Thank you for your email and feedback with regards to the Vagifem® applicator.
As Vagifem® is a regulated medicine, we are bound by stringent requirements mandated by the medical regulatory agencies. The requirements are in place in order to maintain the highest product quality (hygiene, purity, stability). In order to ensure we are adhering to these requirements, it is necessary to pack each pre-loaded, ready-to-use applicator as approved by the regulatory authorities.
Vagifem® tablets are released via the Vagifem® applicator, they are designed to absorb moisture after administration, so that the tablet can stick to the vaginal wall allowing the controlled release of the drug. If Vagifem® tablets were stored as a multi-dose pack, the tablets may adhere to each other, especially if they were to be exposed to moisture on the fingertips; therefore, the applicators with tablets need to be packed individually to ensure their stability and quality. It is also important to minimise handling of the tablets and exposure to the atmosphere in order to reduce the risk of contamination with bacteria or other organisms and avoid the absorption of moisture. All of these measures are taken to ensure the stability and quality of the product.
Unfortunately, we are not currently able to produce an applicator from recyclable materials which would adequately adhere to these requirements or perform the functionality needed.
While we are proud of the benefits that Vagifem® treatment can offer to women experiencing symptoms of menopause, we are acutely aware that we need to do more to reduce the environmental impact caused by the disposal of our devices and are always looking for alternatives and innovations which will allow us to do so.
We fully recognise that plastic pollution is one of the world's biggest environmental problems, and although we do not have all the answers on how to deal with it, we are committed to helping turn the tide and continue to work toward reducing our environmental impact.
I hope this information is of assistance, but if we can be of any further help, please do not hesitate to contact us again.