Imvexxy is a brand-name prescription medication. It’s FDA-approved for use in adult females* to treat painful sex due to menopause.

Menopause is the end of a female’s menstrual cycle. Around the time of menopause, many females have physical changes and symptoms. These may include:

These changes can make sex less pleasurable and, for some females, severely painful.

To learn more about how Imvexxy is used, see the “Imvexxy uses” section below.

* Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Use of the term “female” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.

Drug details

Imvexxy contains the active drug estradiol, which is a form of estrogen. Estrogen is one of the main female sex hormones. It’s naturally made by your body, but it can also be given as a drug.

Imvexxy belongs to a drug class called hormone replacement therapy (HRT). (A drug class is a group of medications that work in a similar way.) It’s an estrogen-alone therapy, which means it is a type of HRT in which estrogen is taken alone, without progesterone.

Imvexxy comes as a small, softgel (gel capsule) vaginal insert. You’ll place Imvexxy into your vagina. Typically, you’ll insert the drug vaginally once a day for the first 2 weeks. After that, you’ll likely insert Imvexxy two times per week.

Imvexxy comes in two strengths: 4 micrograms (mcg) and 10 mcg.

Effectiveness

For information about the effectiveness of Imvexxy, see the “Imvexxy uses” section below.

Imvexxy is available only as a brand-name medication. It’s not currently available in generic form.

A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. Generics usually cost less than brand-name drugs.

Imvexxy can cause mild or serious side effects. The following lists contain some of the key side effects that may occur while taking Imvexxy. These lists do not include all possible side effects.

For more information about the possible side effects of Imvexxy, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can give you tips on how to deal with any side effects that may be concerning or bothersome.

Note: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tracks side effects of drugs it has approved. If you would like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Imvexxy, you can do so through MedWatch.

Mild side effects

Mild side effects* of Imvexxy can include:

  • headache
  • breast pain or tenderness
  • nausea or vomiting
  • fluid retention (buildup of fluid in your body)

Most of these side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. But if they become more severe or don’t go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

* This is a partial list of mild side effects from Imvexxy. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or view Imvexxy’s patient information.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects from Imvexxy aren’t common, but they can occur. Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.

Serious side effects and their symptoms can include:

  • Gallbladder problems that may require surgery. Symptoms can include:
    • belly pain, usually in the mid- or upper-right area
    • nausea or vomiting
    • fever or chills
    • diarrhea or light-colored stools
    • dark urine
    • jaundice (yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes)
  • Vision problems. Symptoms can include:
    • bulging of the eyes
    • double vision
    • papilledema (a condition that causes sudden vision loss and may become permanent if it’s not treated)
  • Changes in certain blood test results. These can include:
  • Changes in your lipid (fat) levels, including those of cholesterol and triglycerides.
  • Impaired glucose tolerance (a condition in which your blood sugar level may be increased, but it’s not high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes).
  • Breast or uterine cancer.*†
  • Cardiovascular problems.*†
  • Dementia.*†
  • Allergic reaction.*

* For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect details” below.
Imvexxy has a boxed warning regarding the risk of these side effects. A boxed warning is the strongest warning required by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Boxed warnings alert doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.

Side effect details

Here are some details on certain serious side effects that this drug may cause.

Breast or uterine cancer

Imvexxy contains the active drug estradiol, which is a form of estrogen. It’s a type of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) that replaces your body’s natural estrogen in your vaginal area.

Imvexxy is an estrogen-alone therapy, which means it’s a type of HRT in which estrogen is taken alone, without progesterone. (For more information about how Imvexxy is used, see the “Imvexxy uses” section below.)

Even though Imvexxy is only used in the vaginal area, it’s possible for estrogen to be absorbed in the bloodstream. Rarely, this may lead to an increased risk of certain cancers.*

Using estrogen-alone therapy, such as Imvexxy, may increase your risk for uterine cancer. More specifically, doing so can increase the risk of endometrial cancer. This is a type of cancer that affects the lining of your uterus.

