Skip to content
ppharmaranks
Menu

vagifem

Pharmaranks rates Vagifem 3.5/5 for recall safety — an independent score from its FDA recall history and its manufacturer's record. Vagifem (Estradiol) is an estrogen used to treat Breast Neoplasms, Hypogonadism, Premature Menopause, Menorrhagia.

Estradiol · by Novo Nordisk Inc

Available as a generic: Estradiol

70/100Limited · 1 source

Based on 1 source · Recall-safety score from FDA recall history — this product's own recalls and its manufacturer's record. Not an efficacy or quality rating. methodology →

Rated against independent regulatory sources·Last updated August 17, 2026·How we rate
Verified againstopenFDANIH DailyMedRxClass

Key facts

Active ingredient
Estradiol
Drug class
Estrogen
Form
Insert
Strength
Estradiol 10MCG · Estradiol 25MCG **Federal Register Determination That Product was not Discontinued or Withdrawn for Safety or Effectiveness reasons**
Type
Prescription (Rx)
Brand or generic
Brand-name
Manufacturer
Novo Nordisk Inc
What the pharmacy pays
~$6.55 per gm — not your price
FDA application
NDA020908

What is Vagifem?

From the FDA label:Vagifem 10 mcg (estradiol vaginal inserts) are small, white, film-coated inserts containing 10.3 mcg of estradiol hemihydrate equivalent to 10 mcg of estradiol. Each insert of Vagifem 10 mcg contains the following excipients: hypromellose, lactose monohydrate, maize starch and magnesium stearate. The film coating contains hypromellose and polyethylene glycol. Each Vagifem insert is 6 mm in diameter and is placed in a disposable applicator. Each insert-filled applicator is packaged separately in a blister pack. Vagifem inserts are used intravaginally. When the insert comes in contact with the vaginal mucosa, estradiol is released into the vagina. Estradiol hemihydrate is a white, almost white or colorless crystalline solid, chemically described as estra-1,3,5 (10)-triene-3,17β-diol. The chemical formula is C 18 H 24 O 2 • ½ H 2 O with a molecular weight of 281.4. The structural formula is: Structural Formula for Vagifem

How to use

Generally, when estrogen is prescribed for a postmenopausal woman with a uterus, consider addition of a progestogen to reduce the risk of endometrial cancer. Generally, a woman without a uterus does not need to use a progestogen in addition to her estrogen therapy. In some cases, however, hysterectomized women with a history of endometriosis may need a progestogen [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3 , 5.15) ] . Use estrogen-alone, or in combination with a progestogen, at the lowest effective dose and for the shortest duration consistent with treatment goals and risks for the individual woman. Reevaluate postmenopausal women periodically as clinically appropriate to determine if treatment is still necessary. Administer Vagifem intravaginally: • 1 insert daily for 2 weeks, followed by 1 insert twice weekly (for example, Tuesday and Friday) ( 2.1 ) 2.1 Treatment of Atrophic Vaginitis due to Menopause Administer Vagifem intravaginally using the supplied applicator: 1 insert daily for 2 weeks, followed by 1 insert twice weekly (for example, Tuesday and Friday).

Side effects

The following serious adverse reactions are discussed elsewhere in the labeling: • Cardiovascular Disorders [see Boxed Warning, Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] • Malignant Neoplasms [see Boxed Warning, Warnings and Precautions (5.3)] The most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥5 percent) with Vagifem are: back pain, vulvovaginal pruritus, vulvovaginal mycotic infection and diarrhea. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Novo Nordisk at 1-888-824-4336 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. In a 12-month randomized, double-blind, parallel group, placebo-controlled study, a total of 309 postmenopausal women were randomized to receive either placebo or Vagifem 10 mcg inserts. Adverse reactions with an incidence of ≥5 percent in the Vagifem 10 mcg group and greater than those reported in the placebo group are listed in Table 1. Table 1: Treatment-Emergent Adverse Reactions Reported at a Frequency of ≥ 5 Percent in Women Receiving Vagifem 10 mcg Body System Adverse Reaction Treatment Number (%) of Women Placebo N = 103 n (%) Vagifem N = 205 n (%) Body As A Whole…

