Ovestin
Ovestin is a medicine inserted into the vagina that contains the female hormone estriol, used to relieve menopausal symptoms like vaginal dryness and irritation.
How to Use
Dosage
For vaginal symptoms: 1 vaginal suppository daily for the first 2–3 weeks. Afterwards, the dose is gradually reduced, for example, to 1 vaginal suppository twice a week.
Method
Lie down and insert the suppository as deep as possible into the vagina with your finger, in the evening before bedtime. Do not insert into the rectum.
Maximum 1 vaginal suppository per day (for a maximum of 4 weeks), and the maximum dose should not be used for more than a few weeks to prevent thickening of the uterine lining.
Possible Side Effects
- •Local irritation or itching
- •Breast swelling and increased tenderness
- •Slight vaginal bleeding
- •Increased vaginal discharge
- •Nausea
- •Fluid retention (swelling, usually of ankles or feet)
- •Flu-like symptoms
- •Gallbladder disease
- •Skin discoloration (dark patches on face and neck, like pregnancy masks)
- •Painful, reddish bumps on the skin (erythema nodosum)
- •Rash with circular redness or sores (erythema multiforme)
Important Warnings
- If you have or have had breast cancer or suspected breast cancer.
- If you have a cancer sensitive to estrogens, such as uterine lining cancer, or suspected uterine lining cancer.
- If you have unexplained vaginal bleeding.
- If you have excessive thickening of the uterine lining (endometrial hyperplasia) that is not being treated.
- If you have or have had a blood clot in a vein (like in the legs or lungs).
Show 5 more warnings
- If you have a blood clotting disorder.
- If you have or recently had a disease caused by a blood clot in an artery, such as a heart attack, stroke, or angina.
- If you have or have had a liver disease and your liver function tests are not normal.
- If you have a rare inherited blood disorder called porphyria.
- If you are allergic to estriol or any other ingredient in Ovestin.
Use in Elderly Patients
The classification depends on the dosage form. Systemic use (for example estrogen patch, tablet, gel): Avoid use in older adults. In systemic use, consider potential adverse effects, such as risk of cardiovascular diseases and venous thromboembolism. Consider potential interactions. Topical treatment of the vagina: Suitable for older adults. No significant systemic absorption. (updated 21.10.2024)