Some research suggests that adding progesterone to estrogen therapy helps to reduce the risk of uterine cancer. But other research shows that the combination of progesterone and estrogen may increase your risk for developing breast cancer.

After starting Imvexxy, call your doctor right away if you experience any vaginal spotting, bleeding, or discharge that’s dark, red, or bloody. These can be early signs of endometrial cancer, and they should not be ignored. Also, call your doctor right away if you detect any new breast lumps or have any other unusual symptoms that are bothersome.

Most forms of cancer are easier to treat if they’re caught early. So it’s very important that you follow your doctor’s guidance for getting routine checkups and screenings while you’re taking Imvexxy. These may include:

If you have questions about the risk of cancers with Imvexxy, talk with your doctor. They may suggest other ways to lower your risk. To help lower your risk for these cancers, it’s best to limit your use of Imvexxy to the lowest possible dose for the shortest amount of time.

* Imvexxy has a boxed warning regarding the risk of this side effect. A boxed warning is the strongest warning required by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Boxed warnings alert doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.

Cardiovascular problems

Although Imvexxy is an estrogen therapy that’s only used in the vaginal area, it’s possible for estrogen to be absorbed in the bloodstream. Rarely, this may lead to an increased risk of cardiovascular problems* such as stroke and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). (A DVT is a type of blood clot, which could lead to heart attack or stroke.)

Estrogen therapy, with or without progesterone, should not be used to prevent cardiovascular problems. In fact, using estrogen with progesterone may increase your risk for stroke, DVT, heart attack, or pulmonary embolism (PE). (A PE is a type of blood clot in your lungs.)

To assess your risk for cardiovascular problems, think about your current health as you read over the following questions:

For each question that you answered “yes,” your chance of cardiovascular disease is increased. If you’re considering Imvexxy, talk with your doctor about ways to reduce these risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

Tell your doctor if you develop any of the following symptoms:

  • changes in your vision or ability to speak
  • sudden, severe headache
  • severe pain in your chest or legs
  • feeling weak
  • trouble breathing

But if your symptoms feel severe or life threatening, call 911 or your local emergency number.

If you have questions about your risk for cardiovascular disease with Imvexxy, talk with your doctor.

* Imvexxy has a boxed warning regarding the risk of this side effect. A boxed warning is the strongest warning required by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Boxed warnings alert doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.

Dementia

Using estrogen therapy can increase the risk of dementia* (memory loss) in females† ages 65 years and older who’ve gone through menopause. Estrogen treatment, with or without progesterone, should not be used to prevent dementia.

You should not take estrogen therapy, including Imvexxy, if you’re an older adult and have symptoms of dementia, such as:

  • recent memory loss
  • difficulty completing tasks that you used to do easily
  • problems speaking
  • getting lost in places that used to be familiar
  • misplacing things
  • loss of interest
  • mood changes

If you or anyone in your household notices that you have the above symptoms, talk with your doctor. Your doctor will likely have you stop any hormone therapy that you’re taking and possibly recommend other treatment options.

* Imvexxy has a boxed warning regarding the risk of this side effect. A boxed warning is the strongest warning required by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Boxed warnings alert doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.
Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Use of the term “female” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.

Allergic reaction

As with most drugs, some people can have an allergic reaction after using Imvexxy. It isn’t known how often allergic reaction occurred in clinical studies of the drug.

Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include:

  • skin rash
  • itchiness
  • flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)

A more severe allergic reaction is rare but possible. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include:

  • swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
  • swelling of your tongue, mouth, or throat
  • trouble breathing

Call your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to Imvexxy, as the reaction could become severe. Call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.

Other drugs are available that can treat painful sex due to menopause. Some may be a better fit for you than others. If you’re interested in finding an alternative to Imvexxy, talk with your doctor. They can tell you about other medications that may work well for you.

Note: Some of the drugs listed here are used off-label to treat these specific conditions. Off-label drug use is when an FDA-approved drug is used for a purpose other than what it’s approved for.

Examples of other drugs that may be used to treat painful sex due to menopause include:

  • conjugated estrogens vaginal cream (Premarin Vaginal)
  • estradiol vaginal cream (Estrace Vaginal)
  • estradiol vaginal ring (Estring, Femring)
  • estradiol vaginal tablet (Vagifem, Yuvafem)
  • ospemifene oral tablet (Osphena)
  • prasterone vaginal insert (Intrarosa)

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Imvexxy.

Will I have hair loss if I use Imvexxy?

No, hair loss wasn’t specifically reported as a side effect during clinical studies of Imvexxy.

Hair loss can be caused by many factors. A few examples include:

If you’re concerned about hair loss while using Imvexxy, talk with your doctor. They may be able to help you determine what’s causing your hair loss and help you manage it.

Does Imvexxy cause weight gain or weight loss?

No, weight gain and weight loss weren’t specifically reported as side effects of Imvexxy during clinical studies.

Some females* taking estrogen can develop fluid retention (a buildup of fluid in the body). This could cause slight weight fluctuations. And keep in mind that Imvexxy is a type of estrogen treatment.

Additionally, if you’re taking a thyroid hormone replacement therapy, it’s possible that Imvexxy could affect your thyroid. Examples of these therapies include levothyroxine (Synthroid). Changes in your thyroid hormone levels can cause weight gain or weight loss.

If you take a thyroid replacement drug or have thyroid problems, make sure to discuss this with your doctor. They may check your thyroid hormone levels with blood tests before you start Imvexxy and regularly during treatment. In some cases, your doctor may need to adjust the dosage of your thyroid medication.

If you’re concerned about weight changes with Imvexxy, talk with your doctor.

* Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Use of the term “female” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.

Is Imvexxy safe to use?

Yes, in general, this drug is safe to use.

Imvexxy contains the active drug estradiol, which is a form of estrogen. Although Imvexxy is a vaginal insert, low amounts of estradiol may get absorbed into your bloodstream. But this doesn’t typically cause the estrogen in your body to increase to a high level. Instead, its effects in your body are considered “local” and only affect your vaginal area.

However, Imvexxy does have boxed warnings. These are the most serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They alert doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous. To learn more about Imvexxy’s boxed warnings, see the “Imvexxy side effects” section above.

All hormone replacement therapies have risks related to them. So it’s recommended that Imvexxy is used in the lowest dosage that’s effective for the shortest duration possible.

If you have questions about the safety of Imvexxy treatment, talk with your doctor.

Does Imvexxy dissolve after I place it inside my vagina?

Yes. Imvexxy is a softgel (gel capsule) that completely dissolves within hours of being inserted into your vagina.

For more information about how Imvexxy works, see the “How Imvexxy works” section below.

Will Imvexxy cause vaginal discharge?

Possibly. Vaginal discharge wasn’t reported as a side effect during clinical studies of Imvexxy. But it’s been reported as a side effect by females* who’ve used Imvexxy since its approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Typically, vaginal discharge is normal, and its color and consistency can fluctuate. But you should call your doctor if your vaginal discharge:

  • is different than usual
  • has an unpleasant odor
  • is happening along with any itching or pain

Also, if you’ve gone through menopause, you should not ignore vaginal discharge that’s brown, red, or bloody. If it’s been at least 1 year since your last period, and you notice spotting, bleeding, or a dark-colored vaginal discharge, call your doctor right away. Vaginal bleeding after menopause can sometimes be a sign of uterine cancer.†

If you’re concerned about vaginal discharge with Imvexxy, talk with your doctor.

* Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Use of the term “female” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.
Imvexxy has a boxed warning regarding the risk of uterine cancer. A boxed warning is the strongest warning required by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Boxed warnings alert doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.

Is Imvexxy used for UTIs?

No, Imvexxy is not approved to treat or prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs). Instead, Imvexxy is FDA-approved to treat painful sex due to menopause.

