ospemifene

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Pronunciation: os PEM i feen

Brand: Osphena

What is the most important information I should know about ospemifene?

Do not use ospemifene if you are pregnant or may become pregnant.

You should not use this medication if you have unusual vaginal bleeding, breast or uterine cancer, or a history of heart attack, stroke, or blood clot.

Ospemifene may increase your risk of developing endometrial hyperplasia, a condition that may lead to cancer of the uterus. Report any unusual vaginal bleeding to your doctor right away.

Ospemifene may also increase your risk of a stroke or blood clot. Talk with your doctor about your individual risks.

What is ospemifene?

Ospemifene is a non-estrogen medication that reverses certain changes in vaginal tissue that are caused by menopause.

Ospemifene is used to relieve pain during sexual intercourse in menopausal women. Ospemifene is not a pain medication.

Ospemifene may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking ospemifene?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to ospemifene, if you are pregnant, or if you have:

  • a history of heart attack, stroke, or blood clot;
  • unusual vaginal bleeding that a doctor has not checked; or
  • any type of breast, uterine, or hormone-dependent cancer.

To make sure ospemifene is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

  • liver disease;
  • a history of breast cancer; or
  • risk factors for coronary artery disease (such as diabetes, smoking, being overweight, having high blood pressure or high cholesterol).

Ospemifene may increase your risk of developing endometrial hyperplasia, a condition that may lead to cancer of the uterus. If your uterus has not been removed, your doctor may prescribe a progestin for you to take to lower this risk while you are taking ospemifene.

Ospemifene may also increase your risk of a stroke or blood clot. Talk with your doctor about your individual risks.

FDA pregnancy category X. This medication can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects. Do not use ospemifene if you are pregnant or may become pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment. Use effective birth control while you are taking this medication.

You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment.

It is not known whether ospemifene passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take ospemifene?

Ospemifene is usually taken once daily. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Take with food.

Report any unusual vaginal bleeding to your doctor right away.

Your doctor should check your progress on a regular basis (every 3 to 6 months) to determine whether you should continue this treatment. Self-examine your breasts for lumps on a monthly basis while taking ospemifene.

If you need surgery or if you will be on bed rest, you may need to stop taking this medication for a short time. Any doctor or surgeon who treats you should know that you are taking ospemifene.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking ospemifene?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

What are the possible side effects of ospemifene?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

  • sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body), sudden severe headache, slurred speech, problems with vision or balance;
  • chest pain, sudden cough, wheezing, rapid breathing, coughing up blood;
  • pain, swelling, warmth, or redness in one or both legs; or
  • any unusual vaginal bleeding.

Common side effects may include:

  • hot flashes;
  • vaginal discharge;
  • increased sweating; or
  • muscle spasm.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect ospemifene?

You should not use ospemifene together with estrogens, such as birth control pills or hormone replacement medications.

Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with ospemifene, especially:

  • fluconazole.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with ospemifene, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about ospemifene.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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