FDA Boxed Warning (the FDA’s most serious warning)

Boxed (black-box) warning — from the FDA label

ENDOMETRIAL CANCER, CARDIOVASCULAR DISORDERS, PROBABLE DEMENTIA, and BREAST CANCER Estrogen-Alone Therapy Endometrial Cancer There is an increased risk of endometrial cancer in a woman with a uterus who uses unopposed estrogens. Adding a progestogen to estrogen therapy has been shown to reduce the risk of endometrial hyperplasia, which may be a precursor to endometrial cancer. Perform adequate diagnostic measures, including directed or random endometrial sampling when indicated, to rule out malignancy in postmenopausal women with undiagnosed persistent or recurring abnormal genital bleeding [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )]. Cardiovascular Disorders and Probable Dementia The Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) estrogen-alone substudy reported increased risks of stroke and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in postmenopausal women (50 to 79 years of age) during 7.1 years of treatment with daily oral conjugated estrogens (CE) [0.625 mg]-alone, relative to placebo [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 ), and Clinical Studies ( 14.2 )]. The WHI Memory Study (WHIMS) estrogen-alone ancillary study of WHI reported an increased risk of developing probable dementia in postmenopausal women 65 years of age and older during 5.2 years of treatment with daily CE (0.625 mg)-alone, relative to placebo. It is unknown whether this finding applies to younger postmenopausal women [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 ), Use in Specific Populations ( 8.5 ), and Clinical Studies ( 14.3 )]. Do not use estrogen-alone therapy for the prevention of cardiovascular disease or dementia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 , 5.4 ), and Clinical Studies ( 14.2 , 14.3 )]. Only daily oral 0.625 mg CE was studied in the estrogen-alone substudy of the WHI. Therefore, the relevance of the WHI findings regarding adverse cardiovascular events and dementia to lower CE doses, other routes of administration, or other estrogen-alone products is not known. Without such data, it is not possible to definitively exclude these risks or determine the extent of these risks for other products. Discuss with your patient the benefits and risks of estrogen-alone therapy, taking into account her individual risk profile. Prescribe estrogens with or without progestogens at the lowest effective doses and for the shortest duration consistent with treatment goals and risks for the individual woman. Estrogen Plus Progestin Therapy Cardiovascular Disorders and Probable Dementia The WHI estrogen plus progestin substudy reported increased risks of pulmonary embolism (PE), DVT, stroke, and myocardial infarction (MI) in postmenopausal women (50 to 79 years of age) during 5.6 years of treatment with daily oral CE (0.625 mg) combined with medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) [2.5 mg], relative to placebo [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 ), and Clinical Studies ( 14.2 )]. The WHIMS estrogen plus progestin ancillary study of the WHI reported an increased risk of developing probable dementia in postmenopausal women 65 years of age and older during 4 years of treatment with daily CE (0.625 mg) combined with MPA (2.5 mg), relative to placebo. It is unknown whether this finding applies to younger postmenopausal women [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 ), Use in Specific Populations ( 8.5 ), and Clinical Studies ( 14.3 )]. Do not use estrogen plus progestogen therapy for the prevention of cardiovascular disease or dementia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 , 5.4 ), and Clinical Studies ( 14.2 , 14.3 )]. Breast Cancer The WHI estrogen plus progestin substudy demonstrated an increased risk of invasive breast cancer [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 ), and Clinical Studies ( 14.2 )]. Only daily oral 0.625 mg CE and 2.5 mg MPA were studied in the estrogen plus progestin substudy of the WHI. Therefore, the relevance of the WHI findings regarding adverse cardiovascular events, dementia and breast cancer to lower CE plus other MPA doses, other routes of administration, or other estrogen plus progestogen products is not known. Without such data, it is not possible to definitively exclude these risks or determine the extent of these risks for other products. Discuss with your patient the benefits and risks of estrogen plus progestogen therapy, taking into account her individual risk profile. Prescribe estrogens with or without progestogens at the lowest effective doses and for the shortest duration consistent with treatment goals and risks for the individual woman. WARNING:ENDOMETRIAL CANCER, CARDIOVASCULAR DISORDERS, PROBABLE DEMENTIA, and BREAST CANCER See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning Estrogen-Alone Therapy • There is an increased risk of endometrial cancer in a woman with a uterus who uses unopposed estrogens ( 5.3 ) • The Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) estrogen-alone substudy reported increased risks of stroke and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) ( 5.2 ) • The WHI Memory Study (WHIMS) estrogen-alone ancillary study of WHI reported an increased risk of probable dementia in postmenopausal women 65 years of age and older ( 5. 4) • Do not use estrogen-alone therapy for the prevention of cardiovascular disease or dementia ( 5.2 , 5.4 ) Estrogen Plus Progestin Therapy • The WHI estrogen plus progestin substudy reported increased risks of pulmonary embolism (PE), DVT, stroke, and myocardial infarction (MI) ( 5.2 ) • The WHI estrogen plus progestin substudy reported increased risks of invasive breast cancer ( 5.3 ) • The WHIMS estrogen plus progestin ancillary study of WHI reported an increased risk of probable dementia in postmenopausal women 65 years of age and older ( 5.4 ) • Do not use estrogen plus progestogen therapy for the prevention of cardiovascular disease or dementia (5.2 , 5.4 )

