Vagifem

kmf · December 2011

My onco won't recommend Vagifem as I was Estrogen positive-- so I too am looking for non-hormonal remedies. I'm curious about the "supositories" you make -- what is in them?

Cyborg · June 2012

Breaking down. Afraid, but the UCLA oncologist said OK to vagifem and suggested it. Scared but desperate .

Chris11 · November 2012

I was diagnosed with BC in 08 (in situ) I had two lumpectomys which after the first the margins were still not clean. So after a long and hard decision I decided to remove the breast followed by reconstruction. Mind you there is no history of breast cancer in my family what so ever. Sometimes I believe it is what we eat and the harmones they inject our foods with ( have you seen a perdue rotisery chicken. It looks like is is on steroids. Could be the water the Insectocide spray they use for crops the list goes on and on of possiblilities. In any case, I use to work out everyday did not use alcohol did not spoke and would you know it I got BC. At the time I did not realize I was dealing with menapause as well. My collesterol was high I got Osteoporosis and BC. To make a long story short I also have vaginal dryness its horrible. My OBGYN told me to use VAJIFEM 10ml. I am very worried that I will get breast cancer or any type of cancer again. It has taken over 10 surgeries counseling and dealling with all the emotions that come with it (scared, angry, why me etc). I have decided that I am one of the lucky ones, I am still here. I see life differently and and take things more calmly. I have become a better person and have tried to help others in the same situation. I learned one important thing from this family is the most IMPORTANT thing in my like. I know have a beautiful grandchild that thanks to GOD I was abel to be around to enjoy. I am not sure if to take vajifem or not my husband god bless him has been very understanding and patient not sure waht to do. DO doctors really know the outcome of any of these products? HELP...

Mountain_Gem · November 2012

I was taking Vagifem (VF) very sparingly (Only when I got infections or terrible burning, etc) before I was diagnosed with BC. I just started Arimidex a couple of mos ago & man did the atrophy get horrendous in less than a month. It got so bad that I ended up with an almost untreatable UTI, yeast infection & when I got out a mirror it looked like several layers of skin were peeling off at once.

I started with a male oncologist because I was under the misinformation that both my local oncologists were male. I liked him fine, but when I told him about this he said absolutely no way would he give me estrogen in any form. But he also, sort of absently, mentioned not wanting to get sued. Wow! I was really glad to find out that the other doc was a female. I switched over right away. She doesn't want to give me Vagifem, but prescribed Estrace cream. I used it for about 4 days & I was getting worse & burning like crazy. I'm very sensitive to preservatives & I'm sure that's what it was. I still had a very small amount of VF left & have used it for the last 3 days. I emailed my doc to tell her what I did & to ask for her okay. I'll have to see if even this works. This is the worse atrophy I've ever had & it's been pretty bad in the past...

ck55 · November 2012

For those of you using Vagifem, how much are you using and how long until things got back to"normaI just started about a month and 1/2 ago inserting a tablet 3 times a week. I also switched to tamoxifen after 5 years of Femara with the thought that the tamoxifen would block any possible increase in systemic estrogen.

My issue is that while it does seem to have helped with internal lubrication, the pain I experience externally during insertion seems to be more painful. To the point that it is uncomfortable to sit the next day. Anybody else experience this or have any thoughts on why this may be happening? Do I just need to give it more time to work it's magic?

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Thanks, Cyndi

chrissyb · November 2012

Hi Cyndi I use vagifem but no more than twice a week as per instructions and find that is enough to alleviate the discomfort. If you are having problems with the insertion that is causing pain perhaps you could use a mirror to actually see that you are opening the lips properly with the other hand so you are not scraping the delicate skin.

Love n hugs. Chrissy

Cyborg · November 2012

I put a little bit of lubrication around the opening.

