Consumer medicine information

Vagifem Low

Estradiol

BRAND INFORMATION

Brand name

Vagifem Low

Active ingredient

Estradiol

Schedule

S4

 

Consumer medicine information (CMI) leaflet

Please read this leaflet carefully before you start using Vagifem Low.

What is in this leaflet

What Vagifem® Low is used for
Before you use Vagifem® Low
How to use Vagifem® Low
While you are using Vagifem® Low
Side effects
Storage
Product Description
Directions for Use

This leaflet answers some common questions about Vagifem® Low. It does not contain all the available information. It does not take the place of talking to your doctor or pharmacist.

All medicines have risks and benefits. Your doctor has weighed the risks of you using Vagifem® Low against the benefits they expect it will have for you.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any concerns about using this medicine.

Keep this leaflet with the medicine. You may need to read it again.

Vagifem® Low is available only by prescription at pharmacies.

What Vagifem® Low is used for

Vagifem® Low is a local hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Vagifem® Low is a modified release pessary containing the female sex hormone, estradiol. The estradiol in Vagifem® Low is identical to the estradiol produced in the ovaries of women, and is classified as a natural estrogen.

Vagifem® Low is prescribed to treat a condition called atrophic vaginitis. The symptoms include dryness and irritation in the vagina, and pain during sexual intercourse. Atrophic vaginitis is caused by a loss of the female sex hormone, estrogen, which occurs around the menopause.

Vagifem® Low when placed in the vagina allows estradiol to be released. This may relieve discomfort in the vagina.

Your doctor may have prescribed Vagifem® Low for another reason.

Ask your doctor if you have any questions about why Vagifem® Low has been prescribed for you.

Before you use Vagifem® Low

When you must not use it

Do not use Vagifem® Low if:

  • you have, or you are suspected of having, or you have ever had, breast cancer
  • you have, or you are suspected of having, or you have had, cancer which is sensitive to estrogens, such as cancer of the lining of the womb (endometrium)
  • you have any unexplained vaginal bleeding
  • you have excessive thickening of the lining of the womb (endometrial hyperplasia) that is not being treated
  • you have or have ever had a blood clot in a vein (thrombosis), such as in the legs (deep venous thrombosis) or the lungs (pulmonary embolism)
  • you have a blood clotting disorder (such as protein C, protein S or antithrombin deficiency)
  • you have or have previously had a disease caused by blood clots in the arteries, such as a heart attack, stroke or angina
  • you have or have ever had a liver disease and your liver function tests have not returned to normal
  • you have a rare blood problem called ‘porphyria’, which is passed down in families (inherited)
  • you are pregnant or suspect you may be pregnant
  • you are breast-feeding
  • you are allergic to estradiol or any of the other ingredients in Vagifem® Low (listed under ‘Ingredients’)
  • it is after the expiry date (‘Expiry’) printed on the pack
  • the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering.

Vagifem® Low should not be used in children or by males.

Stop using your medicine at once and consult your doctor immediately if any of the above conditions appear for the first time while using Vagifem® Low.

Before you start to use it

Medical history and regular check-ups

The use of HRT carries risks which need to be considered when deciding whether to start taking it, or whether to carry on taking it.

Before you start (or restart) HRT, your doctor will ask about your own and your family’s medical history. Your doctor may decide to perform a physical examination. This may include an examination of your breasts and/or internal examination, if necessary. Once you’ve started on Vagifem® Low, you should see your doctor for regular check-ups (3-6 months after starting Vagifem® Low, and at least once a year thereafter).

Go for regular breast screening as recommended by your doctor.

There is only limited experience of treating women older than 65 years’ with Vagifem® Low.

Vaginal infections should be treated before Vagifem® Low are used.

Vagifem® Low, as opposed to systemic estrogen, is for local treatment in the vagina, and the absorption into the blood is low.

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had any of the following problems before you start the treatment. If so, see your doctor more often for check-ups:

  • Asthma
  • Epilepsy
  • Diabetes
  • Gallstones
  • High blood pressure
  • Migraines or severe headaches
  • A liver disorder, such as a benign liver tumour
  • Growth of womb lining outside your womb (endometriosis) or a history of excessive growth of the womb lining (endometrial hyperplasia)
  • A disease affecting the eardrum and hearing (otosclerosis)
  • A disease of the immune system that affects many organs of the body (systemic lupus erythematosus, SLE)
  • Increased risk of getting an estrogen-sensitive cancer (such as having a mother, sister or grandmother who has had breast cancer)
  • Increased risk of developing blood clots (see ‘Blood clots in a vein (thrombosis)’)
  • Fibroids inside your womb
  • A very high level of fat in your blood (triglycerides)
  • hereditary or acquired angioedema
  • Fluid retention due to cardiac or kidney problems.

Any unexplained vaginal bleeding, and persistent or recurrent vaginal bleeding should be examined.

Stop using Vagifem® Low and see a doctor immediately

Stop using Vagifem® Low and see a doctor immediately if you notice any of the following when using HRT:

  • Migraine-like headaches which happen for the first time
  • Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes (jaundice). These may be signs of a liver disease.
  • A large rise in your blood pressure (symptoms may be headache, tiredness, dizziness)
  • Any of the conditions mentioned in the ‘When you must not use it’ section
  • If you become pregnant
  • If you notice signs of a blood clot, such as:
    - painful swelling and redness of the legs
    - sudden chest pain
    - difficulty in breathing.
    For more information, see ‘Blood clots in a vein (thrombosis)’.

