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Compare Vagifem vs. Premarin

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Vagifem (estradiol) and Premarin (conjugated estrogens) are both estrogen replacement medications, but they have some key differences. Vagifem is a vaginal insert used to treat vaginal dryness and irritation caused by menopause. It acts locally in the vagina and is available in both generic and brand-name forms. On the other hand, Premarin is an oral tablet that treats a broader range of menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes and night sweats, and is also used for conditions like low estrogen levels, certain cancers in advanced stages, and osteoporosis prevention. Premarin does not have a generic form. While both medications can raise the risk of serious conditions like cancer and blood clots, Vagifem is typically used for a shorter duration and has fewer systemic side effects compared to Premarin. Additionally, Premarin can cause weight gain and has a more complex dosing schedule, which can be taken daily or in cycles, depending on the condition being treated.

  • Estradiol vaginal insert
    Premarin
  • Estradiol vaginal insert
    Premarin

  • Summary of Vagifem vs. Premarin

    Summary for Estrogen replacement
    Prescription only

    Estradiol vaginal insert is an easy-to-use insert that works well for vaginal dryness and irritation caused by menopause. It has very few side effects for most people, but it might be more expensive than other options.

    Summary for Estrogen replacement
    Prescription only

    Premarin (conjugated estrogens) is an oral estrogen hormone tablet that's used to treat various conditions in adults. Most commonly, it relieves menopausal symptoms such as vaginal dryness and hot flashes. The medication is also used for treating low estrogen levels, certain advanced stages of breast or prostate cancers, and osteoporosis after menopause. Depending on what you're using it for, the medication can be taken daily or in cycles. Side effects include headache, stomach pain, nausea, and breast pain.

  • Indications of Vagifem vs. Premarin

    Indications for
    •Vaginal dryness, thinning, and irritation caused by menopause - generic estradiol, Vagifem, and Yuvafem
    •Moderate-to-severe painful sex due to vaginal dryness and thinning caused by menopause - Imvexxy only
    Indications for
    •Hot flashes, night sweats, and flushes caused by menopause
    •Vaginal dryness caused by menopause
    •Low estrogen levels due to certain conditions
    •Certain advanced stages of breast cancer
    •Certain advanced stages of prostate cancer
    •Prevention of bone loss (osteoporosis) after menopause

  • Pros and Cons of Vagifem vs. Premarin

    Pros and Const for Estrogen replacement
    Pros
    •Good option if you have trouble swallowing pills
    •Can be used at any time of the day
    •Very mild side effects for most people
    •Generic estradiol, Vagifem, and Yuvafem come as individually-wrapped, preloaded applicators, making it very easy to use and travel with.
    Cons
    •Might be more expensive than some alternatives
    •Vaginal irritation possible when inserting the generic estradiol, Vagifem, or Yuvafem applicator
    •Raises your risk of certain cancers, blood clots, and strokes
    •If you have a healthy uterus, must use estradiol vaginal insert with a progestin medication to lower your risk of uterine cancer
    Pros and Const for Estrogen replacement
    Pros
    •Relieves multiple menopausal symptoms
    •Available in multiple strengths, allowing you to customize your dose
    •Comes as a tablet that you take by mouth
    Cons
    •Raises your risk of certain cancers, blood clots, and strokes
    •Some people might need to take it with another hormone called progestin
    •Not a first-choice medication for treating bone loss after menopause

  • Common Side Effects of Vagifem vs. Premarin

    Common Side Effects for

    Generic estradiol, Vagifem, and Yuvafem

    •Vaginal yeast infections (8%)
    •Itching of the vagina or vulva area (8%)
    •Back pain (7%)
    •Diarrhea (5%)

    Imvexxy

    •Headache (3-4%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (13-14%)
    •Abnormal vaginal bleeding (2-13%)
    •Breast pain (7-12%)
    •Stomach pain (8-11%)
    •Passing gas (4-6%)
    •Vaginal discharge (4-5%)
    •Back pain (3-5%)
    •General pain (3-5%)
    •Nausea (3-5%)
    •Insomnia (3-5%)
    •Depression (3-5%)
    •Weakness (2-5%)

  • Warnings of Vagifem vs. Premarin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Uterine (endometrial) cancer
    •Breast cancer
    •Blood clots, heart attacks, and strokes
    •Dementia
    •Gallbladder problems
    •Use with caution in people with liver problems
    •Inflammation of the pancreas
    •Vaginal irritation with applicator use
    •Eye problems
    Common Side Effects for
    •Uterine (endometrial) cancer
    •Breast cancer
    •Blood clots and stroke
    •Heart disease and heart attacks
    •Dementia
    •Gallbladder and liver problems
    •Vision problems
    •High triglycerides
    •Low thyroid hormone levels (hypothyroidism)
    •Fluid Retention
    •Changes in calcium levels in the blood
    •Worsening of other health conditions

  • Prices with our coupons for Vagifem vs. Premarin

    Learn more about Estradiol vaginal insert
    Learn more about Premarin

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