ghsnead · November 2012

I too have vaginal dryness issues due to femara. I am estrogen + so I avoid any estrogen. If I choose an estrogen to treat the poor dessicated vagina, I think I would pick a non systemic one like e string.I would use in the lowest possible dose too. I believe e string is a vaginal ring that fits into the vagina working ONLY on the tissues there. A good thing!!! However I know for sure that the Femring mentioned in an earlier post is made for Systemic Hormone replacement. The hormone travels outside the vagina to ALL tissues of the body. It treats more than just for the vaginal atrophy that many of us have. I used Femring before cancer, had hormone levels of estradiol that were between 50 and 150. I often wonder if the Femring estrogen fed my tumors...pretty sure that it did .Now I use several things vaginally to treat the dry tissues. I buy Trader Joe's vitamin E oil and use a vaginal applicator to put in a teaspooon or so just before bed. I think this helps alot. I also use a product called Me Again. It is a vaginal moisturizer that includes vitamin e, lecithin, glycolhyaluronic acid...it really helps. I also find that plain old ky jelly a water based lubricant used a couple of times a week helps too.
SO between these three things I am still sexually active with little discomfort. If I don't use anything I
get dry and sore. I also use a silicone based vaginal lubricant that has no additives, this has been a great help too.

Baldwin · June 2013

I too have had BC and a double mastectomy in April of 2011. The vaginally atrophy is crippling. It is so painful and not helping my marriage. So, after about a dozen doctors, I found a GYN that called my oncologist and they agreed that I could have Vagifem, 10MCG.

Could any of you that have been using this after BC for a while tell me how you are now and how long you first used it before you found relief and how long you ended up staying on it. Also, if you took any breaks from it while using it. I have been on the .arimidex foe 2 years.

This is a very scary place to be. I am so scared of getting cancer again, but some days, I can't even walk.

c-k-j · July 2013

This is a really confusing subject. I have talked this over with my onc and he said it is only in the vaginal area and doesn't get in the bloodstream. I have a BC survivor friend whose doctor absolutely woudn't give Vagifem to her and she is in a celibate marriage because of the pain of intercourse without it. I've been to BC conferences where they say this is perfectly safe to use. Yet I have had the cancer progress to where I now have to take Afinitor in addition to AI. I have stopped using the Vagifem, but none of the over-the-counter gels seem to work to alleviate UTI or pain.

I haven't added much to help, but just had to vent.

bevin · July 2013

I take Vagifem too, very helpful. My Oncologist agreed that it stays where you put it so there is not much estrogen leaking out in to the blood stream. While it doesn't help with the desire side of things , nor associated pain I have with intercourse now, it does help with the dryness and sorness. It really does make things feel much more normal down there.

corky60 · July 2013

I haven't yet started Aromasin but in the past few years I started Estrace after suffering many bladder infections due to atrophy. After the BC dx my MO said to stop. I know for sure it was putting estrogen into the blood because I started hot flashing not long after quitting it. I now use a cranberry capsule three times per day or drink cranberry juice daily. Also Replens is helpful and Carlson Vitamin E suppositiories. I hope these will still be helpful when I take Aromasin. If you look at the e string website it does have a black box warning and one of the things it warns about is estrogen and BC. My MO is against e string too, I already asked her. For yeast problems, oil of oregano in capsule form helps alot in conjunction with over-the counter products. I just hope these things still work while on Aromasin!

c-k-j · July 2013

thanks for the tips - I have tried to find out what is the patented ingredient is in Replens. I think its important to find out what is the active ingredient. My pharmacist will help because I am really interested in trying this product over estrogen products.

BayouBabe · July 2013

If you haven't checked out the "I want my mojo back" thread please do so. Scream cream can be made by a compounding pharmacy and is wonderful without the effects/worries of estrogen. Helps with personal lubrication.

ellenkane · August 2013

I am in the same situation. I have Estrogen positive BC and had hysterectomy, oopherectomy and lumpectomy all 2 years ago. I was on Femara an AI for two years and was just switched to Tamoxifen. My oncologist said no to Vagifem for first two years while on an AI. Then my surgeon and OB/GYN have said it is OK now with Tamoxifen. Only been taking it for 1 week so far so haven't noticed a change. Thanks for all of the helpful information.

VermontNewbie · September 2013

OK, what is "Scream Cream?" and how does one get this?

I was prescribed VAgiFem, told it is safe,

BUT the legalese on the enclosed info sheet said, "It may cause cancer."

chrissyb · September 2013

Vermontnewbie, 'scream cream' is a cream that can be inserted into the vagina to give lubrication. It also containes lidocaine which eases the pain that come from atrophy caused by AIs and other meds.

There is a thread called 'I want my mojo back' which will give you a good idea as to it effectiveness. There is also a few different recipes for it but because it contains lidocaine you will need a prescription from your doc and a compounding pharmacy to fill it.

