Vagirux is a vaginal hormone replacement therapy (HRT) used by women to treat the vaginal symptoms of menopause, such as dryness and irritation, known as vaginal atrophy.

During menopause, oestrogen levels fall causing many symptoms throughout the body. One of those is vaginal atrophy, where the vaginal wall becomes thinner, drier, and less elastic. These symptoms cause dryness, irritation, and painful sex, resulting in a reduced quality of life if they are not effectively treated.

The active ingredient in Vagirux, oestrogen, replaces the naturally declining levels caused by the ovaries slowing down and eventually stopping oestrogen production. Because Vagirux tablets are inserted directly inside the vagina, they release the hormone exactly where it is needed to relieve discomfort.

Vagirux is a prescription-only medication so you will need a doctor’s approval to obtain it, but you can request it online from Superdrug Online Doctor.

Vagirux works by replacing the low levels of oestrogen that occur during menopause. As oestrogen levels decline, it causes many symptoms, including hot flushes, night sweats, and vaginal irritation.

Because Vagirux is inserted directly into the vagina, it slowly releases oestrogen to restore hormonal balance and provide effective relief.

How long does Vagirux take to work?

You may start to experience some relief from your symptoms within a few weeks of using Vagirux. However, it can take up to 3 months to feel the full effects of HRT.

How effective is Vagirux?

Research shows that Vagirux 10mcg tablets improved vaginal hormone levels, pH, and provided relief from urogenital symptoms after 12 weeks of treatment in postmenopausal women with vaginal atrophy.

A study investigating the effectiveness of a similar 10mcg vaginal oestrogen tablet (with the same active ingredient and dose) found that it had a success rate of 85.5% and improved urinary atrophy symptoms in 51.9% of people.

To insert Vagirux, follow these steps which can also be found in the patient information leaflet provided with your medication:

1. Wash your hands with warm, soapy water and dry thoroughly. Then get into a comfortable and relaxed position. You can choose to lie down or stand up, whichever is most comfortable for you.
2. Remove the applicator from its sealed packaging, opening the push button end first.
3. While holding the tube, gently pull the plunger out of the applicator until it comes to a stop. Take a vaginal tablet from the separate blister and place it firmly in the holder of the applicator end (wide end).
4. Insert the applicator carefully into the vagina, stopping when you can feel some resistance (8 to 10 cm).
5. Release the vaginal tablet by gently pressing the push-button end of the plunger. The tablet will stick to the vagina wall and won’t fall out when you stand up or walk.

After each use, it is important to clean the applicator in the following way:

1. Remove the plunger from the applicator.
2. Clean both the tube and the plunger with mild soap and rinse with warm tap water for 5 seconds. Rinse the inner and outer surfaces of the tube.
3. If needed, remove larger amounts of remaining water by gently shaking it off.
4. Allow both parts to air dry on a clean surface.
5. Once dry, reinsert the plunger into the applicator tube ready for your next use.

The applicator can be used up to 24 times before being thrown away in your household rubbish. A new applicator should be used with every new pack.

The usual dose for Vagirux is 1 vaginal tablet each day for the first 2 weeks of treatment. Then 1 tablet twice a week, leaving a 3 to 4 day gap between each dose.

When to take Vagirux?

You can use Vagirux at any time of the day, but it should be inserted around the same time each time you take it. Some people find it is easier to insert it just before going to bed.

How often should I take Vagirux?

Insert 1 vaginal tablet each day for the first 2 weeks of treatment. Then, reduce this to 1 tablet twice per week leaving 3 to 4 days between applications.

What if I miss a dose of Vagirux?

One dose of Vagirux should be taken every 24 hours during the first 2 weeks of daily use. If you miss your dose of Vagirux, take the missed dose as soon as you remember.

Once your first 2 weeks of taking Vagirux have passed, it should be advised to take the treatment twice a week, during this period, leave 3 to 4 days between doses and if you miss one, take it as soon as you remember, then take the next one 3 to 4 days after that.

Do not use a double dose to make up for the missed dose.

Vagirux is available with a prescription in most UK pharmacies and from online doctors or pharmacy services. It may also be available on the NHS with a valid prescription from a doctor.

Can I buy Vagirux online?

Yes, you can request Vagirux online from Superdrug Online Doctor. You will need to:

1. Fill out a brief health and lifestyle questionnaire.
2. Order your preferred treatment and make payment.
3. One of our doctors will review your order and questionnaire answers.
4. If approved, your treatment will be posted to your address or made available for collection at your local Superdrug Pharmacy.
5. If your order is not approved, one of our doctors will contact you via your account with other treatment options.

Can I buy Vagirux over the counter?

No, Vagirux is a prescription-only medication, so you must have a doctor’s approval to obtain it.

Gina is an over-the-counter vaginal HRT that can be bought in most UK pharmacies and online without a prescription.

Can I get Vagirux on the NHS?

Yes, Vagirux is available on the NHS. You will need to make an appointment with your doctor so they can assess if it is the right HRT for your symptoms and if it is safe for you to take.

Common side effects that may affect up to 1 in 10 people include:

• headache
• stomach pain
• vaginal discharge, bleeding, or discomfort

Uncommon side effects that may affect up to 1 in 100 people include:

• feeling sick (nausea)
• rash
• weight increase
• hot flushes
• hypertension
• a fungal genital infection

Very rare side effects that may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people include:

• fluid retention
• aggravated migraine
• diarrhoea
• generalised hypersensitivity, including anaphylactic shock or reaction

How long do Vagirux side effects last?

