Ovesse Orchid Icon

Ovesse

The only vaginal oestrogen cream available without prescription

What Is Ovesse?

Ovesse is a prescription strength vaginal oestrogen cream that is applied in the vagina using a reusable applicator. It treats the cause and eases the symptoms of vaginal atrophy following the menopause.

It is available without prescription from Boots pharmacies in-store and online – the pharmacist will ensure Ovesse is suitable for you.

Ovesse 1mg/g Vaginal Cream Estriol Pack

Ovesse contains a female hormone called estriol. It substitutes for the reduced production of naturally occurring oestrogen following the menopause and helps to restore the vaginal tissue back to normal.

Ovesse 1mg/g Vaginal Cream Estriol Applicator Diagram
Ovesse 1mg/g Vaginal Cream Estriol Applicator Diagram

How Ovesse Works

Ovesse works by replacing the oestrogen that was produced by the ovaries before the menopause

Ovesse cream works locally in the vagina, where it’s needed.
Treats the cause of vaginal dryness, soreness, burning, itching and painful intercourse by replacing lost oestrogen.

Clinically proven treatment

Relieves the menopausal vaginal symptoms listed above and helps to normalise the vaginal environment.
Reduces dryness and improves
painful intercourse.
Your symptoms may take a few months to improve. Talk to your pharmacist if your symptoms worsen at any point, or if there has not been any improvement in your symptoms after 3 months of treatment.

The symptoms of vaginal atrophy do not get better on their own, they will not resolve with time and without treatment. If treatment is stopped, the symptoms often return.

Respected organisations like the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence suggest treatment with vaginal oestrogens should continue for as long as it is needed. Ongoing suitability for Ovesse will be reviewed by your pharmacist each time you purchase a new pack.

Ovesse Postmenopausal Women

Who Can Use Ovesse

Ovesse is for the treatment of vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women who:
• Are aged 50 years or more
• And have not had a period for at least 1 year.

Discuss with your pharmacist:

If you are already using a local vaginal oestrogen you can switch to the Ovesse maintenance dose if:
  • You have used the product for more than 3 months
  • And your symptoms are adequately controlled
  • And your health status is unchanged since your last supply of vaginal oestrogen.

Discuss with your pharmacist:

If you are taking systemic HRT (oral tablets, patches, oestrogen gel or spray), you can use Ovesse if:
  • You have previously been prescribed local vaginal oestrogen therapy for concurrent use
  • And your health status is unchanged since your last prescription
  • Or if your GP has confirmed Ovesse is suitable for you.

Ovesse may not be suitable for some people, for example depending on medical history and other medication being taken. See the Ovesse Package Leaflet.

Whether you’re buying in-store or online, in order to ensure that Ovesse is suitable for you, you will be asked questions about:
  • Your symptoms, age and how long it is since your last period
  • Any medicines you are taking
  • Aspects of your medical history, allergies and family history.

If any concerns arise about you using Ovesse, then you will be guided to talk to your doctor.

How To Use Ovesse

Each pack of Ovesse contains:

A 15g tube of Ovesse Vaginal Cream which will provide 30 applications
A reusable, calibrated, clear plastic applicator
A Package Leaflet

For more details please see the Ovesse Package Leaflet.

Ovesse has an initial starting dose and after two weeks, a maintenance dose. See the table below for details.

Do not use more than the recommended dose.

Ovesse Dosing

MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN
INITIAL WEEK 1
One application per day
WEEK 2
One application per day
MAINTENANCE WEEK 3 AND THEREAFTER
One application twice a week (3 – 4 days apart) *

* Tuesday and Friday administration is an example of twice weekly dosing.

A good time to apply Ovesse is before going to bed.

Just before you finish each pack of Ovesse, and before you purchase another, you should discuss with the pharmacist to make sure Ovesse is still suitable for you.

Further details on safe use of Ovesse can be found on the
Ovesse Package Leaflet.

Always use Ovesse exactly as described in the Ovesse Package Leaflet or as your pharmacist has told you.

Potential side effects:

Ovesse contains a low dose of oestrogen which works locally in the vagina. Ovesse is classed as a local vaginal oestrogen, not a systemic HRT which circulates in the blood (oral tablets, patches, gels or sprays). It is generally thought that the risks associated with local vaginal oestrogen such as Ovesse are lower than those associated with systemic HRT. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if you are concerned.

Stop using Ovesse and seek urgent medical attention if you have a serious allergic reaction to Ovesse (occurs very rarely). Signs may include:

  • Suddenly feeling unwell with sweating
  • Vomiting
  • Difficulty in breathing
  • Rapid heartbeat or feeling dizzy

Like all medicines, Ovesse can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you experience any of these:

  • Irritation or itching of the skin in or around your vagina when you start to use Ovesse (this usually gets better after a few weeks)
  • Increased vaginal discharge, bleeding or spotting
  • Gall bladder problems
  • Skin problems such as a rash or an allergy to the sun
  • Breasts become swollen, tender or painful
  • Headaches
  • Feeling sick or being sick
  • Flu-like symptoms

If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist – your doctor may decide to stop you using the cream. This includes any possible side effects not listed. You can also report side effects directly via Yellow Card Scheme Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

Other reasons to seek medical advice:

Stop using Ovesse and see a doctor immediately if any of the following occur during treatment:

  • Any of the conditions mentioned in the ‘DO NOT use Ovesse’ section of the Ovesse Package Leaflet
  • Any new vaginal bleeding, spotting or itching
  • If you have endometriosis and your symptoms come back
  • Swollen face, tongue and/or throat and/or difficulty swallowing or hives, together with difficulty in breathing
  • Signs of a blood clot which may include:
    • Painful swelling and redness of legs
    • Sudden chest pain
    • Difficulty in breathing

Seek prompt advice from your doctor if any of the following occur during treatment:

  • Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes (jaundice)
  • A large rise in your blood pressure (symptoms may be headache, tiredness, dizziness)
  • Migraine-like headaches which happen for the first time
  • Pregnancy

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you develop a vaginal infection.

See the Ovesse Package Leaflet for full information.

Click the button below to visit Ovesse on the Boots website, where you can complete the Pharmacy Checklist. This ensures that Ovesse is suitable for you.
UK-EST-06-24-00002 October 2024