Women Channel
Topics
Medications
Quicklinks
Related Channels
Estradiol Vaginal Tablets
Estradiol vaginal tablets are commonly prescribed to treat vaginal problems in postmenopausal women. Specifically, the medication works to relieve vaginal dryness, itching, and burning by replacing estrogen the ovaries no longer produce. Estradiol vaginal tablets are generally used daily for the first two weeks; after that, they are used just twice a week. Although most women tolerate the medication well, it is not suitable for all women.
Estradiol vaginal tablets (Vagifem®) is a prescription medication that contains an estrogen hormone. It is used to treat dryness, itching, and burning in and around the vagina, usually in postmenopausal women. It is inserted vaginally using a special applicator.
(Click What Are Estradiol Vaginal Tablets Used For? for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with estradiol vaginal tablets. However, not everyone who uses the medication will experience side effects. In fact, most women tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Common side effects of estradiol vaginal tablets include but are not limited to:
- Headaches
- Abdominal pain (stomach pain)
- Back pain
- Vaginal yeast infections
- Upper respiratory tract infections (such as the common cold).
(Click Side Effects of Estradiol Vaginal Tablets to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD