Use Vagifem to relieve vaginal dryness caused by the breast cancer treament Tamoxifen.
Tamoxifen, the generic name of Nolvadex, is an oral medication taken daily over the course of five years. It is used to treat breast cancer in women who have metastatic breast cancer, who have had a mastectomy and/or radiation therapy, or who have a high risk of developing breast cancer. This medication works by blocking the production of estrogen in the breast tissue, which in turn reduces the overall estrogen in the body. A side effect of estrogen reduction is vaginal dryness, which can cause slight vaginal bleeding as well as pain during intercourse. Vagifem is an estrogen supplement inserted vaginally to help restore natural estrogen levels, resulting in increased vaginal lubrication.
Instructions
1. Insert the Vagifem applicator vaginally as far as is comfortable. Release the tablet by pressing the plunger.
2. Insert one pill daily for two weeks and then twice weekly or as prescribed by your doctor. Take Vagifem at the same time on the days prescribed to keep hormone levels even.
3. See your physician once every three to six months to determine if you can reduce or discontinue the medication. Vagifem is not intended for long-term use.
4. Take tamoxifen daily by mouth. If the doctor has prescribed 20 mg or less, take one dose per day. However, if you are taking between 20 mg and 40 mg, take one dose of 20 mg in the morning and the remaining dose in the evening.
Tags: breast cancer, take dose, vaginal dryness