Time to
say yes to
Ovesse?
Ovesse is a prescription strength vaginal oestrogen cream that treats the cause and eases the symptoms of vaginal atrophy following the menopause. Available without prescription.
It contains estriol, a naturally occurring hormone which substitutes for the loss of oestrogen production and induces normalisation of the vaginal epithelium, helping to restore the normal microflora and physiological pH in the vagina.
Time to say yes
to Ovesse?
Ovesse is a prescription strength vaginal oestrogen cream that treats the cause and eases the symptoms of vaginal atrophy following the menopause. Available without prescription.
It contains estriol, a naturally occurring hormone which substitutes for the loss of oestrogen production and induces normalisation of the vaginal epithelium, helping to restore the normal microflora and physiological pH in the vagina.
•
the woman is postmenopausal
•
the symptom(s) are likely to be caused by the reduction in oestrogen and vaginal atrophy
•
there are no contraindications or red flag symptoms to prevent supply
•
and after a few months, response to treatment and that no new concerns have arisen
| CONDITION | CIRCUMSTANCE |
|---|---|
| Women with a history of endometriosis… | unless they have previously received a prescription for vaginal oestrogens and their health status is unchanged since their last prescription and they have no recent symptoms of endometriosis. |
| Women with a history of endometrial hyperplasia… | unless they have previously received a prescription for vaginal oestrogens and their health status is unchanged since their last prescription or they have had a hysterectomy. |
| Women wanting to change to Ovesse from another vaginal oestrogen product… | who have used their current vaginal oestrogen product for less than 3 months or have been using their vaginal oestrogen product at the recommended dose and are experiencing bothersome symptoms. |
| Women receiving hormone therapy, including systemic HRT… | unless they have previously received a prescription for a concurrent vaginal oestrogen product and their health status is unchanged since their last prescription, in which case Ovesse may be supplied. In other circumstances, if the GP confirms local vaginal oestrogen may be used, then Ovesse may be supplied. |
| In case of vaginal infection… | before or during treatment with Ovesse that cannot be adequately treated by a pharmacy treatment, women should be referred to their GP. Once the infection has been treated, the woman may be supplied with Ovesse. |
See the SmPC and Pharmacy Guide for more detail.
Ovesse releases the female hormone estriol directly into the vaginal tissue
The reduction of oestrogen levels post menopause causes the vaginal epithelium to become thin and lose its collagen support and elasticity.9 An increase in vaginal pH permits the growth of pathogens, and vaginal secretions decrease, leading to a reduction in lubrication.9 These symptoms are effectively treated by vaginal oestrogens.9
Delivery of the oestrogen direct to the vagina avoids hepatic first pass metabolism so that lower doses than those delivered systemically can be utilised to achieve a treatment response in the vagina.
As a non-systemic oestrogen treatment, many of the safety concerns related to systemic oestrogen are less likely to occur with Ovesse.
Treating vaginal atrophy with Ovesse
The Ovesse pack contains 30 applications of 0.5mg estriol in 0.5g cream. It also contains a reusable, calibrated, clear plastic applicator.
Women should screw the applicator onto the tube and squeeze the tube to fill the applicator up to the red ring mark. The applicator is specifically designed so it cannot be overfilled. It should be washed between uses.
Suitability for treatment should be verified at each supply using the Pharmacy Checklist – this considers the indication and symptoms, contraindications, warnings and precautions, and checks the response to treatment.
See SmPC and Pharmacy Checklist for more details.
Ovesse has an initial and a maintenance dose
| MON | TUE | WED | THU | FRI | SAT | SUN | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| INITIAL | WEEK 1 One application per day |
|||||||
| WEEK 2 One application per day |
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| MAINTENANCE | WEEK 3 AND THEREAFTER One application twice a week (3 – 4 days apart) * |
|||||||
* Tuesday and Friday administration is an example of twice weekly dosing.
A good time to apply Ovesse is before going to bed.
While vaginal estriol has no demonstrated increased risk of endometrial proliferation or hyperplasia,23 in order to prevent endometrial stimulation Ovesse 1mg/g Vaginal Cream should not exceed one 0.5mg application per day for two weeks followed by the maintenance dose of one 0.5mg application twice a week.
Advise all women:
•
Vaginal atrophy is chronic and progressive and symptoms often return if treatment is stopped – they can continue to use Ovesse as long as they wish to, unless they are no longer suitable and this will be considered before each supply.
•
To report any vaginal bleeding to their GP.
•
To read the Patient Information Leaflet for important administration and safety information.
•
Changes in their breasts should be reported to their doctor or nurse.
•
When to immediately stop using Ovesse, as listed in the Patient Information Leaflet.
•
To inform the pharmacist if any new symptoms have been experienced and whether there has been any other change in their health.
•
To return to the pharmacy if they need further advice.
See the Pharmacy Guide for more information.
UK-EST-06-24-00005 September 2024
