Menopause Matters Forum

Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: pepperminty on September 08, 2023, 06:51:53 AM

Title: Are Gina and Vagifem vaginal estrogen excatly the same?
Post by: pepperminty on September 08, 2023, 06:51:53 AM
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
Title: Re: Are Gina and Vagifem vaginal estrogen excatly the same?
Post by: Dotty on September 08, 2023, 07:23:23 AM

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

Yes they are the same x
Title: Re: Are Gina and Vagifem vaginal estrogen excatly the same?
Post by: Ayesha on September 08, 2023, 09:32:21 AM
Just also to confirm, yes definitely the same.
Title: Re: Are Gina and Vagifem vaginal estrogen excatly the same?
Post by: pepperminty on September 09, 2023, 05:07:33 PM
Thankyou,

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

PMXX
Title: Re: Are Gina and Vagifem vaginal estrogen excatly the same?
Post by: Minusminnie on September 09, 2023, 05:13:48 PM
Easier for an accountant monitoring sales to have a different name ?
Title: Re: Are Gina and Vagifem vaginal estrogen excatly the same?
Post by: pepperminty on September 09, 2023, 05:53:03 PM
Yes that may be right.

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

PMx
Title: Re: Are Gina and Vagifem vaginal estrogen excatly the same?
Post by: Sage 🍃 on September 09, 2023, 10:15:15 PM
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



Title: Re: Are Gina and Vagifem vaginal estrogen excatly the same?
Post by: pepperminty on September 10, 2023, 04:46:46 PM
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