If Vagifem isn’t right for you there are several HRT options available to treat menopause.

Some of the alternative HRT options available from Prescription Doctor include:

• Oestrogel Pump: An oestrogen gel that is applied to the skin of the upper leg or arm.
• Progynova: A skin patch that contains a type of oestrogen called oestradiol hemihydrate that should be taken alongside a progestogen-based HRT.
• Sandrena: Oestrogen gel that replenishes the declining oestrogen levels in menopausal women that is applied to the skin of the lower body.
• Veoza: A non-hormonal menopause treatment that contains the active ingredient fezolinetant. It is a good alternative for people who cannot take hormones.

There are many other types and brands of HRT available. You can explore our range here.

Summary

Vagifem is a type of vaginal oestrogen which is supplied in tablet form and used to treat menopause symptoms. It is inserted directly into the vagina using an applicator, similar to a tampon, and gets to work straight away. Vagifem vaginal tablets are designed to dissolve over several hours but they can take up to 24 hours to dissolve completely.

Vagifem is taken every day for 2 weeks before being cut down to twice a week. It can take up to 12 weeks to notice the full effects of Vagifem.

Authored By

Leanne Edermaniger

Medical Content Writer

Leanne is a science and health content writer focusing on human health and biology while utilising her solid academic background.

Published on: 05/09/2024

Reviewed By

Mohamed Imran Lakhi

MPharm - Lead Pharmacist

Imran Lakhi is the superintendent pharmacist and founder at Prescription Doctor. He has been at the core of our team.

Reviewed on: 05/09/2024