There are also recipes on the web so if you did a search for scream cream you will easily find them.

Good luck!

Love n hugs. Chrissy

Moderators · September 2013

Hi VermontNewbie, and welcome to Breastcancer.org.

Here's the link to the "I want my mojo back!" thread that chrissyb mentions. There are over 3000 posts there, going back to 2004 - you can tell this is a popular subject.

• The Mods

Annabella58 · October 2013

Try theracran...I was ER+++, on arimidex, ooph/hyst. and a UTI weekly. The Theracran (by prescription from an kidney dr.) worked literal miracles. Just google it. Literally miraculous.

I also was denied vagifem or estrace. If I am in extremis, they said Ok in the lowest tiniest amount. OB/GYN said it would not do a thing in the "safe" amount and gave me Karlson vit. E caps.

Now I use plain old sterile, Bertolli Olive Oil at night. It has helped tremendously. I am about to try the Vitamin E in the hopes of regaining our sex life......anybody?

corky60 · October 2013

Carlson makes Vitamin E suppositories. Vitacost sells them. Read the reviews there. And have you tried organic coconut oil for dryness? Use an applicator like the kind that comes with Monistat. Some couples use it for lubing also.

I also had recurrent cystitis and found that taking cranberry capsules three times per day has helped. So far so good, seven months without one. The brand is CranRich Super Strength Cranberry Concentrate. Also at Vitacost.