Researchers have learned that females* have a higher risk for UTIs after menopause. It’s thought that estrogen may help to support the health of your normal vaginal flora. (Flora is the good bacteria that normally live in your vagina.)

These good bacteria can help protect you from germs that can cause UTIs. But when your body makes less estrogen after menopause, your normal flora may not be as protective.

Vaginal estrogen products, including a vaginal ring or cream, were shown in a clinical study to prevent recurrent UTIs. (With recurrent UTIs, UTIs come back every few weeks or months.) The females in the study had a history of recurrent UTIs and had gone through menopause. Keep in mind that Imvexxy is vaginal estrogen therapy.

If you have questions about UTIs, talk with your doctor. They’ll be able to guide you on the best options to treat or prevent recurrent UTIs depending on your health and medical conditions.

* Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Use of the term “female” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.

As with all medications, the cost of Imvexxy can vary. The actual price you’ll pay depends on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use.

Keep in mind that you may be able to get a 90-day supply of Imvexxy. If approved by your insurance company, getting a 90-day supply of the drug could reduce your number of trips to the pharmacy and help lower the cost. If you’re interested in this option, check with your doctor or your insurance company.

Before approving coverage for Imvexxy, your insurance company may require you to get prior authorization. This means that your doctor and insurance company will need to communicate about your prescription before the insurance company will cover the drug. The insurance company will review the prior authorization request and decide if the drug will be covered.

If you’re not sure if you’ll need to get prior authorization for Imvexxy, contact your insurance company.

Financial and insurance assistance

If you need financial support to pay for Imvexxy, or if you need help understanding your insurance coverage, help is available.

TherapeuticsMD, the manufacturer of Imvexxy, offers a savings card that may lower the cost of their drug. For more information and to find out if you’re eligible for support, visit the manufacturer’s website.

Mail-order pharmacies

Imvexxy may be available through a mail-order pharmacy. Using this service may help lower the drug’s cost and allow you to get your medication without leaving home.

If recommended by your doctor, you may be able to receive a 90-day supply of Imvexxy, so there’s less concern about running out of the medication. If you’re interested in this option, check with your doctor and your insurance company. Some Medicare plans may help cover the cost of mail-order medications.

If you don’t have insurance, you can ask your doctor or pharmacist about online pharmacy options.

Generic version

Imvexxy is not available in a generic form. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. Generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs.

The Imvexxy dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:

  • the type and severity of the condition you’re treating with Imvexxy
  • other medical conditions you may have

Typically, your doctor may adjust your dosage over time to reach the amount that’s right for you. Your doctor will ultimately prescribe the lowest dosage that provides the desired effect.

Your doctor will likely prescribe hormone replacement therapy, such as Imvexxy, for the shortest length of time needed. Your treatment duration will depend on your individual needs and risks. Your doctor may want to regularly check to see if you need to keep using Imvexxy.

The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to only take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Drug forms and strengths

Imvexxy comes as a softgel (gel capsule) that you’ll insert into your vagina.

It comes in two strengths: 4 micrograms (mcg) and 10 mcg.

Dosage for painful sex due to menopause

The usual dosage of Imvexxy for painful sex due to menopause involves two phases: a starting dose and a maintenance dose. These phases are described below.

  • Starting dose. For the first 2 weeks, you’ll insert one 4-mcg Imvexxy softgel into your vagina once a day. You should insert your dose around the same time each day.
  • Maintenance dose. After the first 2 weeks, you’ll insert one Imvexxy softgel into your vagina twice weekly (once every 3 to 4 days). For example, you may insert one Imvexxy softgel vaginally every Monday and Thursday. Typically, your doctor will prescribe 4-mcg Imvexxy softgels. But they may increase your Imvexxy dose to 10-mcg softgels if they think it may give you a better result.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose of Imvexxy within the first 2 weeks of use, skip the missed dose. You should not take more than one dose of Imvexxy per day.

If you miss a dose of Imvexxy after your first 2 weeks of use, take it as soon as you remember. But if it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. You should not take Imvexxy more than once every 3 to 4 days.

