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Intrarosa
Used for Atrophic Vaginitis, Menopause
Used for Atrophic Vaginitis, Menopause
Intrarosa (prasterone) is a vaginal insert used to help ease pain from intercourse (sex) caused by the thinning, drying, and inflammation of vaginal walls as a result of menopause. This medication is a man-made, plant-based version of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a hormone made by your body. Intrarosa (prasterone) is inserted vaginally once a day at bedtime. The most common side effect of this medication is vaginal discharge. There are currently no generic alternatives of Intrarosa (prasterone) available.
What is Intrarosa (prasterone)?
What is Intrarosa (prasterone) used for?
- Painful sexual intercourse as a result of menopause
How Intrarosa (prasterone) works
Intrarosa (prasterone) is a synthetic (man-made) version of DHEA, a steroid made by your body. It's not clear exactly how this medication works. But it's thought that your body changes prasterone into active hormones called estrogens and androgens. These hormones can help restore vaginal tissue and lubrication, which can ease pain from sexual activity.
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Intrarosa |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Synthetic steroid |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | No lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
Side effects of Intrarosa (prasterone)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Vaginal discharge (up to 14%)
Less Common Side Effects
The following Intrarosa (prasterone) side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Unusual vaginal discharge, itching, or odor
- Vaginal bleeding after menopause, pelvic pain
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Vaginal discharge
- Vaginal irritation at application site
Get your GoodRx coupon
$411.12
GoodRx discount
$297.03
Pros and cons of Intrarosa (prasterone)
Pros
- Once-daily dosing
- Only vaginal non-estrogen treatment for painful sex due to menopause
- Plant-based ingredients
- Not many side effects
Cons
- Might take about 3 months to feel relief from painful intercourse
- Not for people who have or have had breast cancer
- Brand only, no lower-cost generics available
- Not for people who haven't been through menopause
Pharmacist tips for Intrarosa (prasterone)
- Before using Intrarosa (prasterone), read the instructions in the product label. If you have questions about how to use it, speak to your provider or pharmacist.
- When ready to use Intrarosa (prasterone), empty your bladder and wash your hands before touching the vaginal insert and applicator.
- Only use each applicator once to prevent infection. Don't reuse them.
- If the Intrarosa (prasterone) insert falls out of the applicator and it hits the ground or another dirty surface, replace it with a new one.
- Intrarosa (prasterone) can affect your Pap smear results. Make sure to tell all of your healthcare providers that you use this medication.
- You can store Intrarosa (prasterone) inserts either at room temperature or in the fridge. It might be more comfortable to remove the insert from the fridge a few minutes before using it so it has a chance to warm up to room temperature.
Risks and warnings for Intrarosa (prasterone)
Intrarosa (prasterone) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Breast cancer
- Risk factors: History of breast cancer
Intrarosa (prasterone) is changed to estrogen by your body. Having too much estrogen can raise your risk of breast cancer. It isn't known if Intrarosa (prasterone) is safe for females who have a history of breast cancer. Don't use Intrarosa (prasterone) if you currently have or have had breast cancer in the past. It's important that you regularly check your breasts for any changes and get breast scans (mammograms) done. Let your healthcare provider know if you notice any unusual changes in breast shape, size, or color.
Intrarosa (prasterone) dosage
The average cost for 1 carton of 28 inserts of 6.5mg of Intrarosa (prasterone) is $297.03 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 27.75% off the average retail price of $411.12. 
Carton
Carton| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28 inserts of 6.5mg | 1 carton | $297.03 | $297.03 |
Typical dosage for Intrarosa (prasterone)
Each vaginal insert contains 6.5 mg of prasterone.
Place one vaginal insert into the vagina once daily at bedtime, using the applicator that comes with the medication.
How much does Intrarosa (prasterone) cost?
To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
Intrarosa (brand)
$297.03
Intrarosa (prasterone) contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Intrarosa (prasterone) will not be safe for you to take.
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding that hasn't been checked by a healthcare provider
What are alternatives to Intrarosa (prasterone)?
There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Intrarosa (prasterone). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