Warnings

Important safety information

Estrogens increase the risk of gallbladder disease ( 5.5 ) • Discontinue estrogen if severe hypercalcemia, loss of vision, severe hypertriglyceridemia or cholestatic jaundice occurs ( 5.6 , 5.7 , 5.10 , 5.11 ) • The Vagifem applicator may cause vaginal abrasion ( 5.18 ) • Monitor thyroid function in women on thyroid replacement therapy ( 5.12 , 5.19 ) 5.1 Risks from Systemic Absorption Vagifem is intended only for vaginal administration. Systemic absorption occurs with the use of Vagifem. The warnings, precautions, and adverse reactions associated with the use of systemic estrogen-alone therapy should be taken into account. 5.2 Cardiovascular Disorders Increased risks of stroke and DVT are reported with estrogen-alone therapy. Increased risks of PE, DVT, stroke, and MI are reported with estrogen plus progestin therapy. Immediately discontinue estrogen with or without progestogen therapy if any of these occur or are suspected. Manage appropriately any risk factors for arterial vascular disease (for example, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, tobacco use, hypercholesterolemia, and obesity) and/or venous thromboembolism (VTE) (for example, personal history or family history of VTE, obesity, and systemic lupus erythematosus). Stroke The WHI estrogen-alone substudy reported a statistically significant increased risk of stroke in women 50 to 79 years of age receiving daily CE (0.625 mg)-alone compared to women in the same age group receiving placebo (45 versus 33 per 10,000 women-years, respectively). The increase in risk was demonstrated in year 1 and persisted [see Clinical Studies ( 14.2 )]. Immediately discontinue estrogen-alone therapy if a stroke occurs or is suspected. Subgroup analyses of women 50 to 59 years of age suggest no increased risk of stroke for those women receiving CE (0.625 mg)-alone versus those receiving placebo (18 versus 21 per 10,000 women-years). 1 The WHI estrogen plus progestin substudy reported a statistically significant increased risk of stroke in women 50 to 79 years of age receiving daily CE (0.625 mg) plus MPA (2.5 mg) compared to women in the same age group receiving placebo (33 versus 25 per 10,000 women-years, respectively) [see Clinical Studies ( 14.2 )]. The increase in risk was demonstrated after the first year and persisted. 1 Immediately discontinue estrogen with or without progestogen therapy if a stroke occurs or is suspected. Coronary Heart Disease The WHI estrogen-alone substudy reported no overall effect on coronary heart disease (CHD) events (defined as nonfatal MI, silent MI, or CHD death) in women receiving estrogen-alone compared to placebo 2 [see Clinical Studies ( 14.2 )]. Subgroup analysis of women 50 to 59 years of age, who were less than 10 years since menopause, suggests a reduction (not statistically significant) of CHD events in those women receiving daily CE (0.625 mg)-alone compared to placebo (8 versus 16 per 10,000 women-years). 1 The WHI estrogen plus progestin substudy reported an increased risk (not statistically significant) of CHD events in women receiving daily CE (0.625 mg) plus MPA (2.5 mg) compared to women receiving placebo (41 versus 34 per 10,000 women-years). 1 An increase in relative risk was demonstrated in year 1, and a trend toward decreasing relative risk was reported in years 2 through 5 [see Clinical Studies ( 14.2 )] . In postmenopausal women with documented heart disease (n=2,763), average 66.7 years of age, in a controlled clinical trial of secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease (Heart and Estrogen/Progestin Replacement Study; HERS), treatment with daily CE (0.625 mg) plus MPA (2.5 mg) demonstrated no cardiovascular benefit. During an average follow-up of 4.1 years, treatment with CE plus MPA did not reduce the overall rate of CHD events in postmenopausal women with established CHD. There were more CHD events in the CE plus MPA-treated group than in the placebo group in year 1, but not during the