If you’ve missed a dose of Imvexxy, check with your doctor or pharmacist to see what you should do.

To help make sure you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. Try setting an alarm on your phone or downloading a reminder app. Noting it on your calendar can work, too.

Will I need to use this drug long term?

Imvexxy is meant to be used only as long as the drug is still necessary for painful sex due to menopause. Talk with your doctor to determine if Imvexxy is safe for you to continue long term.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as Imvexxy to treat certain conditions. Imvexxy may also be used off-label for other conditions. Off-label drug use means using a drug for a purpose other than what it’s been approved for by the FDA.

Imvexxy for painful sex due to menopause

Imvexxy is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in adult females* to treat painful sex due to menopause.

* Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Use of the term “female” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.

About painful sex due to menopause

Menopause marks the end of your menstrual cycle. Specifically, menopause is recognized when you haven’t had a menstrual period in the last 12 months. In the United States, the average age people reach menopause is 51 years.

Menopause can also happen earlier in life. For example, if you have surgery to remove your ovaries, your menstrual cycle will end.

Around the time of menopause, your body’s production of estrogen declines. As a result, many people develop physical changes and symptoms. Some examples may include:

Changes to your vagina can make sex less pleasurable and, for some people, severely painful. Dyspareunia is long-lasting or recurring painful sex due to menopause. Painful sex symptoms may include:

  • dull or burning pain in your vagina that occurs just before, during, or after sex
  • pain around your vaginal opening that’s felt with entry during sex
  • pain inside your vagina or pelvic area that’s felt with deep penetration during sex

Imvexxy contains the active drug estradiol. Estradiol is a form of estrogen, one of the main sex hormones in females.

Effectiveness for painful sex due to menopause

In clinical studies, Imvexxy has been shown to be effective for relieving painful sex in females due to menopause. For more details about the results of Imvexxy’s clinical studies, see the manufacturer’s website.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) provides guidelines on treating sexual problems in females. ACOG recommends vaginal forms of estrogen, such as Imvexxy, to treat painful sex due to menopause.

To learn more about effective treatment options for your condition, see our hub for Women’s Health. Your doctor will help you decide if Imvexxy might be a safe and effective treatment option for you.

Imvexxy and children

Imvexxy is not approved for use in children. Menopause and dyspareunia (painful sex due to menopause) don’t affect children. So this drug has not been studied in this age group.

Your doctor may recommend that you use progesterone with Imvexxy, which is an estrogen therapy. (Estrogen therapy is a type of hormone replacement therapy.) Progesterone is the other main female* sex hormone besides estrogen. These hormones work together as part of the female reproductive system.

Studies have reported that adding progesterone to estrogen therapy may reduce the risk of endometrial hyperplasia. With endometrial hyperplasia, the lining of your uterus becomes thick. In some women, this condition can raise the risk of developing endometrial cancer (a type of uterine cancer).

However, using estrogen therapy with progesterone has also been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer.

To discuss these risks† and decide if adding progesterone is right for you, talk with your doctor.

For more information about what Imvexxy may interact with, see the “Imvexxy interactions” section below.

* Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Use of the term “female” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.
Imvexxy has a boxed warning regarding the risk of uterine and breast cancers. A boxed warning is the strongest warning required by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Boxed warnings alert doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous. For more information about Imvexxy’s boxed warnings, see the “Imvexxy side effects” section above.

Imvexxy is used in adult females* to treat painful sex due to menopause. It works by replacing estrogen in your vaginal area.

Estrogen is a female sex hormone. During menopause, your body naturally produces less estrogen. As a result, many females* develop physical changes in their vaginal area, such as:

For some females, these changes to your vagina can cause painful sex after menopause.

By providing your vaginal area with estrogen, Imvexxy can help reverse the physical changes that occur with menopause.

It’s important to note that Imvexxy isn’t a lubricant. But it does help to restore your vagina’s natural moisture by treating the underlying cause of vaginal dryness.

* Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Use of the term “female” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.

How long does it take to work?

In clinical studies, some females noticed relief from painful sex within 2 weeks of starting Imvexxy. But it could take up to 3 months of treatment to see the drug’s full effect.

There aren’t any known interactions between alcohol and Imvexxy.

Most experts agree that it’s best for females* to limit their alcohol intake after menopause. Regular use of excessive alcohol is harmful to your liver and worsens many medical conditions.

If you have questions about how much alcohol is safe for you, talk with your doctor.

For more information about what Imvexxy may interact with, see the “Imvexxy interactions” section below.

* Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Use of the term “female” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.

You should use Imvexxy according to the instructions your healthcare professional gives you.

Imvexxy comes as a softgel (gel capsule) that you’ll insert into your vagina. When it’s time to insert your dose, wash your hands before taking a softgel out of its packaging.

Then, using your finger, insert one Imvexxy softgel into your vagina, with the smaller end of the softgel pointed up. Place it about 2 inches (5 centimeters) into your vagina.

Before you start treatment, your healthcare professional will go over how to insert Imvexxy. The manufacturer of Imvexxy also has a reference page on their website about how to insert the medication.

When to insert

When you’re starting Imvexxy, it’s important to take your dose of Imvexxy around the same time each day for 2 weeks. It doesn’t matter what time of day you insert Imvexxy, as long as it’s around the same time each day.

After your first 2 weeks of treatment, you’ll follow the maintenance dosage schedule. For this schedule, you’ll insert Imvexxy 2 days per week (once every 3 to 4 days).

To help make sure you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. Try setting an alarm on your phone or downloading a reminder app. Noting it on your calendar can work, too.

Imvexxy can interact with several other medications. It can also interact with certain supplements and certain foods.

Different interactions can cause different effects. For instance, some interactions can interfere with how well a drug works. Other interactions can increase side effects or make them more severe.

Imvexxy and other medications

Before taking Imvexxy, talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Tell them about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.

No drugs have been specifically reported to interact with Imvexxy. But studies of other estrogen therapies have shown that some drugs can interact with estrogen. (Keep in mind that Imvexxy is an estrogen therapy.)

Some drugs can reduce the effectiveness of estrogen therapy. These may include:

Other drugs can increase the effects and side effects of estrogen therapy. Some examples include:

  • certain antibiotics, such as:
    • clarithromycin (Biaxin)
    • erythromycin (Ery-tab)
  • certain antifungals, such as:
  • the antiviral ritonavir

This list does not contain all drugs that may interact with Imvexxy. If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Imvexxy and herbs and supplements

Imvexxy may interact with certain herbs or dietary supplements.

St. John’s wort

St. John’s wort is an herb that’s used by some people as a natural remedy for depression. It could possibly reduce the effectiveness of estrogen therapy.

Other herbs and supplements could also interact with estrogen therapy. So you should check with your doctor or pharmacist before using any of these products while taking Imvexxy.

Imvexxy and foods

There aren’t any foods that have been specifically reported to interact with Imvexxy.

However, grapefruit and grapefruit juice are known to interact with other estrogen therapies. Consuming grapefruit with estrogen can possibly increase the level of the hormone in your body, which raises your risk for side effects.

If you have any questions about eating certain foods with Imvexxy, talk with your doctor.

Imvexxy and lab tests

It’s possible that using estrogen therapy, including Imvexxy, could affect certain blood test results. The tests affected are used to check your:

This is not a complete list of all possible lab test interactions. For a complete list, see Imvexxy’s prescribing information. Also, if you’re having any labs tests done, be sure to tell your doctor you’re using Imvexxy.

It’s not known if Imvexxy is safe to take during pregnancy.

But Imvexxy is not meant to be used by females* who are able to become pregnant. It’s approved for use in females who’ve gone through menopause.

If you’re pregnant and are having pain during sex, Imvexxy isn’t for you. Instead, talk with your doctor about other possible causes of the pain and what might help.

* Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Use of the term “female” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.

