Osphena

Understanding Osphena (Ospemifene)

Osphena (ospemifene) is a prescription medication designed to alleviate dyspareunia, which is discomfort or pain during sexual intercourse, especially in postmenopausal women. Classified as a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), Osphena mimics estrogen’s effects in certain tissues, such as the vaginal lining, helping to alleviate symptoms like dryness and pain.

Typically, Osphena is recommended for postmenopausal women experiencing vaginal atrophy, characterized by dryness and thinning of vaginal tissues. The medication is administered orally in pill form.

Precautions and Warnings

Osphena (ospemifene) can elevate the risk of blood clots, strokes, and heart attacks, especially if certain risk factors are present, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, high cholesterol, obesity, or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

In the uterus, Osphena acts like estrogen, potentially increasing the risk of uterine or endometrial cancer, particularly in women who have used estrogen therapy without progestin, have a long history of estrogen therapy, or are on high doses of estrogen.

Osphena should be avoided if you have liver issues, unexplained vaginal bleeding, estrogen-dependent tumors or cancers, a history of blood clots, stroke, or heart attack, or if you are pregnant or may become pregnant.

Dosage Information

For treating dyspareunia in postmenopausal women, the standard dosage of Osphena (ospemifene) is 60 mg, taken orally once a day with food.

Possible Side Effects

Common side effects include:

• Vaginal discharge
• Muscle spasms
• Headache
• Night sweats
• Hot flashes

Severe side effects to watch for:

• Difficulty breathing
• Confusion
• Speech changes
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Vaginal bleeding