Vagirux side effects usually improve within the first few weeks or months of treatment as your body gets used to the medication.

What to do if you get Vagirux side effects

If you are concerned about any side effects or you experience any of the following serious side effects, you should stop using Vagirux and speak to a doctor straight away:

• a lump or changes in your breasts such as dimpled skin, nipple changes, or any lumps or bumps as this could be a sign of breast cancer
• changes in vaginal bleeding after taking Vagirux for a few months, which could be a sign of womb cancer

Call 999 or get someone to take you to A&E if you get any of these serious side effects:

• chest pain and breathlessness could be a sign of heart problems or a blood clot in your lungs
• difficulty speaking, moving your arm or leg, or your face has dropped on one side, which could be a sign of a stroke
• difficulty breathing, swelling in the face or throat, and skin rash, which could be a sign of a serious allergic reaction

Most mild Vagirux symptoms can be managed at home by:

• taking over-the-counter painkillers like paracetamol and ibuprofen for aches, pains, or headaches
• staying hydrated and drinking plenty of water if you are feeling sick
• using a hot water bottle or heat pad for tummy pain

If you find your side effects are particularly bothersome or you’re struggling to manage them, speak to your doctor. They may prescribe a different type of HRT to better manage your symptoms.

Do not use Vagirux if you:

• are allergic to oestradiol or any of its other ingredients
• have or have or ever had breast cancer
• have or have ever had cancer that is sensitive to oestrogen such as womb or breast cancer
• have any unexplained vaginal bleeding
• have untreated excessive thickening of the womb lining
• have ever had a blood clot in a vein, such as in the legs or the lungs or have had any disease that has been caused by blood clots, such as a heart attack, stroke, or angina
• have a blood clotting disorder
• have or have ever had liver disease
• have a blood disorder called porphyria

Talk to your doctor before taking Vagirux if you have any of the following:

• asthma
• diabetes
• gallstones
• epilepsy
• high blood pressure
• migraines or severe headaches
• any liver disorder
• any disease that affects the eardrum
• any disease of the immune system
• high levels of fats in the blood
• any hereditary risk of getting oestrogen-sensitive cancer
• hereditary and acquired angioedema
• fibroids inside the womb
• any cardiac or kidney problem that causes fluid retention

Vagirux and other medications

Tell your doctor before taking Vagirux if you are or have recently taken any prescribed, over-the-counter, or herbal medications.

Vagirux is a local HRT, so it only acts on the vagina where it is inserted, and should not affect any other medications. However, it may interact with other vaginally applied treatments. If you’re unsure, speak to your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

Vagirux is not the only form of HRT available. At Superdrug Online Doctor we offer several HRT treatment options to suit your needs and provide effective symptom relief.

If you are looking for an alternative vaginal HRT, we can provide:

Vagifem

Vagifem is similar to Vagirux because it is a vaginal oestrogen tablet that contains 10mcg of oestradiol. It works in the same way to combat some of the vaginal symptoms of menopause. However, Vagifem comes in a single-use applicator whereas Vagirux has an applicator which can be reused up to 24 times.

Estriol cream

Estriol cream is a cream that is applied directly into the vagina using an applicator and contains a type of oestrogen called estriol. It is a prescription-only medication, so you will need a prescription from a doctor to obtain it.

Ovestin

Ovestin is the brand name for estriol cream and works in exactly the same way. It contains estriol which replaces the lost oestrogen during menopause to manage symptoms such as vaginal dryness and irritation.

Gina

Gina is an over-the-counter vaginal HRT that can be bought online and in most UK pharmacies without a prescription. It contains 10mcg of estradiol and works in the same way as Vagirux to treat vaginal menopause symptoms.

What type of HRT is Vagirux?

Vagirux is a vaginal hormone replacement therapy (HRT). It is also called a local HRT because it acts on the area where it is inserted. So, Vagirux is used during the menopause to address symptoms of vaginal dryness and irritation caused by a drop in hormonal levels.

Is Vagirux the same as Vagifem?

Yes, Vagirux and Vagifem are similar medications because they contain the same active ingredient, estradiol, work in the same way, and are used to treat vaginal atrophy during menopause. However, they are manufactured by different companies and Vagirux is inserted with a reusable applicator whereas Vagifem has a single-use applicator.

Can you take Vagirux long-term?

Vagirux can be used for as long as it is required to reduce symptoms of menopause. Your doctor will prescribe it at the lowest dose that works for you and for as long as you need it to manage your symptoms. However, this will need to be reviewed annually to check for any risk of serious complications.

What happens if you stop taking Vagirux suddenly?

If you suddenly stop taking Vagirux your symptoms may return. You should speak to your doctor if you want to stop taking Vagirux as they will advise how you can do this safely.

How safe is Vagirux?

The safety of using Vagirux in the short term, usually for less than a year is considered low risk. It is uncertain if there is an increased risk of long-term side effects if it is used for longer than this.

Some types of HRT may increase the risk of blood clots or certain types of cancers, however, these risks are associated with HRT oral tablets and patches which circulate hormones in the blood. Vagirux is for local treatment in the vagina, and the absorption into the blood is very low, so there is not the same risk. To make sure that Vagirux is still safe and suitable for you, your doctor will review your medication at least once per year.

Does Vagirux cause weight gain?

Although weight gain is a reported side effect of Vagirux, there is no conclusive evidence that vaginal oestrogen causes this. However, weight gain around the time of menopause is common, but it can be managed with healthy lifestyle choices, such as a healthy, balanced diet and regular exercise.