The following risks apply to hormone replacement therapy (HRT) medicines which circulate in the blood. It is not known how these risks apply to locally administered treatments such as Vagifem® Low.

HRT and cancer

Excessive thickening of the lining of the womb (endometrial hyperplasia) and cancer of the lining of the womb (endometrial cancer)

Taking estrogen-only HRT tablets for a long time can increase the risk of developing cancer of the womb lining (the endometrium). It is uncertain whether long term (more than one year) or repeated use of local vaginally administered estrogen products possess a similar risk.

If you get breakthrough bleeding or spotting, it’s usually nothing to worry about, but you should make an appointment to see your doctor. It could be a sign that your endometrium has become thicker.

Compare

In women who still have a womb and who are not taking HRT, on average, 5 in 1,000 will be diagnosed with endometrial cancer between the ages of 50 and 65.

For women aged 50 to 65 who still have a womb and who take estrogen-only HRT, between 10 and 60 women in 1,000 will be diagnosed with endometrial cancer (i.e. between 5 and 55 extra cases), depending on the dose and for how long it is taken.

Breast cancer

Evidence suggests that using Vagifem® Low does not increase the risk of breast cancer in women who have not had breast cancer in the past. It is not known if Vagifem® Low can be safely used in women who have had breast cancer in the past.

Compare

Women aged 50 to 79 who are not taking HRT, on average, 9 to 17 in 1,000 will be diagnosed with breast cancer over a 5-year period. For women aged 50 to 79 who are taking estrogen-progestagen HRT over 5 years, there will be 13 to 23 cases in 1,000 users (i.e. an extra 4 to 6 cases).

Regularly check your breasts. See your doctor if you notice any changes such as:

  • dimpling of the skin
  • changes in the nipple
  • any lumps you can see or feel.

Additionally, you are advised to join mammography screening programs when offered to you. For mammogram screening, it is important that you inform the nurse/healthcare professional who is actually taking the x-ray that you use HRT, as this medication may increase the density of your breasts which may affect the outcome of the mammogram. Where the density of the breast is increased, mammography may not detect all lumps.

Ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer is rare - much rarer than breast cancer. The use of estrogen-only or combined estrogen-progestagen HRT has been associated with a slightly increased risk of ovarian cancer.

Compare

The risk of ovarian cancer varies with age. For example, in women aged 50 to 54 who are not taking HRT, about 2 women in 2,000 will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer over a 5-year period. For women who have been taking HRT for 5 years, there will be about 3 cases per 2,000 users (i.e. about 1 extra case).

Effect of HRT on heart and circulation

Blood clots in a vein (thrombosis)

The risk of blood clots in the veins is about 1.3- to 3-times higher in HRT users than in non-users, especially during the first year of taking it.

Blood clots can be serious, and if one travels to the lungs, it can cause chest pain, breathlessness, fainting or even death.

You are more likely to get a blood clot in your veins as you get older and if any of the following applies to you. Inform your doctor if any of these situations applies to you:

  • you are unable to walk for a long time because of major surgery, injury or illness
  • you are seriously overweight (BMI >30 kg/m²)
  • you have any blood clotting problem that needs long-term treatment with a medicine used to prevent blood clots
  • if any of your close relatives has ever had a blood clot in the leg, lung or another organ
  • you have systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
  • you have cancer.

For signs of a blood clot, see ‘Stop using Vagifem® Low and see a doctor immediately’.

Compare

Looking at women in their 50s who are not taking HRT, on average, over a 5-year period, 4 to 7 in 1,000 would be expected to get a blood clot in a vein.

For women in their 50s who have been taking estrogen-progestagen HRT for over 5 years, there will be 9 to 12 cases in 1,000 users (i.e. 5 extra cases).

For women in their 50s who have had their womb removed and have been taking estrogen-only HRT for over 5 years, there will be 5 to 8 cases in 1,000 users (i.e. 1 extra case).

Heart disease (heart attack)

There is no evidence that HRT will prevent a heart attack.

Women over the age of 60 years who use estrogen-progestagen HRT are slightly more likely to develop heart disease than those not taking any HRT.

For women who have had their womb removed and are taking estrogen-only therapy there is no increased risk of developing a heart disease.

Stroke

The risk of getting stroke is about 1.5-times higher in HRT users than in non-users. The number of extra cases of stroke due to use of HRT will increase with age.

Compare

Looking at women in their 50s who are not taking HRT, on average, 8 in 1,000 would be expected to have a stroke over a 5-year period. For women in their 50s who are taking HRT, there will be 11 cases in 1,000 users, over 5 years (i.e. 3 extra cases).

Other conditions

HRT will not prevent memory loss. There is some evidence of a higher risk of memory loss in women who start using HRT after the age of 65. Speak to your doctor for advice.

Taking other medicines

Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, including any that you buy without a prescription from your pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.

Vagifem® Low contains a very small amount of hormone which should not interact with other medicines you are using.

How to use Vagifem® Low

Vagifem® Low is suitable for women who have had their womb removed (have had a hysterectomy), as well as for those who have not.

How to use it

Always use Vagifem® Low exactly as your doctor has instructed you to. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure.

You can start treatment with Vagifem® Low on any convenient day. The Vagifem® Low pessary should be inserted into your vagina using the applicator (see the diagrams included in the ‘Directions for Use’ section of this leaflet).

