Vagifem vs. Estring for Atrophic Vaginitis: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Vagifem

Estring

(estradiol)

Summary for Vagifem

Prescription only

Vagifem (estradiol vaginal insert) is used to treat vaginal dryness, irritation, and burning caused by menopause. It contains estradiol, a type of estrogen that helps to raise your hormone levels to ease these symptoms. You'll usually use one insert with an applicator twice a week (after using it daily for the first 2 weeks). Common side effects include back pain, diarrhea, and vaginal yeast infection.

Indications for Vagifem

Vaginal dryness, burning, and irritation due to menopause

Pros and Cons for Vagifem

Pros

After the first 2 weeks, only need to use twice a week
Works directly at the site of application to relieve vaginal symptoms
Comes preloaded in an easy-to-use applicator

Cons

Can cause vaginal yeast infections
Doesn't treat other menopause symptoms like hot flashes or night sweats
Must take a progestin if you have a uterus to lower your risk of uterine cancer

Common Side Effects for Vagifem

Vaginal yeast infections (8%)
Vaginal itching (8%)
Back pain (7%)
Diarrhea (5%)

Warnings for Vagifem

Risk for blood clots and related complications
Risk for uterine cancer (also called endometrial cancer)
Risk for breast cancer
Risk for ovarian cancer
Risk for dementia
Gallbladder or liver problems in certain people
High triglyceride (fat) levels
Changes in calcium levels in certain people
Low thyroid hormone levels
Buildup of fluids in your body (fluid retention)
Worsening of certain other health conditions
Vaginal irritation with applicator use

Summary for Estring

Prescription only

Estring (estradiol) is an estrogen vaginal ring used as part of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to treat moderate-to-severe menopause symptoms in and around the vagina, such as vaginal dryness, burning, and irritation. The ring is inserted into the vagina and stays in place for 3 months, releasing a steady dose of estrogen directly where it's needed. Common side effects include headache, vaginal discharge, and vaginal yeast infections.

Indications for Estring

Vaginal dryness, burning, and irritation due to menopause

Pros and Cons for Estring

Pros

Can be inserted by you or a healthcare professional
Only needs to be changed every 3 months
Works directly at the site of application to relieve vaginal symptoms

Cons

Can cause vaginal yeast infections
Doesn't treat other menopause symptoms like hot flashes or night sweats
Must take a progestin if you have a uterus to lower your risk of uterine cancer

Common Side Effects for Estring

Headache (13%)
Vaginal discharge (7%)
Vaginal yeast infection (6%)
Back pain (6%)
Vaginal inflammation (5%)
Vaginal discomfort or pain (5%)
Upper respiratory infection (5%)
Vaginal bleeding (4%)
Bacterial growth in the vagina (4%)
Arthritis (4%)
Trouble sleeping (4%)
Stomach pain (4%)
Sinus inflammation (4%)
Nausea (3%)
Flu-like symptoms (3%)
Joint pain (3%)

Warnings for Estring

Risk for blood clots and related complications
Risk for uterine cancer (also called endometrial cancer)
Risk for breast cancer
Risk for ovarian cancer
Risk for dementia
Gallbladder or liver problems in certain people
High triglyceride (fat) levels
Changes in calcium levels in certain people
Low thyroid hormone levels
Buildup of fluids in your body (fluid retention)
Worsening of certain other health conditions
Vaginal irritation and infections

Prices with our coupons for Vagifem vs. Estring

Estradiol24 inserts / 10mcg

$89.03$224.20

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Estring1 ring / 2mg

$249.00$683.01

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Vagifem vs. Estring

Vagifem

Estring

Summary for Vagifem

Indications for Vagifem

Pros and Cons for Vagifem

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Vagifem

Warnings for Vagifem

Summary for Estring

Indications for Estring

Pros and Cons for Estring

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Estring

Warnings for Estring

Prices with our coupons for Vagifem vs. Estring

Browse medications by letter

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Vagifem

Estring

Summary for Vagifem

Indications for Vagifem

Pros and Cons for Vagifem

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Vagifem

Warnings for Vagifem

Summary for Estring

Indications for Estring

Pros and Cons for Estring

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Estring

Warnings for Estring