Vagifem is used once daily for the first 14 days, then twice a week thereafter. The twice-weekly doses should ideally be taken on the same two days each week (for example, Monday and Thursday) to help build a consistent habit. There is no specific time of day required, use it at whatever time is easiest for you to remember.

1. Wash your hands thoroughly before handling the applicator.
2. Remove one pre-loaded applicator from its packaging.
3. Find a comfortable position, lying on your back with knees bent, or standing with one foot raised on a chair both work well.
4. Gently insert the applicator into the vagina as far as is comfortable.
5. Press the plunger to release the tablet, then carefully withdraw the applicator.
6. Dispose of the single-use applicator, do not reuse it.
7. Wash your hands again after use.

You can bathe, shower, and swim as normal when using Vagifem. The tablet dissolves and is absorbed by vaginal tissue quickly, so daily activities are unlikely to interfere with it. If you use vaginal lubricants or moisturisers, try to avoid applying them immediately before inserting Vagifem, as this may make insertion more difficult or affect how the tablet dissolves.

Some women notice very mild local irritation, particularly in the first few days of use. This is usually temporary and settles as the vaginal tissue begins to respond to treatment. If irritation persists or feels significant, mention it at your review appointment, it is rarely a reason to stop treatment, but your clinician may want to assess the area.

If you miss a daily dose during the first two weeks, insert it as soon as you remember, unless it is nearly time for your next dose, in which case skip the missed one and continue as normal. During the maintenance phase (twice weekly), if you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember and then return to your usual schedule. Do not insert two tablets at once to make up for a missed dose.

Vagifem is used once daily for the first 14 days, then twice a week thereafter. The twice-weekly doses should ideally be taken on the same two days each week (for example, Monday and Thursday) to help build a consistent habit. There is no specific time of day required, use it at whatever time is easiest for you to remember.

1. Wash your hands thoroughly before handling the applicator.
2. Remove one pre-loaded applicator from its packaging.
3. Find a comfortable position, lying on your back with knees bent, or standing with one foot raised on a chair both work well.
4. Gently insert the applicator into the vagina as far as is comfortable.
5. Press the plunger to release the tablet, then carefully withdraw the applicator.
6. Dispose of the single-use applicator, do not reuse it.
7. Wash your hands again after use.

You can bathe, shower, and swim as normal when using Vagifem. The tablet dissolves and is absorbed by vaginal tissue quickly, so daily activities are unlikely to interfere with it. If you use vaginal lubricants or moisturisers, try to avoid applying them immediately before inserting Vagifem, as this may make insertion more difficult or affect how the tablet dissolves.

Some women notice very mild local irritation, particularly in the first few days of use. This is usually temporary and settles as the vaginal tissue begins to respond to treatment. If irritation persists or feels significant, mention it at your review appointment, it is rarely a reason to stop treatment, but your clinician may want to assess the area.

If you miss a daily dose during the first two weeks, insert it as soon as you remember, unless it is nearly time for your next dose, in which case skip the missed one and continue as normal. During the maintenance phase (twice weekly), if you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember and then return to your usual schedule. Do not insert two tablets at once to make up for a missed dose.

Frequency: Change your patch twice weekly (every 3-4 days). Many women choose consistent days like Sunday and Wednesday, or Monday and Thursday, to establish a routine. Each patch should be worn continuously.

Location: Apply patches to clean, dry, intact skin on your trunk below the waist—such as the lower abdomen, hips or buttocks. Avoid your breasts and waistband area where clothing might rub. The patch should not be applied on or near the breasts.

Preparation: Apply to skin that's completely dry and free from creams, lotions, oils or powder. These products can prevent the patch from sticking properly.

1. Open the sachet containing the patch by tearing along the edge. Remove the patch carefully.

2. Peel away one part of the protective foil at the S-shaped incision to expose part of the adhesive. Avoid touching the sticky surface.

3. Apply the exposed part to your skin from the edge to the middle, avoiding wrinkling of the patch.

4. Remove the second part of the protective foil and apply the freshly exposed adhesive. Again, avoid wrinkling.

5. Press firmly for at least 10 seconds across the entire patch using the palm of your hand to bring the patch to skin temperature, at which the adhesive effect is optimised. Pay particular attention to the edges to ensure good adhesion.

Never apply a new patch to exactly the same spot you just removed one from. Allow at least a week before reusing the same skin area. This simple rotation prevents irritation and allows your skin to recover between applications.

Your patch should remain in place during normal daily activities, including:

• Bathing and showering
• Swimming
• Exercise

If a patch does fall off, replace it immediately with a new patch. However, maintain your usual day of changing patches.

If you experience irritation:

• Ensure you're rotating sites with enough spacing
• Apply patches to slightly different areas within the approved zones
• Avoid applying to skin that's irritated or broken
• Don't apply creams or products to the area before application
• Speak with your clinician if irritation persists—they might suggest an alternative HRT method

If you forget to change your patch, change it as soon as possible and apply the next one at the normal time. However, if it's almost time for the next patch, skip the missed one and go back to your regular schedule. Only one patch should be applied at a time.

Wearing a patch for more than 4 days by mistake or any period without a patch may increase the likelihood of breakthrough bleeding or spotting.