Use one Vagifem® Low pessary each day for the first two weeks, then one pessary twice a week (allowing three to four days between doses e.g. Monday and Friday).

Your doctor will tell you for how long you should use Vagifem® Low.

Vagifem® Low treatment should not affect your normal hygiene routine or lifestyle.

If you forget to use it

If you forget to use Vagifem® Low at the usual time, insert your pessary as soon as you remember. Do not use a double dose to make up for the dose that you have missed.

If you use too much (overdose)

If you have used more Vagifem® Low than you have been prescribed, or have accidentally swallowed Vagifem® Low, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

While you are using Vagifem® Low

You can expect your symptoms to improve within a few weeks of starting Vagifem® Low.

Vagifem® Low can be stopped at any time. You should discuss this with your doctor.

Vagifem® Low is not a contraceptive and will not prevent pregnancy.

If you have any concerns about using Vagifem® Low, ask your doctor or pharmacist. If your doctor tells you to stop using Vagifem® Low, return any unused medicine to your pharmacist.

Used applicators may be returned to the open blister packs and then discarded carefully.

Things you must not do

This medicine is for you only. Do not give it to someone else even if they seem to have the same symptoms as you.

Do not use Vagifem® Low to treat any other complaints unless your doctor tells you to.

Do not change the way you use Vagifem® Low, or change the dosage, without checking with your doctor.

Do not swallow Vagifem® Low. These modified release pessaries are for vaginal use only.

Side effects

All medicines can have side effects. Sometimes they are serious, most of the time they are not.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you experience any side effects while you are using Vagifem® Low (whether or not they are mentioned below). You may need medical treatment if you experience some of the side effects.

You may experience the following side effects:

  • genital infection with a fungus (thrush)
  • headache
  • stomach pain
  • feeling sick (nausea)
  • vaginal bleeding, discharge or discomfort
  • rash
  • weight increase
  • rise in blood pressure
  • hot flush.

In very rare cases, unwanted effects that have been reported include:

  • breast cancer, or cancer of the lining of the womb
  • excessive growth of the lining of the womb
  • allergic reaction
  • fluid retention (oedema
  • swelling under the skin (angioedema)
  • depression
  • trouble sleeping
  • worsening of migraine, where you have had migraines in the past
  • blood clots (deep vein thrombosis, DVT)
  • diarrhoea
  • hives, rash
  • itching of the genital area
  • vaginal irritation or pain, painful spasm of the vagina or vaginal ulceration
  • Vagifem® Low does not treat your symptoms effectively
  • weight increase
  • increase in blood estrogen (blood test result).

Tell your doctor if:

  • you are not feeling well or find any side effect too uncomfortable or unacceptable
  • any side effect becomes worse.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of the following conditions occur (because you may be told to stop using Vagifem® Low):

  • severe pain or swelling in your legs or sudden chest pain and difficulty breathing
  • yellow colouring of the skin and eyes (jaundice) or other liver problems
  • migraine-like headache, and you have not previously had migraines
  • rise in blood pressure
  • you know or suspect you are pregnant.

Cancer of the breast, ovaries or the lining of the womb, blood clots and stroke have been reported with some types of systemic hormone replacement therapy (“systemic” means to affect the body as a whole).

The following additional side effects have been reported to be associated with other types of estrogen treatment:

  • heart attack or heart disease
  • gall bladder disease
  • various skin diseases and itching
  • increase in size of uterine fibroids
  • epilepsy
  • libido disorder
  • asthma
  • probable dementia.

Do not be alarmed by this list of possible side effects. You may not experience any of them.

Storage

Keep all medicines out of reach of children.

Vagifem® Low should be kept in a cool dry place where the temperature stays below 25°C. Do not put Vagifem® Low in the refrigerator. Keep Vagifem® Low in the outer carton in order to protect from light.

Product Description

What Vagifem® Low looks like

Each Vagifem® Low modified release pessary is inset in a single use, disposable applicator, packed in a blister pack. The modified release pessaries are white and round and marked on one side with ‘Novo 278.’

Vagifem® Low is supplied in:

  • 18 packs - 3 blister packs each containing 6 applicators with inset modified release pessaries.

Ingredients

Each modified release pessary contains estradiol hemihydrate equivalent to 10µg estradiol as the active ingredient.

The tablets also contain hypromellose, lactose, maize starch, magnesium stearate, and macrogol 6000.

Manufacturer

Vagifem® Low is supplied in Australia by:

Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd
Level 10, 118 Mount Street
North Sydney NSW 2060
Australia

Australian Registration Number:
AUST R 163054

Vagifem® is a registered trademark of Novo Nordisk Healthcare AG.

© 2023
Novo Nordisk A/S

Always check the following websites to ensure you are reading the most recent version of the Estrofem® consumer medicine information:
www.novonordisk.com.au
https://www.ebs.tga.gov.au/

For further information call Novo Nordisk Customer Care on 1800 668 626.

This leaflet was prepared in October 2023

Directions for Use

  1. Wash hands well. Tear off one single blister pack. Open the end as shown in the picture.

  1. Insert the applicator carefully into the vagina. Stop when you can feel some resistance (8-10 cm).

  1. To release the pessary, gently press the push button until you feel a click. The pessary will stick to the wall of the vagina straight away. It will not fall out if you stand up or walk.

  1. Take out the applicator and throw it away.

Published by MIMS January 2024

BRAND INFORMATION

Brand name

Vagifem Low

Active ingredient

Estradiol

Schedule

S4

 

1 Name of Medicine

Estradiol hemihydrate.