subsequent years. Two thousand, three hundred and twenty-one (2,321) women from the original HERS trial agreed to participate in an open label extension of the original HERS, HERS II. Average follow-up in HERS II was an additional 2.7 years, for a total of 6.8 years overall. Rates of CHD events were comparable among women in the CE plus MPA group and the placebo group in HERS, HERS II, and overall. Venous Thromboembolism In the WHI estrogen-alone substudy, the risk of VTE (DVT and PE) was increased for women receiving daily CE (0.625 mg)-alone compared to placebo (30 versus 22 per 10,000 women-years), although only the increased risk of DVT reached statistical significance (23 versus 15 per 10,000 women-years). The increase in VTE risk was demonstrated during the first 2 years 3 [see Clinical Studies ( 14.2 )]. Immediately discontinue estrogen-alone therapy if a VTE occurs or is suspected. The WHI estrogen plus progestin substudy reported a statistically significant 2-fold greater rate of VTE in women receiving daily CE (0.625 mg) plus MPA (2.5 mg) compared to women receiving placebo (35 versus 17 per 10,000 women-years). Statistically significant increases in risk for both DVT (26 versus 13 per 10,000 women-years) and PE (18 versus 8 per 10,000 women-years) were also demonstrated. The increase in VTE risk was demonstrated during the first year and persisted 4 [see Clinical Studies ( 14.2 )]. Immediately discontinue estrogen plus progestogen therapy if a VTE occurs or is suspected. If feasible, discontinue estrogens at least 4 to 6 weeks before surgery of the type associated with an increased risk of thromboembolism, or during periods of prolonged immobilization. 5.3 Malignant Neoplasms Endometrial Cancer An increased risk of endometrial cancer has been reported with the use of unopposed estrogen therapy in a woman with a uterus. The reported endometrial cancer risk among unopposed estrogen users is about 2- to 12-fold greater than in non-users, and appears dependent on duration of treatment and on estrogen dose. Most studies show no significant increased risk associated with use of estrogens for less than 1 year. The greatest risk appears associated with prolonged use, with an increased risk of 15- to 24-fold for 5 to 10 years or more and this risk has been shown to persist for at least 8 to 15 years after estrogen therapy is discontinued. Clinical surveillance of all women using estrogen-alone or estrogen plus progestogen therapy is important. Perform adequate diagnostic measures, including directed or random endometrial sampling when indicated, to rule out malignancy in postmenopausal women with undiagnosed persistent or recurring abnormal genital bleeding with unknown etiology. There is no evidence that the use of natural estrogens results in a different endometrial risk profile than synthetic estrogens of equivalent estrogen dose. Adding a progestogen to estrogen therapy in postmenopausal women has been shown to reduce the risk of endometrial hyperplasia, which may be a precursor to endometrial cancer. Breast Cancer The WHI substudy of daily CE (0.625 mg)-alone provided information about breast cancer in estrogen-alone users. In the WHI estrogen-alone substudy, after an average follow-up of 7.1 years, daily CE-alone was not associated with an increased risk of invasive breast cancer [relative risk (RR) 0.80] compared to placebo 5 [see Clinical Studies ( 14.2 )] . After a mean follow-up of 5.6 years, the WHI substudy of daily CE (0.625 mg) plus MPS (2.5 mg) reported an increased risk of invasive breast cancer in women who took daily CE plus MPA compared to placebo. In this substudy, prior use of estrogen-alone or estrogen plus progestin therapy was reported by 26 percent of the women. The relative risk of invasive breast cancer was 1.24, and the absolute risk was 41 versus 33 cases per 10,000 women-years, for CE plus MPA compared with placebo. Among women who reported prior use of hormone therapy, the relative risk of invasive breast cancer was 1.86, and the…

