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[Lanzalover]

I used one every other day and would do the loading dose every couple of months.

I am however currently trying the estring  for the first time but haven't been using it long enough to comment on its effectiveness v vagifem

Lanzalover x

[Annie0710]

Probably wishful thinking with 10MG lol

Thanks Maryjane, I'll take a look x

Annie's its mcg not mg 🤗 huge difference.



https://www.facebook.com/groups/1505719029448248/?ref=share

FB if it shows ? I will be able to see it as it's my group.

It's called Vaginal atrophy, there are 1300 of us, it's a green background with the silhouette of a women, not everyone can find it, but those who do are very relived. 😊

[Hurdity]

I have recently changed from twice a week to once every 3 days - to coincide with my patch change which I've also recently changed - but I'm often late with the Vagifem.

The amount you need to be comfortable is very variable!! It depends on the individual woman, and also whether you are also on systemic HRT as well and the oestrogen dose. In the week leading up to the Utro cycle I try to remember to do it weekly or every other day for a week but as I've just shortened my cycle I keep forgetting this too!

The absolute minimum dose is daily for a fortnight and twice weekly thereafter. This will be fine for many women but of course needs to be individualised as Maryjane says - the trials showed this was effectve only for a proportion of women so the rest will need more! This must be done under medical supervision.

Maryjane I can't find anything about actual dosing on the BMS website - it just gives this summary statement:
https://thebms.org.uk/publications/consensus-statements/urogenital-atrophy/ . Have they issued an updated advice recnetly that hasn't been put on the website?

I know the NICE Guidelines say that if the standard dose is insufficient it can be increased under medical supervision but I don't think it's specific.

The dose I take (which is pretty much the licensed dose of 10 mcg twice weekly) works fine for me, but along with systemic HRT of approx 62.5 mcg patch. If I didn't take HRT as well - it would be totally rubbish on that dose!!!

Estring gives a higher dose which is why it's absurd that the Vagifem higher dose was discontinued - by a different company! Lanzalaover - would be interested to hear how you get on with the Estring - another thread?!

Let us know how you get with the doc Turkish Delight!

Hurdity x

[Maryjane]

Hurdity 😊 I believe you are on twitter? If you find Dr Renee Hoenderkamp you will find a discussion a few weeks ago, & you can question her about it.

A bigger discussion as taken place on my group on/off.

She said in my group the other day ( as someone else asked a similar Qs) a) the NICE guidelines won't be rewritten b) info takes along time to get through.

Perhaps email Prof Cardozo who have the talk on the subject in London. 😊

[Turkish delight]

Thank you everyone for sharing, it's much appreciated 

Just so I'm clear(cz you can bet the GP won't be...wink!)

NICE guidelines say dose can be increased from 10mcg twice weekly under specialist consultation??

And BMS recommend 1x10mcg every other day??

Both include 2-week loading dose.

I'm running out of them fast, only have 6 left got bank holiday in the way and it's blinking hard getting an apmnt when I'm free to go.
Really don't want to have a hold up getting them as I'm only just having a slight improvement in the urgency to pee. It's still an issue after 2 weeks loading and 1 every other day. Been 3 weeks so hopeful it'll get better with time.

Always feel anxious going to ask for help in case computer says NO! Wish me luck

Thanks girls

 
TD

[Jemp]

5-7 a week. My GP is great. They are now on repeat prescription and I get two boxes. My symptoms were bladder related- urgency and frequency. Not a cure but much more manageable.

[Katejo]

Thank you everyone for sharing, it's much appreciated 

Just so I'm clear(cz you can bet the GP won't be...wink!)

NICE guidelines say dose can be increased from 10mcg twice weekly under specialist consultation??

And BMS recommend 1x10mcg every other day??

Both include 2-week loading dose.

I'm running out of them fast, only have 6 left got bank holiday in the way and it's blinking hard getting an apmnt when I'm free to go.
Really don't want to have a hold up getting them as I'm only just having a slight improvement in the urgency to pee. It's still an issue after 2 weeks loading and 1 every other day. Been 3 weeks so hopeful it'll get better with time.

Always feel anxious going to ask for help in case computer says NO! Wish me luck

Thanks girls

 
TD

My GP still only gives me the standard prescription for new users (which says daily for 2 weeks and then twice a week). 2 weeks ago I had a follow up  urogynaecology appt. and the consultant and nurse there both said that it was fine to use them daily if needed. I asked whether a further letter would be sent to my GP and, if so, would they include that so that I could get an further supply if needed ? They said yes but I don't know if the GP has received the letter yet. I have just started HRT but it is too early to see improvment from that.
I have got a flare up at the moment for the first time for 7 months. I can't be sure whether it is just VA or i might have a UTI. I applied 1 Vagifem last night and another this morning as a boost and I have taken nurofen. I always get these symptoms just as I am due to go on holiday!

Good luck for your appointment and let us know what happens.

[suzysunday]

Anyone worry about bleeding from using local hrt. I worry about everything.

[Katejo]

Anyone worry about bleeding from using local hrt. I worry about everything.

Have you had any bleeding from local HRT already? I haven't but have been told that it might happen with systemic but is normal.

[suzysunday]

No I have had no bleeding from local hrt, I use Ovestin.  I am post meno so bleeding taken seriously.  I had bleeding on systemic tibolone but came off it.  Now I am over cautious.  I use Ovestin alternate nights on gp approval.  I know this thread is about vagifem.  I just work myself up into panic mode after the tibolone and biopsy.  Sorry to veer the thread away.

[Katejo]

No I have had no bleeding from local hrt, I use Ovestin.  I am post meno so bleeding taken seriously.  I had bleeding on systemic tibolone but came off it.  Now I am over cautious.  I use Ovestin alternate nights on gp approval.  I know this thread is about vagifem.  I just work myself up into panic mode after the tibolone and biopsy.  Sorry to veer the thread away.

I am post meno too but know that with Evorel Conti bleeding is normal. I haven't had any with Vagifem. Haven't used Ovestin.

[Jackanory]

2 a week and sometimes a few days in a row to give a mini-boost

[Dierdre]

5 - 7 times a week, need every day when at work sitting all day but manage less when not at work.

[Spadger]

I'm finding this very interesting as I'm about to come off HRT and have been prescribed Vagifem; initial 2 week loading dose then 1 x twice/week - I'll see how it goes...
Love Spadger x

[Wrensong]

5 x 10mcg a week with 0.01% Estriol cream for external bits.  Not currently on systemic HRT, but needed the 5 Vagifem a week + Estriol same nights, even when on systemic (poor absorption from patches).  As the other ladies have said, it varies from person to person & 2 may be perfectly adequate for many, especially on systemic HRT. 

Up to 5 Vagifem rather than 2, together with the weak Estriol cream outside, recommended by menopause clinic who also suggested varying Vagifem insertion depth, saying effect is very localised, so one high, one low alternately, though I think the PIL says halfway or something similar - don't quote me though, have not read recently!  Meno clinic said OK to use 2 at a time, up total of 5 a week (one high, one low on 2 nights, then a night with just one) which reduces the number of nights the area is out  of action  .