2 Qualitative and Quantitative Composition

Vagifem Low is an estrogen preparation for intravaginal application based on the active human estrogen estradiol. The Vagifem Low modified release pessary formulation is based on a hydrophilic cellulose derived matrix which on contact with moisture hydrates and provides a controlled release of estradiol.
Each modified release pessary contains 10 microgram estradiol (as hemihydrate).

Excipient with known effect.

Lactose monohydrate. For the full list of excipients, see Section 6.1 List of Excipients.

3 Pharmaceutical Form

Modified release pessary.
Each pessary is white, film-coated, biconvex, 6 mm in diameter, and marked with 'Novo 278' on one side and blank on the other.

4 Clinical Particulars

4.1 Therapeutic Indications

Vagifem Low is indicated for the treatment of atrophic vaginitis due to estrogen deficiency in postmenopausal women.
Vagifem Low is not intended for children or males.

4.2 Dose and Method of Administration

Dosage.

Vagifem Low may be used in women with or without an intact uterus.

Initial dose.

1 modified release pessary daily for 2 weeks.

Maintenance dose.

1 modified release pessary twice a week.
For initiation and continuation of treatment of postmenopausal symptoms, the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use) should be used. Patient review should occur 3-6 months after treatment initiation. Reassessment of risks and benefits should occur no less frequently than annually.

Method of administration.

Vagifem Low is administered deep intravaginally using the applicator.
If a dose is forgotten, it should be taken as soon as the patient remembers. A double dose should be avoided.

4.3 Contraindications

Known, suspected or past history of carcinoma of the breast.
Known, suspected or past history of estrogen dependent neoplasia, e.g. endometrial carcinoma or other hormone dependent tumour.
Abnormal genital bleeding of unknown aetiology.
Known or suspected pregnancy.
Untreated endometrial hyperplasia.
Previous or current venous thromboembolism (deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism).
Known thrombophilic disorders (e.g. protein C, protein S, or antithrombin deficiency, see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use).
Active or previous arterial thromboembolic disease (e.g. angina, myocardial infarction).
Acute liver disease, or a history of liver disease as long as liver function tests have failed to return to normal.
Porphyria.
Known hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients.

4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) should only be initiated for the short-term treatment of postmenopausal symptoms that adversely affect quality of life. In all cases, a careful appraisal of the risks and benefits should be undertaken.
Evidence regarding the risks associated with HRT in the treatment of premature menopause is limited.

Medical examination/follow-up.

Before initiating or reinstituting therapy with Vagifem Low it is advisable to undertake a thorough examination to exclude any possibility of genital or mammary tumours. A complete personal and family medical history should be taken. Physical (including pelvic and breast) examination should be guided by this and by the contraindications and precautions for use. Vaginal infections should be treated before initiation of Vagifem Low therapy.
During treatment, periodic checkups are recommended of a frequency and nature adapted to the individual woman, but no less frequently than annually. Women should be advised what changes in their breasts should be reported to their doctor or nurse. Investigations including appropriate imaging tools, e.g. mammography should be carried out in accordance with currently accepted screening practices, modified to the clinical needs of the individual.
Persistent or recurring vaginal bleeding should be investigated.
The pharmacokinetic profile of Vagifem Low shows that there is very low systemic absorption of estradiol during treatment (see Section 5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties), however being an HRT product the following need to be considered, especially for long-term or repeated use of these products.

Conditions which need supervision.

If any of the following conditions are present, have occurred previously, and/or have been aggravated during pregnancy or previous hormone treatment, the patient should be closely supervised. It should be taken into account that these conditions may recur or be aggravated during estrogen treatment. Patients with the following conditions should be monitored frequently and if any of the conditions worsen, Vagifem Low treatment should be withdrawn.
Leiomyoma (uterine fibroids) or endometriosis.
Liver disorders (e.g. liver adenoma).
Cholelithiasis.
Risk factors for estrogen dependent tumours, e.g. 1st degree heredity for breast cancer.
Risk factors for thromboembolic disorders (see below).
Haemoglobinopathies or sickle cell anaemia.
Epilepsy.
Migraine or severe headache.
Diabetes mellitus with or without vascular involvement.
Asthma.
Cardiac dysfunction.
Hypertension.
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
A history of endometrial hyperplasia (see below).
Otosclerosis.

Reasons for immediate withdrawal of therapy.

Therapy should be discontinued upon discovery of a contraindication and in the following situations.
Jaundice or deterioration in liver function.
Significant increase in blood pressure.
New onset of migraine type headache.
Pregnancy.

Venous thromboembolism.

