Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => Postmenopause => Topic started by: Kirsti on April 14, 2023, 10:41:34 AM
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Hi I am 52 and Post Menopausal with severe Vaginal Atrophy, lucky me!
I am struggling with quite bad symptoms and am not sure if the Vagirux is really the same as Vagifem?
Anyone else feel the same?
I had been on Vagifem for 3 years with no problems until late last year when I ended up in an awful mess, emotionally and in lots of discomfort, this was when I was swapped from Vagifem to Vagirux. I was also one month in on Systemic HRT too but I have now ruled that out as being the culprit! I have been using a mix of Vagifem and Vagirux, every day (as advised by a Gynae back in Feb) but it seems to me that when I use Vagirux I am in more discomfort, I don't understand why as the ingredients for both Vagifem and Vagirux are the same, so is it just my perception? Is anyone else experiencing issues with Vagirux?
I am dispensing it correclty (after a bit of faffing with the applicator) so I am at a bit of a loss really.
Also is it ok to use Ovestin cream on outer areas as well as inside the vagina does anyone know? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Kirsti
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It may be that the active ingredient is mixed with different fillers - 'vagirux' is quite a new product for VA - many find either 'vagifem' or 'ovestin' helpful.
Initially application into the vaginal area may sting, because the tissues are thin. Sometimes putting the product in a little way for a few nights and increasing as the area becomes less 'stressed'.
Perhaps ask for 'vagifem' and 'ovestin' - vagifem for internal use, ovestin to gently sooth the outer labia area. Some GPs think that we can 'overdose' but that isn't possible as it's a small active amount.
Other moisturisers to research are 'slyc' and 'yes' products: I find good old KY jelly adequate for the outer area should I be away from home ;-).
Let us know how you get on.
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According to the NHS Vagifem and Vagirux have identical composition and are therapeutically equivalent. It has the one applicator which makes it cheaper than Vagifem to prescribe.
How often are you using the treatment? It can make a difference in keeping VA under control and from what you say, you haven't had much success as yet.
I have to use daily treatment of Vagifem, and Ovestin topically alongside a feminine moisturiser, I don't suffer any longer with VA after nearly two years of treatment.
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Hi Kristi….. I had exactly the same thing happen to me…..my script was changed from Vagifem which I had been using for a few years to Vagirux I assume as you did that it was down to cost….. however after I explained the problem to my surgery they revised things and I’m now back on the Vagifem ……alongside Ovestin
I am having a relapse at the moment which is rather annoying but I’m hoping that things will settle soon….. It really is a malarkey this VA and getting into a regime that suits….. I hope you get some relief soon 😊 xx
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Mrs B - use every night again?
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Will do CLKD thank you 😊
xx
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Let us know how you get on Both ;)
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Thanks for your replies everyone.
I am using vagirux every night and have been since late Jan, I had some Vagifem too that I bought privately and when I am in a lot of discomfort i revert to that and it seems to calm things but I don't understand as the ingredients are the same for both. But I will ask for it to be changed to vagifem. I also bought some ovestin privately and have been using that aswell. I'm also on estrogel and Utrogestan, I am using coconut oil and yes oil based moisturiser, the water based ones irritated. I am definitely getting enough estrogen and moisture as I am doing this daily, but still in a lot of discomfort. Does it just take a long time to settle do you think? Maybe I just need to be more patient and give it time 😯
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It took four months for me to feel any benefits of daily Vagifem and Ovestin. For some women it can take a long time and this is where patience is needed and not to give up. Its a nasty unforgiving condition and you are doing the right thing, throwing everything you have at it until you start to feel better and normal again.
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Thank you Ayesha
It is just taking such a long time to settle and then when I think I am getting somewhere my symptoms seem to get worse again, but I can't put my finger on why, it is so frustrating. I am now taking note of when it happens and it looks like it might be a 4 week cycle, so maybe I am always going to have a spike every 4 weeks! :(
I am going to use the Vagifem again for the next 3 months and see if that helps rather than going back and forth from Vagifem to Vagirux, if that seems to settle then I will ask my doc if I can have Vagifem instead of Vagirux on prescription. It will probably take me 3 months to get an appointment to see her! So much trial and error isn't it! I am on Amitryptiline now which is for the nerve pain for my bladder but it is helping with my mood so at least I am coping a bit better now and am back at work, slow progress!!!
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Same here,the pharmacy told me vagirux was way cheaper hence the swap but I spoke to my Dr as it just didn't agree with me,gave me terrible stomach pain and diarrhoea,so kindly,my Dr specified vagifem
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Not the first time I've heard this about Vagifem and Vagirux, although they say its the same I'm not sure that's true.
Kirsti, you just have to throw other conditions into the Vaginal Atrophy mix and it will always take longer to feel the benefits of treatment.
Flare ups are common, for instance my hayfever is making my VA more noticeable and I am needing to apply more Ovestin topically. Feeling run down can cause a flare up particularly if your immune system is low.
After nearly two years of treatment my VA never gets to the chronic state that it once was, hopefully light at the end of the tunnel for you soon!
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Thanks Jaypo and Ayesha, I will speak to my doc about being prescribed vagifem instead of vagirux then, it is very strange but there might be something in it.
I will keep going with the treatment plan I am on and will try to be more patient, it is so frustrating, I had been reasonably ok on vagifem twice a week for 3 years then Bam it went into overdrive and left me in a terrible state! Ayesha I understand what you are saying about your immune system affecting things, I was under a lot of stress when this happened, my mum had passed away and I guess the emotional stress really didn't help.
Thanks for all your advice, I really appreciate it :)
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Hello ladies….. just an update….. had a face to face appointment with my GP ….
after an internal examination she has said I have a weakening of the vaginal walls causing a minor prolapse back and front but cervix looks good 😌
Has told me to do more pelvic floor exercises to try and strengthen….. said to continue with Vagifem and Ovestin regime
also prescribed dermol to substitute my normal bath wash…..as I have very dry skin and itchy arms 🤦♀️….. I’m so annoyed with myself as I had this thing under control and got complacent and let my guard down….. note to self do better 🙄
xx
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Mrs Bennet, you must be relieved now you are on the right road and what a good GP you have, all good advice!
Thanks for the update, it will help so many other women reading these posts.
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Mrs Bennett,
Sorry to hear you are suffering with this as well, it is quite distressing isn't it. I have been told to do Pelvic floor exercises daily too, so am with you in spirit when I am doing mine!
Good luck, I hope you feel better soon x
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Thank you Ayesha & Kirsti ……
Yes it was very refreshing to have a GP who listened and understood how all this is affecting me……I have recently moved so this is a new practice……
I have downloaded the Squeezy App and I’m finding using that makes it a little easier to keep ahead with the pelvic floor exercises…..
wishing you both well and that you get relief soonest 😘😘