Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => Postmenopause => Topic started by: Northerngirl on August 07, 2025, 09:23:44 AM
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Hi ladies, I've just been to pick up my repeat prescription for Vagifem but when I've got there they were Estradiol.(they are 10 mcg as vagifem are)
My question is are these exactly the same or a cheaper version?
I only started on vagifem in March and this is my first repeat prescription. I've had no issues with the vagifem so I'm a bit wary. Thank you ladies x
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Vagifem is just a brand name like Gina. They are both Estradiol so no worries.
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Yes the same but do beware,some women on here including myself,were put onto the cheaper vagirux and got upset tums on it but the majority I'm sure are ok :)
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I've had these Estradiol generic pessaries before and no problem at all. The only diffence was there's only one applicator so either wash after use or use a clean finger. I did have problems with Vagirux though.
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Thanks for your replies ladies, they are Estradiol with 2 applicators that need to be washed like you said Deirdre....and not vagirux so hopefully they'll be ok 🤞
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I’ve been on vagifem for years but last time I picked up my repeat I got given the estridiol pessaries with the 2 applicators too - not happy as the last time I tried vagirux the pill kept falling out of the applicator before I could insert it - I’m wondering if this has replaced vagifem but if not, I shall be asking to go back to them. I know about concerns re plastic use but if the others don’t work as well …
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I’ve been on vagifem for years but last time I picked up my repeat I got given the estridiol pessaries with the 2 applicators too - not happy as the last time I tried vagirux the pill kept falling out of the applicator before I could insert it - I’m wondering if this has replaced vagifem but if not, I shall be asking to go back to them. I know about concerns re plastic use but if the others don’t work as well …
Snowcat, that's my concern...if it's all some money saving thing. I've only had one box of vagifem and then these now on repeat, it says vagifem on my repeats online so was expecting them again. If they're so bothered about plastic waste then just change the vagifem to include 2 applicators .Anyway, I'll give them a try and see how I go, hopefully no difference 🤞
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Northern girl - the pharmacy told me they’re exactly the same but I am going to investigate. I’ll post here if I find out what’s going on. Vagifem seem very well nade, the other applicators seems rather flimsy to me. I guess if the pessaries are EXACTLY the same then, like you, I’ll give it a go - cost cutting yes, I suspect so.
When they tried to give me vagirux a while ago I just told the GP I couldn’t get in with them, she said that they were trying to save the NHS money, thanked me for trying and put me back on the vagifem. I think some similar might be happening again …
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In this day and age it's really not acceptable to have all that plastic in the box, it has to be reduced. Let's hope that this is the reason for the change and nothing else.
I picked up my prescription today and it was the usual Vagifem, no change as yet for me.
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Mine have always been the generic estradiol with the 2 applicators. I've looked recently for a brand name or something after reading on here the ones some of you are on, but there's nothing but estradiol & dose. I've subsequently got lots of applicators that I sterilise with weak milton so I can reuse them.
I'll be interested in any info you find, Snowcat because I do wonder if a different brand is better than these.
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Thanks ladies, I'll let you know if I notice any changes from vagifem....I really hope I don't 🙏.
Snowcat ,please keep us updated.
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Well this is all new to me as I have only ever had the usual box of Vagifem with 24 applicators, the same as Gina.
I also would be interested to know why the difference between each health authority in how they supply this group of medicine.
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It's how it's prescribed. My original prescription was Estradiol pessaries so when the generic ones came on the market including Vagirux you could end up with any. Some are OK with this, I wasn't ok with Vagirux so the pharmacist told me to ask the doctor to change the prescription to Vagifem then that's all you will be given.
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I’ve been on vagifem for years but last time I picked up my repeat I got given the estridiol pessaries with the 2 applicators too - not happy as the last time I tried vagirux the pill kept falling out of the applicator before I could insert it - I’m wondering if this has replaced vagifem but if not, I shall be asking to go back to them. I know about concerns re plastic use but if the others don’t work as well …
It's because it's cheaper,just ask to be put back on vagifem, I did and no issues
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Thanks Jaypo - I’m going to ask to do that - it won’t be the first time!
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I'll be definitely asking for Vagifem again if they're not as good
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I've subsequently got lots of applicators that I sterilise with weak milton so I can reuse them.
Could the use of Milton be a source of possible irritation?
I always look with VA to take out any potential irritants.
I use Estriol 0.1% and dip the used tube in a tumbler with water in that has been boiled. Dip both ends a few times then leave on tissue to dry in bathroom cabinet.
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It's a very tiny drop in a litres of water (I've got so many I do them in bulk) but yes, I think if it was a lot of Milton I'd agree as an irritant. I'm not keen on re- using them tbh but no choice!