HRT is associated with a 1.3 to 3-fold risk of developing venous thromboembolism (VTE), i.e. deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. The occurrence of such an event is more likely in the first year of HRT than later (see Section 4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)).
Patients with known thrombophilic states have an increased risk of VTE and HRT may add to this risk. HRT is therefore contraindicated in these patients (see Section 4.3 Contraindications).
Generally recognised risk factors for VTE include use of estrogens, older age, major surgery, prolonged immobilisation, obesity (BMI > 30 kg/m2), pregnancy/postpartum period, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and cancer. There is no consensus about the possible role of varicose veins in VTE.
A relationship between venous thromboembolism and low dose local vaginal estrogen therapy is uncertain.
As in all postoperative patients, prophylactic measures need to be considered to prevent VTE following surgery. If prolonged immobilisation is to follow elective surgery, temporarily stopping HRT 4 to 6 weeks earlier is recommended. Treatment should not be restarted until the woman is completely mobilised.
In women with no personal history of VTE but with a first degree relative with a history of thrombosis at a young age, screening may be offered after careful counselling regarding its limitations (only a proportion of thrombophilic defects are identified by screening).
If a thrombophilic defect is identified which segregates with thrombosis in family members or if the defect is 'severe' (e.g. antithrombin, protein S, or protein C deficiencies or a combination of defects), HRT is contraindicated.
Women already on chronic anticoagulant treatment require careful consideration of the benefit/risk of use of HRT.
If VTE develops after initiating therapy, the drug should be discontinued. Patients should be told to contact their doctors immediately when they are aware of a potential thromboembolic symptom (e.g. painful swelling of a leg, sudden pain in the chest, dyspnoea).

Coronary artery disease (CAD).

There is no evidence from randomised controlled trials of protection against myocardial infarction in women with or without existing CAD who received combined estrogen/progestogen or estrogen only therapy.

Ischaemic stroke.

Combined estrogen/progestogen and estrogen only therapy are associated with an up to 1.5-fold increase in risk of ischaemic stroke. The relative risk does not change with age or time since menopause. However, as the baseline risk of stroke is strongly age dependent, the overall risk of stroke in women who use HRT increase with age (see Section 4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)).
A relationship between ischaemic stroke and low dose local vaginal estrogen therapy is uncertain.

Endometrial hyperplasia and carcinoma.

Women with an intact uterus with abnormal bleeding of unknown aetiology or women with an intact uterus who have previously been treated with unopposed estrogens should be examined with special care in order to exclude hyperstimulation/malignancy of the endometrium before initiation of treatment with Vagifem Low.
There is some evidence that obesity and possibly hypertension or diabetes mellitus are predisposing factors to endometrial carcinoma. In view of this, special care should be taken in the presence of these conditions and also if a family history of endometrial carcinoma is present. Endometrial hyperplasia (atypical or adenomatous) often precedes endometrial cancer.
The risk of endometrial cancer after treatment with oral unopposed estrogens is dependent on both duration of treatment and on estrogen dose. In women with an intact uterus the risk of endometrial hyperplasia and carcinoma is increased when estrogens are administered alone for prolonged periods. The reported increase in endometrial cancer risk among systemic estrogen only users varies from 2 to 12-fold compared with nonusers, depending on both duration of treatment and on estrogen dose. After stopping treatment, risk may remain elevated for at least 10 years.
Endometrial safety of long-term (more than one year) or repeated use of local vaginally administered estrogen is uncertain. Therefore, if repeated, treatment should be reviewed at least annually, with special consideration given to any symptoms of endometrial hyperplasia or carcinoma.
As a general rule, estrogen replacement therapy should not be prescribed for longer than one year without another physical, including gynaecological, examination being performed.
If bleeding or spotting appears at any time during therapy, the reason should be investigated, which may include endometrial biopsy to exclude endometrial malignancy.
The woman should be advised to contact her doctor in case bleeding or spotting occurs during treatment with Vagifem Low.
Unopposed estrogen stimulation may lead to premalignant or malignant transformation in the residual foci of endometriosis. Therefore caution is advised when using these products in women who have undergone hysterectomy because of endometriosis, especially if they are known to have residual endometriosis.

Breast cancer.

Epidemiological evidence from a large meta-analysis suggests no increase in risk of breast cancer in women with no history of breast cancer taking low dose vaginally applied estrogens. It is unknown if low dose vaginal estrogens stimulate recurrence of breast cancer.

Ovarian cancer.

Ovarian cancer is much rarer than breast cancer. Epidemiological evidence from a large meta-analysis suggests a slightly increased risk in women taking estrogen only or combined estrogen/progestogen HRT, which becomes apparent within 5 years of use and diminishes over time after stopping. Some other studies, including the WHI trial, suggest that use of combined HRTs may be associated with a similar or slightly smaller risk (see Section 4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)).
A relationship between ovarian cancer risk and low dose local vaginal estrogen therapy is uncertain.

Other conditions.

Estrogens may cause fluid retention, and therefore patients with cardiac or renal dysfunction should be carefully observed.
Women with pre-existing hypertriglyceridaemia should be followed closely during estrogen replacement or hormone replacement therapy, since rare cases of large increases of plasma triglycerides leading to pancreatitis have been reported with estrogen therapy in this condition.
The relationship between pre-existing hypertriglyceridaemia and low dose local vaginal estrogen therapy is unknown.
Exogenous oestrogens may induce or exacerbate symptoms of hereditary and acquired angioedema.
Estrogens increase thyroid binding globulin (TBG), leading to increased circulating total thyroid hormone (as measured by protein bound iodine (PBI)), T4 levels (by column or by radioimmunoassay) or T3 levels (by radioimmunoassay). T3 resin uptake is decreased, reflecting the elevated TBG. Free T4 and free T3 concentrations are unaltered. Other binding proteins may be elevated in serum, i.e. corticoid binding globulin (CBG), sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) leading to increased circulating corticosteroids and sex steroids, respectively. Free or biologically active hormone concentrations are unchanged. Other plasma proteins may be increased (angiotensinogen/renin substrate, alpha-1-antitrypsin, ceruloplasmin).
HRT does not improve cognitive function. There is some evidence from the WHI trial of increased risk of probable dementia in women who start using continuous combined or estrogen only HRT after the age of 65.
Intravaginal applicator may cause minor local trauma, especially in women with serious vaginal atrophy.