Blessings2011 · October 2013

I recently posted this in another thread on Premarin cream. (I have not used the Vagi-Fem...)

~~~~~

I am 100% ER+ and my MO wholeheartedly approves the use of Premarin cream... in small amounts, applied locally, twice a week.

Without this, I have burning, pain, itching, and bleeding from fragile, atrophied vaginal tissues. They are so fragile they tear just from walking. I also have had extensive bladder issues from the same fragile, atrophied tissues. They mimic the UTI symptoms but tests have ruled out any bacterial cause.

Premarin cream, while containing estrogen, does not enter the bloodstream as do the pills given in HRT. What estrogen may enter the bloodstream is only detected in extremely minute amounts.

In between the use of Premarin cream, my MO recommends a product called "V-Magic" made by Medicine Mama's Apothecary. It is billed as an "Intimate Wellness Cream" and contains only pure organic ingredients. (It feels REALLY soothing!) This keeps the tissues moist, but only estrogen cream can restore fragile atrophying tissues.

AND - she said that once the severe inflammation went down, to remember "Use it or lose it"... in other words, intimate activities actually help stretch and strengthen those atrophied vaginal tissues.

(Where are those smiley face icons when you need them?)

planetbananas · October 2013

Initially I was completely against using vagi-fem but it became a quality of life issue. I won't live without it now. I find I still need astroglide but the vagi fem gave me a sex life back. With a double mastectomy, oophrectomy and other loss, the loss of my sex life (I am 44) was just too much. I decided to not even think about what is going in my bloodstream. I'm on tamoxifen, I eat right, exercise and do everything I can in every other way to prevent recurrence including stopping drinking. Enough is enough! (My humble opinion)

TarheelMichelle · October 2013

planet, you are so right about QOL! I was in the same dry boat as blessings. There's dryness that requires a little something during intimacy, and there's dryness that makes walking and urination painful, which I have experienced. Even vagifem and E-string wasn't enough to help me on Lupron/Aromasin. Had to move to another treatment, because I will NOT give up the "love treatment" my husband provides. I hope other ladies reading will understand that extreme side effects from treatment don't have to be tolerated. Doctors who won't prescribe Vagifem don't have the right facts or the right sympathy.

rgiuff · October 2013

I couldn't agree more with you, planetbanana! I believe in quality over quantity. And you have already given up way too much at such a young age. And well said Tarheel about doctors who refuse to prescribe low dose vaginal estrogens. This has always angered me to read about. I would switch doctors if I were in a predicament like some of these women are, with the loss of sex life and no relief in sight.

bgail84 · October 2013

My BS said no to Vagifem but my family doctor (a female) said it stayed where it was suppose to. I use it twice a week and it makes a major difference in dryness and comfort. My BS said "well if you understand the risks." I choose to belief it will not effect my BC and I have read to many studies that say it is okay.

Annabella58 · October 2013

Hi ladies, I'd love to join in this club....ooph/hyst, ER++, no nodes, arimidex, mastectomy for 2nd occurrence of BC in same boob.

My OB/GYN had originally said OK to vagifem or estrace but my onc said he'd shackle me to his leg is I tried either. Now they have relaxed a bit with this new vagifem dose (10mg) but sill say even tho there's atrophy and no sex for me due to it, they prefer I try the all natch stuff before I ever do vagifem, estriol, estrogen, estrogenic stuff etc. Onc apparently trumps all drs. in this decision (I'm at Yale teaching hospital).

I used olive oil nightly, now have been given Karlson Vit E suppositories (Vit E, cocoa butter, palm oil) to try. Sex is literally off the books at the moment and has been for a year or so. I'm onlyl 57 and in a very loving marriage, it's very hard on my guy. I'll let you ladies know if it works, Ob/gyn said to give it two weeks or more.

For UTIs have had astounding success with an RX cranberry supplement, got from a urologist. Theracran. Not one UTI since using it.

I hope we all can find something out there....I have read that a combo therapy (a lubricant, water based, Vit E, olive oil or a moisturizer and KY jelly also all together on revolving basis is what's helpful. Also do kegels, they get the blood circulating where it needs to be.

Luck to all of us!!!!

TarheelMichelle · October 2013

anniealso, you have been unable to have sex FOR A YEAR??

And you are still letting your doctors call the shots???

Have you asked them if they are willing to go without sex for a year?

How much more abstinence should you and your husband be required to endure?

I've taken all those messy creams and suppositories your doctors have recommended. NONE of them helped. They are fine for "low level dryness" not acute atrophy. You can lubricate as much as you want but it is surface only. It's the same as facial moisturizer. You can slather on grease to retain moisture, but the tissue is hydrated from the inside. Moisturizer helps preserve tissue in good health but if you have atrophy then you don't have healthy tissues.

My ob/gyn told me some women are unable to have gyno exams because it is impossible to insert a speculum because of atrophy. That was enough info to make me realize that if a treatment was so damaging to me that I couldn't get a gyno exam, that's a problem. Some women don't have a choice but I did. I have a new husband and no way would I choose to deprive myself of marital happiness.

If the Arimidex is causing the dryness, then why take it? You don't have Stage IV, I don't think, from your description. You no longer have your ovaries producing estrogen. In your condition, with no spread of the BC, it seems extreme to make you suffer so much with a preventive medicine. You could choose to save the Arimidex for treatment should you have metastasis down the road. That is, don't treat breast cancer until you actually have it.

I wish you the best, Annie, and I hope your doctors will give you the treatment you need so you can resume your love life with your husband. It's worth fighting for!

kayfry · April 2015

I am starting to consider Vagifem, which was prescribed to me years ago when I was in the early stages of menopause (I'm almost 65 now and well past that point). Then the big HRT study came out, and my doctor-husband eventually pressured me to stop using the Vagifem in medical journals because he'd read that it gets absorbed into the bloodstream just as much as hormone pills. So I haven't used any kind of estrogen for some years now, and also, marriage has been close to celibate because of many things, but partly husband's own medical issues. Then I went without a lot of routine medical care for about 3 years because of insurance issues, and then, when I began catching up on all those things, I was Dx with DCIS last December. Had my Lx, clean margins, ER and PR-, so no hormonal therapy for me. I've completed rads a little over 3 weeks ago. Recently I had my first gyn exam in 3 years and it was very, surprisingly painful. Gyn suggested Luvena moisturizer cream, but I don't think that's going to help that much by itself. Plus, I'm sure my marriage would be greatly improved by at least the possibility of having that kind of intimacy again. I don't get UTIs or really have much of any noticeable discomfort from dryness or vaginal atrophy just in my daily life, walking, working out, and even riding my horse several days a week, but vaginal sex is clearly out of the question if I can't even stand having a pelvic exam without nearly screaming.

I see that Vagifem now is reformulated in a lower dose, and according to Dr. Susan Love and other sources, it may be perfectly safe to use for women who have had BC, with very little getting into the bloodstream. Plus, as I said, my BC was pure DCIS and was negative for hormone receptors anyway. I'm not even sure which of my doctors I would ask about this: regular (new to me) gyn? My Johns Hopkins BS or RO? My follow-up with BS is in July, RO not until November. Does anyone have any thoughts on this? Thanks!

Vagifem

Comments

Categories