What is Osphena?
Osphena is a prescription medication that is used to treat a condition known as dyspareunia, which is a form of painful intercourse experienced by women, that is caused by hormonal changes during menopause. Osphena is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) that works by interacting with estrogen receptors in the body to provide relief from vaginal dryness and pain during sex.
The active ingredient in Osphena is ospemifene, which is a type of estrogen that is different from the estrogen hormones produced by the body. When a woman undergoes menopause, her body produces less estrogen, which can cause a range of symptoms. Osphena helps to increase estrogen levels in the body, which can improve vaginal health and reduce painful intercourse.
Osphena is typically taken once a day, with or without food, as directed by a healthcare provider. It is important to follow your healthcare provider's instructions and take the medication as prescribed. Common side effects of Osphena include hot flashes, vaginal discharge, and muscle spasms. More serious side effects could include blood clots and increased risk of stroke. It is important to speak with your doctor about any concerns you may have about taking Osphena, and to report any side effects that you experience.
In conclusion, Osphena is a medication used to treat dyspareunia in menopausal women. It is important to use the medication as directed by a healthcare professional and to report any side effects to your doctor. With the help of Osphena, many women are able to experience improved vaginal health and enjoy a better quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions about osphena
OSPHENA (ospemifene) is indicated for: The treatment of moderate to severe dyspareunia, a symptom of vulvar and vaginal atrophy, due to menopause. The treatment of moderate to severe vaginal dryness, a symptom of vulvar and vaginal atrophy, due to menopause.
There doesn't seem to be a higher risk of endometrial cancer if you take Osphena for less than 1 year. But the risk goes up significantly the longer you take it. Studies have shown a higher risk of stroke within the first year of treatment and a higher risk of blood clots within the first 2 years of treatment.
Who should not take OSPHENA? Osphena should not be used if you have unusual vaginal bleeding, have or have had certain types of cancers, have or have had blood clots, had a stroke or heart attack, have severe liver problems, are allergic to Osphena or any of its ingredients, or think you may be pregnant.
Each OSPHENA tablet contains 60 mg of ospemifene. Inactive ingredients include colloidal silicon dioxide, hypromellose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, mannitol, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, povidone, pregelatinized starch, sodium starch glycolate, titanium dioxide, and triacetin.
How to use Osphena. Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking ospemifene and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Take this medication by mouth with food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily.
Some women develop this problem right after childbirth or while breastfeeding. Estrogen levels are lower at these times. The vagina can also become further irritated from soaps, laundry detergents, lotions, perfumes, or douches. Certain medicines, smoking, tampons, and condoms may also cause or worsen vaginal dryness.
The cost for Osphena oral tablet 60 mg is around $780 for a supply of 90 tablets, depending on the pharmacy you visit.
Vitamins A, B, and E, as well as supplements like vaginal DHEA, can help increase lubrication.
Ospemifene oral tablets. Ospemifene treats vaginal dryness and painful sexual intercourse caused by menopause. This is a natural part of aging and marks the end of your reproductive years. Ospemifene comes in a tablet form that you can take by mouth with a glass of water as directed.
How soon can I expect results with Osphena®? In clinical studies, most women reported relief of moderate to severe vaginal dryness and/or moderate to severe painful sex due to menopause in as little as 12 weeks after beginning treatment with Osphena®.
You can still have the risk of uterine cancer several years after stopping Osphena (ospemifene). A warning symptom of uterine (endometrial) cancer includes vaginal bleeding that doesn't go away or keeps coming back.
How Long Does Vaginal Dryness Last? If your vaginal dryness is caused by non-estrogen-related factors, your vagina should return to a normal, healthy state shortly after you've identified and stopped the behavior that may be causing the dryness.
OSPHENA is an estrogen agonist/antagonist with tissue selective effects. In the endometrium, OSPHENA has agonistic effects. An increased risk of endometrial cancer has been reported with the use of unopposed estrogen therapy in a woman with a uterus.
Higher estrogen levels can increase vaginal wetness by causing the Bartholin glands to produce more fluid. People on hormone treatments, such as those taking hormone replacement therapy, may notice an increase in vaginal wetness. Some people use vaginal estrogen to increase vaginal wetness.
9 natural methods to combat vaginal dryness and increase lubrication, according to an OB-GYN
- Take vitamin A.
- Get more vitamin B.
- Increase beta-carotene intake.
- Eat more omega-3 fatty acids.
- Incorporate vitamin E into your diet.
- Try a vaginal DHEA treatment.
- Look into estrogen treatments.
- Apply topical hyaluronic acid.
You can still have the risk of uterine cancer several years after stopping Osphena (ospemifene). A warning symptom of uterine (endometrial) cancer includes vaginal bleeding that doesn't go away or keeps coming back.