Use in elderly.

The experience of treating women older than 65 years of age is limited.

Paediatric use.

No data available.

Effects on laboratory tests.

No data available.

4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions

Due to the local administration of the low dose of estradiol in Vagifem Low, interactions of clinical relevance are not expected.
However, the metabolism of estrogens may be increased by concomitant use of substances known to induce drug metabolising enzymes, specifically cytochrome P450 enzymes, such as anticonvulsants (e.g. phenobarbital, phenytoin, carbamazepine) and anti-infectives (e.g. rifampicin, rifabutin, nevirapine, efavirenz).
Ritonavir and nelfinavir, although known as strong inhibitors, by contrast exhibit inducing properties when used concomitantly with steroid hormones. Herbal preparations containing St John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) may induce the metabolism of estrogens.

4.6 Fertility, Pregnancy and Lactation

Effects on fertility.

No data available.
(Category B3)
Vagifem Low is contraindicated during pregnancy. If pregnancy occurs during medication with Vagifem Low, treatment should be withdrawn immediately. In animal studies, maternal administration of high doses of estrogens has produced urogenital malformations in the offspring. The relevance of these animal findings for the clinical use of estradiol is uncertain, but is considered likely to be low.
Vagifem Low is not indicated during lactation.

4.7 Effects on Ability to Drive and Use Machines

The effects of this medicine on a person's ability to drive and use machines were not assessed as part of its registration.

4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)

Clinical trial experience.

More than 692 patients have been treated with Vagifem Low in clinical trials, including over 456 patients treated up to 52 weeks. The most commonly reported adverse drug reactions were vulvovaginal mycotic infection and vulvovaginal pruritus.
If noted, estrogen related adverse events such as breast pain, peripheral oedema and postmenopausal bleeding were most likely to be present at the beginning of Vagifem Low treatment.
Adverse drug reactions which occurred with a higher frequency in the treated group as compared with the placebo group and which are possibly related to treatment, are presented in Table 1.
Some absorption of estradiol may occur and therefore systemic effects of estrogen might be possible.

Postmarketing experience.

In addition to the above mentioned adverse drug reactions, those presented below have been spontaneously reported for patients being treated with estradiol 25 or 10 microgram vaginal pessary, and are considered possibly related to treatment. The frequencies for the below mentioned adverse drug reactions is very rare (< 1/10,000 patient years). Postmarketing experience is subject to underreporting especially with regard to trivial and well known adverse drug reactions. The presented frequencies should be interpreted in that light.

Neoplasms benign and malignant (including cysts and polyps).

Breast cancer, endometrial cancer.

Immune system disorders.

Generalised hypersensitivity reactions (e.g. anaphylactic reaction/shock).

Metabolism and nutrition disorders.

Fluid retention.

Psychiatric disorders.

Insomnia, depression.

Nervous system disorders.

Migraine aggravated.

Vascular disorders.

Deep venous thrombosis.

Gastrointestinal disorders.

Diarrhoea.

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders.

Urticaria, rash erythematous, rash NOS (not otherwise specified), rash pruritic.

Reproductive system and breast disorders.

Vulvovaginal pain1, pruritus genital, endometrial hyperplasia, vaginal irritation, vaginismus, vaginal ulceration.

General disorders and administration site conditions.

Application site reaction2, drug ineffective, injury associated with device3.

Investigations.

Weight increased, blood estrogen increased.
1Including vulvovaginal burning sensation.
2Local allergic reactions including vulvovaginal erythema, genital erythema, vulvovaginal rash, genital rash.
3Minor local trauma caused by intravaginal applicator.
Other adverse reactions have been reported in association with estrogen treatment. Risk estimates have been drawn from systemic exposure and it is not known how these apply to local treatments.
Myocardial infarction, congestive heart disease.
Stroke.
Gall bladder disease.
Skin and subcutaneous disorders: chloasma, erythema multiforme, erythema nodosum, vascular purpura, pruritus, angioedema.
Endometrial cancer (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use), endometrial hyperplasia.
Increase in size of uterine fibroids.
Insomnia.
Epilepsy.
Libido disorder.
Deterioration of asthma.
Probable dementia (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use).

Endometrial cancer risk.

Postmenopausal women with a uterus.

The endometrial cancer risk is about 5 in every 1,000 women with a uterus not using HRT. In women with a uterus, use of systemic estrogen only HRT is not recommended because it increases the risk of endometrial cancer (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use). Depending on the duration of systemic estrogen only use and estrogen dose, the increase in risk of endometrial cancer in epidemiology studies varied from between 5 and 55 extra cases diagnosed in every 1000 women between the ages of 50 and 65. Adding a progestogen to systemic estrogen only therapy for at least 10 days per cycle can prevent this increased risk. In the Million Women Study the use of five years of combined (sequential or continuous) HRT did not increase risk of endometrial cancer (RR of 1.0 (0.8-1.2)). Please also see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use.

Ovarian cancer.

Risk estimates have been drawn from systemic exposure and it is not known how these apply to local treatments. Use of estrogen only or combined estrogen/progestogen HRT has been associated with a slightly increased risk of having ovarian cancer diagnosed (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use).
A meta-analysis from 52 epidemiological studies reported an increased risk of ovarian cancer in women currently using HRT compared to women who have never used HRT (RR 1.43, 95% CI 1.31-1.56). For women aged 50 to 54 years taking 5 years of HRT, this results in about 1 extra case per 2,000 users. In women aged 50 to 54 who are not taking HRT, about 2 women in 2,000 will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer over a 5 year period.

