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[pepperminty]

Hi ladies,

does anyone know if Gina and Vagifem are exactly the same ? They are both made by Novo Nordisk Limited I think.

Thanks

PMX

[Dotty]

https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=64508.0

Yes they are the same x

[Ayesha]

Just also to confirm, yes definitely the same.

[pepperminty]

Thankyou,

that is great. I wonder why they did not call them vagifem , keeping the same name to stop any confusion.

PMXX

[Minusminnie]

Easier for an accountant monitoring sales to have a different name ?

[pepperminty]

Yes that may be right.

I do hope that the formulation has not been tampered with though!

PMx

[Sage 🍃]

I think this is the explanation for both names.

'Gina is the same strength as the prescription only medicine Vagifem 10 microgram vaginal tablets. However, the indication for Gina is limited to postmenopausal women aged 50 years and above, who have not had a period for at least 1 year.'

https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/consultation-on-proposal-to-make-gina-10-microgram-vaginal-tablets-estradiol-available-from-pharmacies/proposal-to-make-gina-10-microgram-vaginal-tablets-estradiol-available-from-pharmacies

Difference between Vagifem and Gina
4.18

'Both Vagifem and Gina contain the same medicine, but Gina will only be available from pharmacies for a restricted and clearly defined group of women that is appropriate for supply under the supervision of a pharmacist. Consequently, a new name (Gina) has been accepted for this medicine when supplied as a pharmacy medicine. Vagifem 10 microgram vaginal tablets will remain available on prescription for other women under the same conditions that it is currently available.'

https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/consultation-on-proposal-to-make-gina-10-microgram-vaginal-tablets-estradiol-available-from-pharmacies/outcome/summary-of-responses-to-consultation-gina-10-microgram-vaginal-tablets

[pepperminty]

I think this is the explanation for both names.

'Gina is the same strength as the prescription only medicine Vagifem 10 microgram vaginal tablets. However, the indication for Gina is limited to postmenopausal women aged 50 years and above, who have not had a period for at least 1 year.'

https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/consultation-on-proposal-to-make-gina-10-microgram-vaginal-tablets-estradiol-available-from-pharmacies/proposal-to-make-gina-10-microgram-vaginal-tablets-estradiol-available-from-pharmacies

Difference between Vagifem and Gina
4.18

'Both Vagifem and Gina contain the same medicine, but Gina will only be available from pharmacies for a restricted and clearly defined group of women that is appropriate for supply under the supervision of a pharmacist. Consequently, a new name (Gina) has been accepted for this medicine when supplied as a pharmacy medicine. Vagifem 10 microgram vaginal tablets will remain available on prescription for other women under the same conditions that it is currently available.'

https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/consultation-on-proposal-to-make-gina-10-microgram-vaginal-tablets-estradiol-available-from-pharmacies/outcome/summary-of-responses-to-consultation-gina-10-microgram-vaginal-tablets

Thanks Sage - looks like they needed to restrict who buys it, incase it was purchased by someone who did not need it. Which reminds me of a quote by a doctor stating that all women should be sent a package of vagifem on their 40th birthday for ongoing use to prevent the dreaded vaginal atrophy etc. But of course that will never happen!  The NHS needs to look at preventative measures - it would save millions in the long run.

PMxx