Hi Linda, welcome to the Forum!
The product you have been given is a local oestrogen used to treat the Genitourinary Symptoms of Menopause. It will not treat general menopause symptoms. Please ignore the leaflet in the box, as the side effects listed pertain to old fashioned, oral oestrogen preparations (eg Premarin) which are seldom prescribed nowadays. If you have genitourinary symptoms, Vagifem is safe to use and many on the Forum use it with success.
For "older" ladies, transdermal oestrogen in the form of gel, patch or spray is appropriate, although GPs are reluctant to initiate prescribing to women over 60. You may need to see a menopause specialist. Are you in the UK?
JP x