Menopause is a complicated period that brings many changes to every woman's life. During this time, with hormonal changes in the body, some women may experience discomfort such as vaginal dryness and pain during intercourse. Some are reluctant to talk about these openly. So today we thought we would talk to you about a special drug called Ospemifene, which doctors recommend to treat such conditions.
What exactly is this medicine called Ospemifene?
Simply put, Ospemifene is a pill that is used to treat vaginal dryness and associated pain during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia) in post-menopausal women. It is most commonly available under the brand name Osphena.
Imagine, with menopause, the estrogen hormone in our body decreases. Due to this, the tissues around the vagina become thinner and drier. Ospemifene acts like this estrogen hormone and restores some moisture and flexibility to the tissues around the vagina. But do not forget that this is a medicine that should be taken only on the recommendation of a doctor.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
For your safety, it is very important that your doctor knows your complete health history before starting this medication. Do not hide anything, even the smallest details. It is especially important to tell your doctor about the following conditions:
| Reportable condition or habit | Reasons to be especially careful |
|---|---|
| Cancer (breast, uterine, or other) | Because this drug acts on hormones, it may affect some cancer conditions. |
| Heart disease | Those with a history of heart disease need special care. |
| If you have had blood clots in the past | This medicine may slightly increase the risk of blood clots. |
| If you have had a previous stroke | The doctor should be aware of the risk of stroke. |
| Unexplained vaginal bleeding | This could be a symptom of another medical condition, so the cause should be investigated. |
| Liver diseases | The liver is important in the process of eliminating drugs from the body. |
| If you have not yet gone through menopause (Premenopausal) | This medicine is recommended for conditions that occur after menopause. |
| Smoking | Smoking significantly increases the risk of blood clots and stroke. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding | This medicine is not suitable for use in such cases. |
| Allergies to other medications, foods, or substances | It is important to know if you are allergic to ospemifene or anything it contains. |
How should I use this medicine?
- This is an oral tablet. Take it with a glass of water.
- Always take this medicine with a meal. This is important.
- Take only the prescribed dose at the prescribed time, exactly as your doctor has prescribed. Do not increase or decrease the dose as you feel like.
- Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without your doctor's advice.
- This medicine is not approved for use in children.
- If you take too much: If you think you have taken too much medicine, don't panic. Immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital. Or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
- This medicine is for you only. Do not give it to a friend who has the same symptoms as you.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once.
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
It's important to pay a little more attention to your health while taking this medication.
Regular medical checkups
While taking this medicine, you should have regular medical checkups as prescribed by your doctor. This includes breast exams, Pap smears, and, if necessary, mammograms. Do not skip these.
Definitely avoid smoking!
Smoking while taking this medicine greatly increases your risk of blood clots and stroke. Therefore, if you smoke, we strongly advise you to stop. Talk to your doctor about this.
Possible effects on the uterine wall
This medication can sometimes cause the lining of the uterus (endometrium) to thicken. This condition is called Endometrial Hyperplasia . If left untreated, it can rarely lead to uterine cancer. To reduce this risk, if your uterus has not been surgically removed (hysterectomy) , your doctor may recommend that you take another hormone called progestin along with this medication. Talk to your doctor about this and understand the pros and cons before making a decision.
Other important points
- This medicine does not reduce hot flashes, which occur during menopause. Sometimes, this condition may occur.
- If you are having surgery, ask your doctor if you need to stop taking this medication before it happens.
- If you think you are pregnant, stop taking this medicine immediately and inform your doctor.
What are the possible side effects?
Like all medications, this one can have side effects. But not everyone gets them. Some are serious, some are normal.
| Classification of side effects | |
|---|---|
| Side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Symptoms of a blood clot | Sudden chest pain, difficulty breathing, leg swelling, redness, or pain. |
| Symptoms of a Stroke | Sudden vision changes, confusion, difficulty speaking or understanding, severe headache, numbness or weakness in the face, arm or leg, difficulty walking, fainting. |
| Other serious symptoms | Difficulty breathing, changes in breast tissue or discharge, unusual vaginal bleeding. |
| Things that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Hot flashes | Sudden hotness and sweating of the face, neck, and chest. |
| Excessive sweating | Especially at night. |
| Muscle Cramps | Coral pulling, especially on the legs. |
| Vaginal discharge | White or clear discharge. |
Take-Home Message
- Ospemifene is a prescription-only medication used to treat vaginal dryness and pain during intercourse caused by menopause.
- Before starting this medication, be sure to tell your doctor your complete health history, especially about cancer, heart disease, and blood clots.
- Avoid smoking completely while taking the medication. It greatly increases the risk of blood clots and stroke.
- If you experience sudden chest pain, difficulty breathing, difficulty speaking, leg swelling, or unusual vaginal bleeding, seek medical advice immediately.
- If you have any questions about this medication or menopause, don't hesitate to talk to your doctor.
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