Who should not take Vagifem

Vagifem is contraindicated in women with any of the following conditions: • Undiagnosed abnormal genital bleeding [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )]. • Breast cancer or a history of breast cancer [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )]. • Estrogen-dependent neoplasia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )]. • Active DVT, PE, or history of these conditions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )]. • Active arterial thromboembolic disease (for example, stroke or MI), or a history of these conditions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )]. • Known anaphylactic reaction, or angioedema, or hypersensitivity to Vagifem [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.16 )] . • Hepatic impairment or disease. • Protein C, protein S, or antithrombin deficiency, or other known thrombophilic disorders. • Undiagnosed abnormal genital bleeding ( 4 , 5.3 ) • Breast cancer or a history of breast cancer ( 4 , 5.3 ) • Estrogen-dependent neoplasia ( 4 , 5.3 ) • Active DVT, PE, or history of these conditions ( 4 , 5.2 ) • Active arterial thromboembolic disease (for example, stroke or MI), or a history of these conditions ( 4 , 5.2 ) • Known anaphylactic reaction, angioedema, or hypersensitivity to Vagifem ( 4 , 5.16 ) • Hepatic impairment or disease ( 4 , 5.11 ) • Protein C, protein S, or antithrombin deficient, or other known thrombophilic disorders ( 4 )

Overdose — what happens if you take too much

Overdosage of estrogen may cause nausea, vomiting, breast tenderness, abdominal pain, drowsiness and fatigue, and withdrawal bleeding may occur in women. Treatment of overdose consists of discontinuation of Vagifem therapy with institution of appropriate symptomatic care.

U.S. Poison Control: call or text 1-800-222-1222 (free, 24/7). In an emergency call 911. From the FDA label; not medical advice.

Interactions

In-vitro and in-vivo studies have shown that estrogens are metabolized partially by cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4). Therefore, inducers or inhibitors of CYP3A4 may affect estrogen drug metabolism. Inducers of CYP3A4, such as St. John’s wort ( Hypericum perforatum ) preparations, phenobarbital, carbamazepine, and rifampin, may reduce plasma concentrations of estrogens, possibly resulting in a decrease in therapeutic effects and/or changes in the uterine bleeding profile. Inhibitors of CYP3A4 such as erythromycin, clarithromycin, ketoconazole, itraconazole, ritonavir and grapefruit juice may increase plasma concentrations of estrogens and may result in adverse reactions. • Inducers and inhibitors of CYP3A4 may affect estrogen drug metabolism and decrease or increase the estrogen plasma concentration. ( 7 )

Drug class

How this class works, per Estrogen - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf.

May treat (source: NIH RxClass)

Dosage forms

Insert

The forms currently marketed in the U.S., per the FDA National Drug Code Directory.

Ways to save

Ask for the generic

Same active ingredient, far cheaper. Is there a generic? →

Request a 90-day supply

Bulk fills usually lower the per-dose price vs monthly refills.

Use copay cards

Manufacturer copay cards & patient-assistance programs — especially for brand drugs.

