Gina 10 Micrograms Vaginal Tablets - 24 Pack

What is Gina?

Gina is a vaginal tablet containing the active ingredient estradiol, a type of female sex hormone called oestrogen. Gina is a type of treatment called local vaginal hormone replacement therapy (HRT), used to relieve vaginal dryness and irritation associated with menopause. Vaginal dryness occurs during menopause due to a drop in the levels of oestrogen - this type of medicine works by replacing the lost oestrogen.    

How to use Gina

Always take Gina exactly as described in the patient information leaflet or as your doctor / Chemist4U pharmacist has told you. Gina is for vaginal use only - each tablet comes preloaded in a single-use intravaginal applicator. For the initial dose, use one vaginal tablet each day for the first 2 weeks of treatment. For the maintenence dose, use one vaginal tablet twice a week, leaving 3 or 4 days between each dose. If you forget a dose, use the medicine as soon as you remember. Do not use a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.

How does estradiol work?

The active ingredient in Gina is estradiol, which is a type of the female sex hormone oestrogen. Levels of oestrogen naturally drop during menopause, so taking a treatment like estradiol replaces these lost hormones and helps to relieve symptoms associated with menopause. This type of treatment is referred to as hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

What are the symptoms of menopause?

Menopause or perimenopause symptoms can feel different for everyone and range from mild to severe. The first sign of perimenopause is usually irregular periods which eventually stop altogether. Other symptoms you may experience during perimenopause and menopause include:

• Mood changes
• Brain fog
• Hot flushes
• Difficulty sleeping
• Headaches
• Weight gain
• Dry skin
• Vaginal dryness
• Pain during sex
• Reduced sex drive

When should this medicine not be used?

Gina is only suitable for women aged 50 or over who haven't had a period for at least 1 year. Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any of the ingredients or if:

• You have ever had womb or ovarian cancer, or you have symptoms such as vaginal bleeding or pain, bloating or swelling in your lower abdomen or pelvis
• You have had any vaginal or genital bleeding since your periods stopped due to the menopause
• You have recent or suspected endometrial hyperplasia (or if you have been referred for an ultrasound of your womb and are waiting for the results)
• You have preciously been treated with oestrogen-only HRT and have not had your womb removed (hysterectomy)
• You have any change in the look/feel of the vulva area such as thickening or a lump, or if you have noticed any shrinking or scarring in this area
• You have a current vaginal infection
• You have a condition called vulval dermatoses or any other genital skin disorders such as severe vaginal itching, itchy patches or rash
• You have ever had breast cancer, or if you are suspected of having it
• You have ever had a blood clot in a vein (thrombosis)
• You currently have or have recently had a disease caused by blood clots in the arteries, such as a heart attack, stroke or angina
• You have a blood clotting disorder (such as protein C, protein S or antithrombin deficiency)
• You have ever had liver disease and your liver function tests have not returned to normal
• You have a rare inherited blood problem called porphyria

Talk to your doctor or Chemist4U pharmacist before taking this medicine if:

• You have a history of endometriosis 
• You have a history of endometrial hyperplasia
• You are receiving a type of HRT (including tablets or patches) that circulates in the blood
• You are switching from another vaginal oestrogen HRT

Are there any side effects?

Like all medicines, Gina may cause side effects in some people, but these won’t affect everybody. Seek emergency medical attention if you notice signs of a severe allergic reaction, symptoms of which may include suddenly feeling unwell with sweating, vomiting, difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeat or feeling dizzy. Stop using Gina and seek advice from your doctor if you develop any new vaginal bleeding, spotting or itching; you have endometriosis and your symptoms have come back; or a vaginal infection develops while you are using Gina. 

Common side effects may include headaches, stomach pain, vaginal bleeding, vaginal discharge or vaginal discomfort. For more information on potential side effects, refer to the patient information leaflet. If you experience any side effects, including any not included in the patient information leaflet, you can report them using the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme.

Storage information

Store in a cool, dry place out of sight and reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date, referring to the last day of the month stated on the packaging. Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste.

Important information

This product is a medicine; make sure to speak to your doctor or Chemist4U pharmacist before taking this product if you have an underlying medical problem or are taking any other medicine or complementary therapy. If your symptoms get worse or continue after taking this product, contact us or your doctor. For medical services in your area, please refer to https://www.nhs.uk

If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, speak to your doctor or our pharmacist before taking this product. If you suffer from any allergies, ask your doctor or our pharmacist if this medicine is right for you.

Store all medicines out of sight and reach of children.

Please read the included leaflet carefully before using this product.

Please contact your GP if appropriate regarding this product.

Helpful Advice on Medication Restrictions & Addiction

For further information on our medication restrictions policy, please click here.

If you are concerned about addiction to 'over the counter' medication, we urge you to visit the below links for professional help and advice:

NHS Help & Advice on Drug Addiction

Talk To Frank - Drug Addiction Help & Support