Risk of venous thromboembolism.

Risk estimates have been drawn from systemic exposure and it is not known how these apply to local treatments. HRT is associated with a 1.3 to 3-fold increased relative risk of developing venous thromboembolism (VTE), i.e. deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. The occurrence of such an event is more likely in the first year of using HRT (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use). Results of the WHI studies are presented in Table 2.

Risk of coronary artery disease.

Risk estimates have been drawn from systemic exposure and it is not known how these apply to local treatments. The risk of coronary artery disease is slightly increased in users of combined estrogen/progestogen HRT over the age of 60 (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use).

Risk of ischaemic stroke.

Risk estimates have been drawn from systemic exposure and it is not known how these apply to local treatments. The use of estrogen only and estrogen/progestogen therapy is associated with an up to 1.5-fold increased relative risk of ischaemic stroke. The risk of haemorrhagic stroke is not increased during use of HRT. This relative risk is not dependent on age or on duration of use, but as the baseline risk is strongly age dependent, the overall risk of stroke in women who use HRT will increase with age, see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use. See Table 3.

Reporting suspected adverse effects.

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after registration of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit-risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions at http://www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems.

4.9 Overdose

Vagifem Low is intended for intravaginal use only and the dose of estradiol is low. Treatment should be symptomatic. An overdose of estrogen may cause nausea and vomiting.
For information on the management of overdose, contact the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 (Australia).

5 Pharmacological Properties

During the climacteric the decline in endogenous estrogen production causes atrophic changes in the vaginal mucosa which may induce symptoms such as vaginal dryness, irritation and dyspareunia.

5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties

Mechanism of action.

Vagifem Low relieves the symptoms of atrophic vaginitis due to estrogen deficiency following the menopause. Vagifem Low therapy reverses the atrophic changes due to estrogen deficiency found in the affected postmenopausal vagina. The active ingredient, synthetic 17β-estradiol, is chemically and biologically identical to endogenous human estradiol.
Endogenous 17β-estradiol induces and maintains the primary and secondary female sexual characteristics. The biological effect of 17β-estradiol is carried out through a number of specific estrogen receptors. The steroid receptor complex is bound to the cell's DNA and induces synthesis of specific proteins.
Maturation of the vaginal epithelium is dependent upon estrogen. Estrogen increases the number of superficial and intermediate cells as compared to basal cells.
Estrogen keeps pH in the vagina down to around 4.5 which enhances normal bacterial flora, Lactobacillus doderlein predomination.

Clinical trials.

Vag-2195 was a 12 month double blind, randomised, parallel group, placebo controlled multicenter study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Vagifem Low in the treatment of postmenopausal symptoms of vaginal atrophy. Subjects were predominantly Caucasian (92.9%) and had a mean age of 57.6 years, BMI of 25 kg/m2, and were on average 8.1 years from last menses. The primary efficacy endpoints were the mean change from baseline to week 12 in: 1) Vaginal Maturation Index (parabasal and superficial cells) and Value; 2) vaginal pH; and 3) the moderate to severe symptom that was identified by the subject as being most bothersome. Vaginal Maturation Index (MI) was expressed as percentages of parabasal, intermediate, and superficial cells. The Vaginal Maturation Value (MV) was calculated using: MV = 0 x % parabasal cells + 0.5 x % intermediate cells + 1.0 x % superficial cells. Vaginal pH was recorded within four intervals (< 5, 5-5.49, 5.5-6.49, and > 6.49). These observations were graded on a 4 point scale (no atrophy = 0, mild = 1, moderate = 2, or severe = 3 respectively).
After 12 weeks of treatment with Vagifem Low, significant improvements from baseline and versus placebo were demonstrated for the three primary endpoints. Cytologically, a shift towards normalisation in the proportion of parabasal, intermediate, and superficial cells was apparent after week 2 and sustained through the week 52 evaluation point (p < 0.001).

Parabasal cells.

The mean change from baseline to week 12 (LOCF) for Vagifem Low was -37.0% compared to -9.3% for the placebo group (p < 0.001).

Superficial cells.

At baseline, the proportion of superficial cells was < 5%. After 2 weeks of daily administration with Vagifem Low, superficial cells comprised approximately 27% of the total cell count, which was statistically significant compared to placebo treatment (p < 0.001). The mean change from baseline to week 12 (LOCF) was 13.2% compared to 3.8% for placebo (p < 0.001).

Intermediate cells.

The mean change from baseline to week 12 (LOCF) was approximately 24% (p < 0.001, compared to placebo).
Maturation Value (MV) at week 12 (LOCF) was 35.9 for placebo and 55.5 for Vagifem Low. The mean change in MV from baseline to week 12 (LOCF) was 6.5 for placebo and 25.0 for Vagifem Low p < 0.001. A statistically significant treatment effect was apparent after 2 weeks of study drug administration. The mean change from baseline to week 2 in MV was 8.3 for placebo and 31.6 for Vagifem Low (p < 0.001). These effects were sustained at week 52 (LOCF): the mean change from baseline for the placebo treatment group was 5.9 and for Vagifem Low treated subjects was 24.5, p < 0.001.

Vaginal pH.

