Femastin Vaginal Cream

Indication
Estriol cream is indicated for the defficiency of estrogen. During menopause, the amount of estrogens produced by a woman's body gradually drops. Shortage of estrogens causes the vaginal wall to become thin and dry which leads to painful sexual intercourse. Estriol cream is used to relieve painful sexual intercourse. This is used in postmenopausal women with at least 12 months since their last natural period. If the ovaries are removed surgically (ovariectomy) before menopause, the decrease in estrogen production occurs very abruptly.

Pharmacology
Estriol Cream is a Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). It contains the female hormone estriol (an estrogen). During menopause Estriol is used in vagina which is slowly released and absorbed into the surrounding area and into the bloodstream.Estriol induces the normalization of the vaginal epithelium and thus helps to restore the normal microflora and the physiological pH in the vagina. As a result, it increases the resistance of the vaginal epithelial cells to infection and inflammation. In comparison to other estrogens, estriol is short acting. In the years just before and after the menopause (which can be natural or surgically induced) estriol can be used in the treatment of symptoms and complaints related to estrogen deficiency. Estriol is particularly used in the treatment of urogenital symptoms.

Dosage
Estriol cream should be used as per physician's advice. Each dose of cream contains 0.5 mg estriol. For vulvo-vaginal complaints associated with menopause: Initially one dose of cream per day for 3 weeks. Later you may only need one dose of cream twice a week. Before surgery: One dose of cream daily 2 weeks before the operation. When having a Pap smear your doctor may recommend a daily application of cream for 7 days.

Interaction
Interaction is found with Anticoagulants,corticosteroid hormones, succinylcholine, theophyllines, and medicines for epilepsy, medicines for fungal or bacterial infections, viral infections, and herbal preparations containing St John's Wort. As a result irregular bleeding may occur.

Contradiction
Do not use Estriol cream if: You have or have ever had breast cancer, or if you are suspected of having it, ovarian cancer, heart attack, stroke, angina, liver disease , thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, vaginal cancer. You are pregnant or think you may be pregnant You have any unexplained vaginal bleeding, blood clotting disorder, endometrial hyperplasia, porphyria, and various kind of allergic reaction. Jaundice, migraine pain, high blood pressure & breathing problem You have had an allergic reaction to estriol, or any of the other ingredients of estriol

Side Effect
Local irritation or itching of vagina, Swelling and increased tenderness of the breasts, Increased vaginal discharge, Nausea, Fluid retention in the tissues, usually marked by swollen ankles or feet. In most patients these side effects will disappear after the first weeks of treatment. Tell your doctor if vaginal bleeding occurs or if any side effect becomes troublesome or persists. Other side effects which may occur with HRT are benign and malignant hormone-dependent tumors such as endometrial cancer, heart attack and stroke, gall bladder disease, skin problems such as rashes, discoloration or red patches on the skin, various skin diseases with blisters and nodules or bleeding into the skin, venous thromboembolism or deep leg or pelvic venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism (see Before you use Estriol Cream). Using HRT for several years slightly increases the risk of breast cancer.

Pregnancy
This medicine is contraindicated during pregnancy & lactation.

Precaution
Patients should keep under doctorƒ??s observation for any Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). Same role is applicable for the application of Estriol cream. Doctor will give continuous advice regarding risks & benefts of the drug. But in case of jaundice, sudden high blood pressure, migraine, severe headache or pregnancy, the use of Estriol cream will be stopped immediately. Childrenƒ??s are not allowed to use Estriol cream.

Overdose

Storage
Store below 25?øC. Protect from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.