Ovestin Cream - 1mg

What is Ovestin Cream? 

Ovestin Cream contains a medicine called estriol, a type of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) that’s used to relieve menopausal symptoms in the vagina such as dryness and irritation, caused by a drop in the levels of oestrogen in the body. This happens naturally after the menopause. Ovestin works by replacing the oestrogen which is normally produced in the ovaries of women.

How to use this product

Always use Ovestin Cream exactly as described in the patient information leaflet or as your doctor / Chemist4U pharmacist has told you. If you have had your womb and ovaries removed, you can start using Ovestin straight away.  If you have never used HRT before or if you are changing over from a period-free HRT, you can also use Ovestin straight away. If you are changing over from another type of HRT where you have a period, start taking Ovestin one week after you finish the other HRT.

The usual dose is 1 applicator up to the ring (0.5mg estriol in 0.5g of cream) a day for the first 2 to 3 weeks (maximally 4 weeks). Then the dose is 1 applicator up to the ring twice a week. Ovestin Cream comes in a pack together with a clear plastic applicator. Use the applicator to apply the cream in the vagina. A good time to do this is before going to bed. The applicator has a ring marked on the body. Fill the applicator up to the ring mark with Ovestin cream to get the correct dose.

Remove the cap from the tube and turn the cap upside down. Then use the sharp point to open the tube and screw the end of the applicator onto the tube. Squeeze the tube to fill the applicator with the cream up to the red ring mark (the plunger will stop at the red ring mark) and unscrew the applicator from the tube and put the cap back on the tube. To apply the cream, lie down, put the end of the applicator deep into your vagina and slowly push the plunger all the way in. 

What is the menopause?

The menopause is a stage that women usually experience when they are between the ages of 45 to 55, but the menopause can also occur in around 1 in 100 women before they reach 40 years of age. This is known as premature menopause or premature ovarian insufficiency.

The menopause refers to when a woman stops having her periods. This can be sudden or gradual, for example, your periods may become infrequent before they stop altogether. The stage before your periods stop is called the perimenopausal stage.

When your periods stop, this means your oestrogen levels are in decline, your ovaries are no longer working and you can’t become pregnant. In the UK, the average age for a woman to go through the menopause is 51.

When should this product not be used? 

Ovestin Cream may be unsuitable for certain people. Do not use this cream if you are allergic to any of the ingredients or if you have any of the following:

• If you have or have ever had breast cancer, or if you are suspected of having it
• If you have cancer which is sensitive to estrogens, such as cancer of the womb lining (endometrium), or if you are suspected of having it
• If you have any unexplained vaginal bleeding
• If you have excessive thickening of the womb lining (endometrial hyperplasia) that is not being treated
• If you have or have ever had a blood clot in a vein (thrombosis), such as in the legs (deep venous thrombosis) or the lungs (pulmonary embolism)
• If you have a blood clotting disorder (such as protein C, protein S, or antithrombin deficiency)
• If you have or recently have had a disease caused by blood clots in the arteries, such as a heart attack, stroke or angina
• If you have or ever have had a liver disease and your liver function tests have not returned to normal  If you have a rare blood problem called ‘porphyria’ which is passed down in families (inherited) 

Talk to your doctor or Chemist4U pharmacist before taking this medicine if you have any of the following: 

• Fibroids inside your womb

• Growth of womb lining outside your womb (endometriosis) or a history of excessive growth of the womb lining (endometrial hyperplasia)

• Increased risk of developing blood clots
• Increased risk of getting an oestrogen sensitive cancer (such as having a mother, sister or grandmother who has had breast cancer)
• High blood pressure
• A liver disorder, such as a benign liver tumour
• Diabetes
• Gallstones
• Migraine or severe headaches
• A disease of the immune system that affects many organs of the body (systemic lupus erythematosus, SLE)
• Epilepsy
• Asthma
• A disease affecting the eardrum and hearing (otosclerosis)
• Fluid retention due to cardiac or kidney problems

Are there any side effects? 

Like all medicines, Ovestin Cream may cause side effects in some people, but these won’t affect everybody. Seek emergency medical attention if you notice any signs of a severe allergic reaction, symptoms of which include swelling of the face and throat, skin rash, breathing difficulties and/or loss of consciousness. Common side effects include: 

• Irritation or itching of the skin in or around your vagina when you start to use Ovestin.
• Increased vaginal discharge, bleeding or spotting
• Gallbladder problems
• Skin problems such as a rash or an allergy to the sun
• Breasts become swollen, tender or painful
• Headaches
• Feeling sick or being sick
• Flu-like symptoms 

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