Uses
Ospemifene is used to treat changes due to menopause (”change of life,” the end of monthly menstrual periods) in and around the vagina that can cause painful sexual intercourse and vaginal dryness. Ospemifene is in a class of medications called hormones. It works by replacing the estrogen that is normally produced by the body.
Side Effects Of Ospemifene
Ospemifene may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- hot flashes or flushes
- vaginal discharge
- muscle spasms
- increased sweating
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms or those listed in the WARNING section, call your doctor immediately:
- swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips. eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
- hoarseness
- difficulty swallowing or breathing
- hives
- rash
- itching
Ospemifene may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
Warnings & Precautions
Before taking ospemifene:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to ospemifene, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in ospemifene tablets. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: antifungals such as itraconazole (Sporanox), fluconazole (Diflucan), ketoconazole (Nizoral); clarithromycin (Biaxin); estrogens such as (Premarin); estrogen agonists/antagonists such as tamoxifen (Nolvadex); medications for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) such as indinavir (Crixivan), nelfinavir (Viracept), ritonavir (Norvir, in Kaletra), saquinavir (Fortovase, Invirase); nefazodone; or rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane, in Rifamate). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver disease.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are feeding. Ospemifene may cause fetal harm. If you become pregnant while taking ospemifene, call your doctor immediately.
- if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, or will be on bed rest, tell the doctor or dentist you are taking ospemifene.
Dosage Of Ospemifene
Ospemifene comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken with food once daily. Take ospemifene at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take ospemifene exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Ospemifene helps to control the symptoms of menopause that can cause vaginal dryness and pain during intercourse but does not cure it. Continue to take ospemifene even if you feel well. Do not stop taking ospemifene without talking to your doctor.
Other
Keep all appointments with your doctor.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Source
All information has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.