It’s not known if Imvexxy is safe to take during pregnancy. But Imvexxy is not meant to be used by females* who can get pregnant.

Instead, it’s approved for use in females who’ve gone through menopause. Birth control is no longer needed to prevent pregnancy in females after menopause is reached.

For more information about taking Imvexxy during pregnancy, see the “Imvexxy and pregnancy” section above.

If you have questions about birth control, talk with your doctor.

* Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Use of the term “female” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.

You should not use Imvexxy if you’re breastfeeding or have plans to breastfeed. The effects of Imvexxy in breastfeeding females* or breastfed children have not been tested in clinical studies.

Other drugs that contain estrogen have been tested. Estrogen therapy may reduce breast milk production in breastfeeding females.

But Imvexxy is not meant to be used by females who are able to breastfeed a child. It’s only approved for use in females who’ve gone through menopause.

If you have any questions about treatment options while breastfeeding, talk with your doctor.

* Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Use of the term “female” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.

This drug comes with several precautions.

FDA warnings

This drug has boxed warnings. These are the most serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A boxed warning alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.

Endometrial cancer. Using estrogen-alone therapies, such as Imvexxy, may increase the risk of endometrial cancer. This is a cancer that affects the lining of your uterus. (“Estrogen-alone” refers to a type of hormone replacement therapy, in which estrogen is taken alone, without progesterone. Estrogen and progesterone are the two main female* sex hormones.)

Cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) problems. Using estrogen-alone therapy, such as Imvexxy, may increase the risk of cardiovascular problems, such as stroke and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). (A DVT is a type of blood clot.) Estrogen treatment, with or without progesterone, should not be used to prevent cardiovascular problems. Additionally, using estrogen with progesterone may increase your risk for stroke, DVT, heart attack, or pulmonary embolism (PE). (A PE is a type of blood clot in your lungs.)

Breast cancer. Using estrogen therapy, such as Imvexxy, with progesterone may increase the risk of breast cancer.

Dementia. Using estrogen-alone therapy, such as Imvexxy, can increase the risk of dementia (memory loss) in females ages 65 years and older who’ve gone through menopause. Estrogen treatment, with or without progesterone, should not be used to prevent dementia.

For more information about these boxed warnings of Imvexxy, see the “Imvexxy side effects” section above.

* Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Use of the term “female” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.

Precautions

Before taking Imvexxy, talk with your doctor about your health history. Imvexxy may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health.

If you have certain health conditions, you should not take Imvexxy. These include:

  • Abnormal vaginal bleeding that has not been diagnosed. If you’ve had any recent unexplained vaginal spotting or bleeding, you should call your doctor right away. Vaginal bleeding after menopause can be an early sign of endometrial cancer (a type of uterine cancer).
  • Breast cancer. If you have breast cancer, you should not take Imvexxy. It’s possible that estrogen therapy could make certain forms of breast cancer develop and grow. Also, females* with breast cancer or bone metastases (cancer that has spread to your bones) have an increased risk for hypercalcemia (high levels of calcium in your blood) with estrogen therapy.
  • Any hormone-related cancer. If you have any cancer that’s affected by hormone levels, you should not take Imvexxy. If you’ve had cancer and you’re not sure if it’s hormone-related, check with your doctor.
  • Blood clots. Estrogen therapy such as Imvexxy can increase your risk for blood clots. If you’ve already had a blood clot in the past, you should not take Imvexxy.
  • Previous heart attack, stroke, or bleeding disorder. If you’ve had a previous heart attack, stroke, or bleeding problem, using Imvexxy could possibly increase the risk of it happening again. So if you’ve had these health problems, you should not take Imvexxy.
  • Liver problems. If you have liver damage or disease, your body may not be able to properly metabolize (break down) estrogens. This could increase the levels of estrogen in your body and put you at higher risk for serious side effects from Imvexxy.
  • Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Imvexxy or any of its ingredients, including an anaphylactic reaction (severe reaction) or angioedema (swelling), you should not take Imvexxy. Ask your doctor about other medications that might be better options for you.

* Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Use of the term “female” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.

Other precautions

If you have other medical conditions (listed below), you might be able to take Imvexxy. It’s a decision that you and your doctor will make carefully. This decision will be based on your overall health, the severity of your conditions, and your risks for serious side effects.

If you and your doctor decide it’s safe for you to use Imvexxy, your doctor will monitor you more carefully during your treatment. So be sure to let your doctor know if any of these factors or conditions affect you:

  • Older age (65 years and older). If you’re an older adult ages 65 years or older taking estrogen therapy such as Imvexxy, your doctor may monitor you more carefully than usual. Using estrogen therapy may increase your risk for the following:
  • High triglycerides. If you’ve had high triglycerides, estrogen therapy may worsen your condition. It could also possibly lead to pancreatitis (inflammation of your pancreas). If this is true for you, your doctor may monitor you more carefully while you’re using Imvexxy.
  • Use of thyroid replacement therapy or problems with your thyroid or parathyroid. If you have a thyroid or parathyroid condition, you may need to have your blood tested to check your thyroid levels while taking Imvexxy. (Parathyroid glands are located near your thyroid.) This is because estrogen therapy can affect your thyroid hormone levels. If you take a thyroid replacement drug, such as levothyroxine, your doctor may need to adjust your dosage of Imvexxy.
  • Heart or kidney problems that worsen with fluid retention. Imvexxy may cause fluid retention (buildup of fluids in your body) in some people. If you have a heart or kidney problem that’s worsened by fluid retention, talk with your doctor.
  • Endometriosis. If you’ve had endometriosis, it’s possible that your risk for endometrial cancer (a type of uterine cancer) is increased with hormone therapy. If you’ve had endometriosis, talk with your doctor about a plan for monitoring this condition if you use Imvexxy.
  • Certain medical conditions that can worsen with estrogen therapy. If you have certain medical conditions, your doctor will monitor you more carefully while you’re using Imvexxy. This is because with many of these conditions, you may already have an increased risk for certain serious side effects of Imvexxy. Be sure to tell your doctor about any medical conditions you’ve had, including:
  • Upcoming surgery or bed rest. If you’ll be spending most of your time lying down, such as when you’re recovering from surgery or are on bed rest, you may have a higher risk for developing a blood clot. Since Imvexxy could also increase your risk for blood clots, your doctor may have you stop Imvexxy treatment temporarily.
  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding. You should not use Imvexxy during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Imvexxy is approved for use after menopause. For more information, see the “Imvexxy and pregnancy” and “Imvexxy and breastfeeding” sections above.

For more information about the potential negative effects of Imvexxy, see the “Imvexxy side effects” section above.

Using more than the recommended dosage of Imvexxy can lead to serious side effects. Do not use more Imvexxy than your doctor recommends.

Overdose symptoms

Symptoms of an overdose can include:

What to do in case of overdose

If you think you’ve taken too much of this drug, call your doctor. You can also call the American Association of Poison Control Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. But if your symptoms are severe, call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

When you get Imvexxy from the pharmacy, the pharmacist will add an expiration date to the label on the bottle. This date is typically 1 year from the date they dispensed the medication.

The expiration date helps guarantee that the medication is effective during this time. The current stance of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is to avoid using expired medications. If you have unused medication that has gone past the expiration date, talk with your pharmacist about whether you might still be able to use it.

Storage

How long a medication remains good to use can depend on many factors, including how and where you store the medication.

Imvexxy should be stored in its original packaging at a room temperature of 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C). Also, keep it away from light. Avoid storing this medication in areas where it could get damp or wet, such as bathrooms.

Disposal

If you no longer need to take Imvexxy and have leftover medication, it’s important to dispose of it safely. This helps prevent others, including children and pets, from taking the drug by accident. It also helps keep the drug from harming the environment.

This article provides several useful tips on medication disposal. You can also ask your pharmacist for information about how to dispose of your medication.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

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