Estriol

First of all, thank you for choosing Numan. If your prescription request for Estriol 1mg/g Vaginal Cream has been accepted, or if you considering whether this treatment may be suitable for you, we'd like to help you learn how to use it to its best effect, and give you some important information before you start taking it. You can also refer page to this page throughout your treatment. You can also refer to this page throughout your treatment.

This is a vaginal cream and form of local hormone replacement therapy (HRT) containing the hormone estriol at a concentration of 0.1% (or 1mg/g). It is applied into the vagina using a measured applicator.

Estriol vaginal cream is used to treat atrophic vaginitis (thinning, drying, and inflammation of the vaginal walls) and associated symptoms like vaginal dryness, itching, and pain during intercourse (dyspareunia) in postmenopausal women.

Many women notice an improvement in their symptoms within a few weeks of starting treatment. However, it can sometimes take up to three months for your body to adjust and for you to feel the full benefits.

The recommended initial dose is one applicator full of cream inserted into the vagina each day, preferably in the evening. This is usually done for an initial period of 2-3 weeks. After the symptoms have improved, the dose is usually reduced to a maintenance dose of one applicator full twice a week.

How to administer Estriol vaginal cream:

Cleaning the applicator: After use, pull the plunger out of the barrel. Wash the plunger and barrel in hot, soapy water. Do not use detergents. Rinse well with clean water afterwards. Do not put the applicator in boiling water.
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​Missed dose: A missed dose should be administered as soon as remembered, unless it is more than 12 hours overdue. If it has been more than 12 hours since the dose was due, the missed dose should be skipped and the next dose should be administered at the normal time. Two doses should never be administered on the same day. Always take this medicine exactly as instructed, and check with your healthcare provider if you are not sure.

There are no special dosage requirements for elderly patients, though experience in treating women over 65 years is limited. This medicine is not for use in children.
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Pregnancy: Estriol vaginal cream is not a contraceptive and is intended for use only in post-menopausal women. If it is less than 12 months since your last menstrual period or you are under 50 years old, you may still need to use additional contraception to prevent pregnancy. Speak to your healthcare provider for advice on this. If you become pregnant while taking it, you must stop treatment immediately and contact your healthcare provider.
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​Breastfeeding: Estriol vaginal cream is not indicated during breastfeeding.

Some formulations may contain arachis (peanut) oil and should not be used by those with a peanut or soya allergy. The cream can damage latex condoms or diaphragms, making them less effective.

Local irritation or itching can occur, especially at the start of treatment. Estriol vaginal cream is a local HRT, meaning very little of the hormone is absorbed into the rest of your body. Because of this minimal systemic absorption, it is generally not necessary to also take a progestogen to protect the womb lining, even if you have not had a hysterectomy. However, you should report any unusual or unexpected vaginal bleeding to your doctor right away. For a full list of side effects, please see the Patient Information Leaflet provided with your medication and also linked at the bottom of this page. Common side effects can include headache, stomach or abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, discharge or discomfort, and vaginal yeast infection.

Your clinician will review your treatment after three months to check how you’re responding. After that, you should have a check-up at least once a year. These reviews will assess whether HRT is still right for you, make sure your symptoms are under control, ask about any side effects and vaginal bleeding, request a check of your weight and your blood pressure, and decide if you need further tests such as a bone density scan. You should also examine your breasts regularly, and make sure to attend all routine screening appointments such as mammograms and cervical screening, if applicable to you. If you have a premature menopause, the risks of using HRT may be different, which you should discuss with your clinician.

You should stop using Estriol vaginal cream immediately and consult your doctor if you experience any of the following: signs of a blood clot (e.g. painful swelling in the leg), a swollen face, tongue and/or throat and/or difficulty swallowing or hives, together with difficulty breathing which are suggestive of an angioedema, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), a significant increase in your blood pressure, the new onset of a migraine-type headache, or if you become pregnant. When you and your clinician decide it is time to stop HRT, the dose is often reduced gradually to help prevent your menopausal symptoms from returning suddenly.

If any of the following conditions are present, have occurred previously, and/or have been aggravated during pregnancy or previous hormone treatment, you hould be closely supervised. It should be taken into account that these conditions may recur or be aggravated during oestrogen treatment, in particular:

Do not store above 25˚C. Do not freeze. Keep out of reach of children.

If you have questions about your medication, wish to discuss alternative treatment plans, or need reassurance, our clinicians are available to provide expert advice and support. Just email us at [email protected].

Lastly, please read the Patient Information Leaflet linked below and included with your treatment for a full list of side effects, contraindications, and precautions.