This medication is used by women after menopause to
treat painful sexual intercourse. Painful intercourse can be a symptom of
changes in and around your vagina, due to menopause. Prasterone belongs to
a class of drugs known as steroids. It is not well understood how it works
to lessen painful intercourse, but prasterone is changed in the body to
certain hormones (androgens and estrogens).
Read the Patient Information Leaflet and Instructions
for Use if available from your pharmacist before you start using prasterone
and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor
or pharmacist.
This medication is for vaginal use only. Empty your
bladder and wash your hands before handling the vaginal insert and
applicator. Unwrap one vaginal insert and follow the instructions to use
the applicator to insert this medication into the vagina as directed by
your doctor, usually once daily at bedtime.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit
from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each
day.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better
or if it gets worse.
Vaginal discharge may occur. If this effect lasts or
gets worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
You may have an abnormal Pap smear test result after
using this medication. Your doctor will monitor your results and tell you
if more tests are needed.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before using prasterone, tell your doctor or pharmacist
if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product
may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or
other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- breast cancer
- vaginal bleeding
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
This medication is not usually used by women of
childbearing age. Tell your doctor if you are planning pregnancy, become
pregnant, or think you may be pregnant.
It is unknown if this medication passes into breast
milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone
has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble
breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US
residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call
1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this medication with others.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as Pap smear) may be done
while you are using this medication. Keep all medical and lab
appointments.
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If
it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store in the refrigerator or at room temperature away
from light. Do not freeze. Keep all medications away from children and
pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.