Prasterone Vaginal

Vaginal prasterone is used to treat changes in and around the vagina due to menopause ("change of life," the end of monthly menstrual periods) that can cause painful sexual intercourse. Prasterone is in a class of medications called steroids. It works by replacing hormones that are normally produced in the body.

Vaginal prasterone comes as an insert to place in the vagina. It is usually used once a day at bedtime. Use vaginal prasterone 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. Use vaginal prasterone exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Vaginal prasterone comes with a special applicator to use to place the insert into your vagina. Your medication will come with instructions for use. Read these instructions and follow them carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about how to use vaginal prasterone.

Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Before using vaginal prasterone,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to prasterone, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in vaginal prasterone. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.

• tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.

• tell your doctor if you have any vaginal bleeding. Your doctor may tell you not to use vaginal prasterone.

• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had breast cancer.

• you should not use prasterone unless you have already undergone menopause and cannot become pregnant. However, tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while using prasterone, call your doctor.

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not use a double dose to make up for a missed one.

• Vaginal prasterone may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if this symptom is severe or does not go away:

  • vaginal discharge

• Vaginal prasterone may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while using this medication.

• If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature or in the refrigerator and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org

In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Before having a Pap smear (a test to detect cancer of the cervix), tell your doctor or the laboratory personnel that you are using vaginal prasterone.

Do not let anyone else use 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.