Compare alternatives

A same-class option may cost less. See alternatives →

Frequently asked questions

What does Vagifem treat?
Vagifem (Estradiol) may be used to treat breast neoplasms, hypogonadism, premature menopause, menorrhagia, prostatic neoplasms, primary ovarian insufficiency, based on NIH RxClass drug-classification data (conditions a drug may treat — not a verbatim copy of the FDA-approved label). This is general reference, not medical advice.
How does Vagifem work?
Vagifem is a estrogen. Estrogen is a sex hormone that enters cells and binds estrogen receptors; the hormone-receptor complex then moves into the nucleus and switches target genes on or off. Through this it thickens the uterine lining, helps protect bone, supports breast and vaginal tissue, and shapes cholesterol levels.
How is Vagifem rated?
pharmaranks gives Vagifem a composite score of 3.5 out of 5, currently based on 1 weighted source (FDA regulatory recall-safety data weighted highest). See our methodology at /how-we-rate.
How much does Vagifem cost?
Nobody can tell you what you will pay — your price is set by your insurer's formulary, your deductible and the pharmacy's markup, and none of those are published. What IS published is what the pharmacy paid to acquire it: about $6.55 per gm, per the CMS NADAC survey. Treat that as the floor, not the quote — ask the pharmacist for the cash price as well as your copay, because for cheap generics the cash price often wins.
Is there a coupon or discount for Vagifem?
pharmaranks is an independent ratings site, not a pharmacy — we don't issue coupons or sell Vagifem. To pay less, ask your prescriber or pharmacist whether a generic equivalent exists, check the manufacturer's copay/savings card and patient-assistance program, and compare a pharmacy discount card against your insurance copay. Prices vary by pharmacy, insurance, and location, so always confirm at the counter. This is general reference, not medical or financial advice.
Who makes Vagifem?
Vagifem is marketed by Novo Nordisk Inc. You can see Novo Nordisk Inc's full profile, rating, and other products on pharmaranks.
Is Vagifem a brand-name or generic drug?
Vagifem is a brand-name product with the active ingredient Estradiol. Lower-cost generic equivalents containing Estradiol are available — ask your pharmacist.
Is Vagifem available over the counter?
No. Vagifem is a prescription (Rx) medication in the US — you need a prescription from a licensed clinician (in person or via telehealth); it isn't sold over the counter. For some conditions there are OTC alternatives — ask your pharmacist.
What forms does Vagifem come in?
Vagifem is currently marketed as insert, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory.
What class of drug is Vagifem?
Vagifem is classified as estrogen, per the FDA's Established Pharmacologic Class.
Is Vagifem FDA-registered?
Vagifem is on record with the U.S. FDA under application number NDA020908. You can verify this on its official FDA label.
Has Vagifem been recalled by the FDA?
Vagifem has no FDA recalls recorded under its own application in the openFDA enforcement database. Its recall-safety score reflects its manufacturer's overall recall record. This is general reference, not medical advice — check the FDA recall database for the latest alerts.
Is Vagifem safe?
There's no single safe-or-not verdict. pharmaranks gives Vagifem a recall-safety score of 70/100, based on its FDA recall history (no recalls under its own FDA application) — not an efficacy or side-effect rating. Review its FDA-label side effects and warnings before use, and always consult a licensed professional.
What are the side effects of Vagifem?
Vagifem's side effects are taken directly from its FDA label. From the label: The following serious adverse reactions are discussed elsewhere in the labeling: • Cardiovascular Disorders [see Boxed Warning, Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] • Malignant Neoplasms [see Boxed Warning,… Both common and serious reactions are documented in full on this page. This is general reference from the FDA, not medical advice — always consult a professional.

Clinical content sourced from the FDA label via openFDA (U.S. FDA). View the FDA label on DailyMed → Provided for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional and the current prescribing information.

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to write one.

Write a review

Reviews are user opinions, not medical advice. Consult a licensed professional.

People also viewed

Compare Vagifem head-to-head

More estrogen drugs

Identify a pill by its imprint →Check a drug interaction →Drug recalls →

Browse medications A–Z

Research products from A to Z, compare independent ratings, and find alternatives.