Within 2 weeks of treatment with Vagifem Low, the vaginal pH grade was significantly improved verses placebo (p < 0.001), which was sustained at the week 12 (LOCF) (p < 0.001) and week 52 (LOCF) (p < 0.001). See Table 4.
Vaginal health was assessed based on the examination of vaginal secretions, epithelial integrity, epithelial surface thickness, vaginal colour, and vaginal pH. These observations were graded on a 4 point scale (no atrophy = 0, mild = 1, moderate = 2, or severe = 3). The mean score change at week 12 (LOCF) was -0.51 and -0.91 for the placebo and Vagifem Low treated subjects respectively. Treatment benefits were evident after 2 weeks of treatment (p < 0.001, compared to placebo) and were sustained at week 52 (placebo -0.36, Vagifem Low -0.84, p < 0.001).

5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties

The modified release pessary formulation of Vagifem Low is based on a hydrophilic cellulose derived matrix which hydrates on contact with moisture to give a controlled release of the soluble estradiol. Once the pessary is in place, it adheres to the vaginal mucosa. The polymer selected for the gel matrix hydrates quickly so that a gel layer is formed before the contents of the pessary begin to dissolve. Soluble estradiol is gradually released from the hydrophilic matrix.
Estrogen drug products are well absorbed through the skin, mucous membranes, and the gastrointestinal tract. The vaginal delivery of estrogens circumvents first pass metabolism. After treatment with Vagifem Low, marginal elevations of plasma estradiol and its metabolites have been observed. This indicates that some absorption of estradiol occurs. Absorption is low as shown in the study described below.
A 12 week, single centre randomised, open label, multiple dose, parallel group trial was conducted to evaluate the extent of systemic absorption of estradiol from Vagifem Low. Subjects were randomised 1:1 to receive either 25 microgram estradiol (E2) vaginal pessary or 10 microgam E2 (Vagifem Low). Plasma levels of E2, estrone (E1) and estrone sulfate (E1S) were determined at day 1 (predose), day 1 (after 1st dosing), day 14 (after 14 days of once daily dosing), day 82 (predose after 10 weeks twice weekly treatment) and day 83 (postdose after 10 weeks twice weekly treatment). The primary bioavailability endpoint of the clinical trial was AUC(0-24) for plasma E2 levels (see Table 5): this parameter indicated higher systemic estradiol levels for Vagifem Low as compared to baseline on treatment days 1, 14 and 83. However, average plasma E2 concentrations (Cave(0-24)) at all timepoints overall remained below 20 picogram/mL (below approx. 73.4 picomol/L) and therefore within the normal postmenopausal range. The data from day 82 indicate that in the long-term, systemic estradiol levels do not accumulate during twice weekly maintenance therapy (see Table 5).
The levels of estrone seen during 12 weeks of Vagifem Low administration do not show any accumulation of estrone.
Estrogen metabolites are primarily excreted in the urine as glucuronides and sulfates.

5.3 Preclinical Safety Data

Genotoxicity.

There is limited evidence available in the literature suggesting that estradiol may be weakly genotoxic. No evidence could be found for an increase in the rate of gene mutation in bacterial or mammalian cells, but there was some evidence for the induction of chromosomal aberrations and aneuploidy and an increased incidence of sister chromatid exchanges (indicative of DNA damage) in mammalian cells. None of these effects were induced by estradiol in human lymphocyte cultures. Importantly, there was no evidence of clastogenicity in rodent bone marrow micronucleus assays.

Carcinogenicity.

Supraphysiological doses of estradiol have been associated with the induction of tumours in estrogen dependent target organs in all rodent species tested. The relevance of these findings with respect to humans has not been established.

6 Pharmaceutical Particulars

6.1 List of Excipients

Pessary core.

Hypromellose, lactose monohydrate, maize starch, magnesium stearate.

Film coating.

Hypromellose, macrogol 6000.

6.2 Incompatibilities

Incompatibilities were either not assessed or not identified as part of the registration of this medicine.

6.3 Shelf Life

In Australia, information on the shelf life can be found on the public summary of the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). The expiry date can be found on the packaging.

6.4 Special Precautions for Storage

Store below 25°C. Store in a dry place protected from light. Do not refrigerate.

6.5 Nature and Contents of Container

Each Vagifem Low modified release pessary is inset in a single use, disposable polyethylene/polypropylene applicator. The applicators are packed in PVC/aluminium foil blister packs.
6 packs - 1 blister pack containing 6 applicators with inset modified release pessaries;
8 packs - 2 blister packs each containing 4 applicators with inset modified release pessaries;
18 packs - 3 blister packs each containing 6 applicators with inset modified release pessaries;
24 packs - 4 blister packs each containing 6 applicators with inset modified release pessaries.
Not all pack sizes may be marketed.

6.6 Special Precautions for Disposal

In Australia, any unused medicine or waste material should be disposed of by taking it to your local pharmacy.

6.7 Physicochemical Properties

Estradiol hemihydrate is a white or almost white crystalline powder which is practically insoluble in water and soluble in acetone.

Chemical structure.

Active ingredients: estradiol - chemical name: estra-1,3,5(10)-triene-3, 17β-diol (as hemihydrate). Estradiol hemihydrate has 5 chiral centres. The molecular formula is C18H24O2.½H2O.
Estradiol hemihydrate has a molecular weight of 281.39.

CAS number.

35380-71-3.

7 Medicine Schedule (Poisons Standard)

S4 Prescription Only Medicine.

Summary Table of Changes