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.
Painful sexual intercourse as a result of menopause
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.
Source: DailyMed
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
Once-daily dosing
Only vaginal non-estrogen treatment for painful sex due to menopause
Plant-based ingredients
Not many side effects
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
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.
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.
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.
Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
---|---|---|---|
28 inserts of 6.5mg | 1 carton | $301.24 | $301.24 |
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.
Abnormal vaginal bleeding that hasn't been checked by a healthcare provider
Painful sexual intercourse as a result of menopause
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
Painful sex caused by menopause
Vaginal dryness caused by menopause
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Hayes, R., et al. (2019). Prasterone (Intrarosa) for dyspareunia. American Family Physician.
Millicent Pharma Ltd. (n.d.). Frequently asked questions about Intrarosa.
Millicent Pharma Ltd. (n.d.). What is Intrarosa?
Millicent US, Inc. (2023). INTRAROSA- prasterone insert [package insert]. DailyMed.
National Cancer Institute. (2015). Hormones.
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