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| |  Vagifem (Estradiol) Vaginal Estrogen Tablets Relieves Symptoms Of Atrophic Vaginitis PEAPACK, NJ -- July 31, 2000 -- The introduction of Vagifem® (estradiol vaginal tablets), the world's first vaginal estrogen tablet, by Pharmacia Corporation, offers postmenopausal women an innovative new option for the treatment of atrophic vaginitis, a condition caused by declining estrogen levels. For the last 50 years, the common local estrogen replacement treatments available in the U.S. were vaginal estrogen creams, which can be messy, uncomfortable and inconvenient. Vagifem offers an effective, yet clean, convenient and comfortable treatment for symptoms of atrophic vaginitis, such as vaginal dryness, itching, burning and pain during intercourse. These symptoms can have a negative impact on a woman's sex life and contribute to sexual arousal disorder, which affects an estimated 56 percent of postmenopausal women of all ages. The use of local vaginal estrogen replacement to treat atrophic vaginitis is often overlooked in the recent search for a "Viagra for women" and medications to help women maintain active sex lives. In fact, less than 10 percent of the 25 million women in the U.S. who suffer from symptoms of atrophic vaginitis are treated with vaginal estrogens. "This tiny estrogen tablet offers an important treatment option, safely and effectively treating the problem at its source," said Gloria Bachmann, Professor and Chief of Obstetrics and Gynecology, UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School/ University Hospital, New Brunswick, New Jersey, and a clinical investigator. "As women lose estrogen in menopause, the cells lining the vagina lose their elasticity and moistness, which can lead to discomfort and pain. This new tablet is easily inserted into the vagina with a disposable applicator, safely releasing estrogen to relieve symptoms and help restore moisture in the vagina." A recent opinion poll conducted by Telenation indicates that many women may not know treatment is available. The telephone survey of 218 men and 241 women age 40 and older found that 44 percent of the women did not know that vaginal estrogen replacement therapy treats the underlying causes of vaginal discomfort. Yet over half of the respondents (men and women) said that women today want medications to improve their ability to enjoy sex. Among people age 45 to 54, the ages when menopause usually begins, this number jumps to more than 60 percent. "More than 5,500 women enter menopause each day. But the lifestyle of today's women is vastly different from that of their grandmothers or even their mothers. They demand choices for managing menopause that let them feel healthy and stay active," said Susan Wysocki, RNC, NP, President & CEO, National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women's Health. "Vagifem is an important new option for a condition that is widely undertreated." In a clinical study published in the May issue of the journal Menopause, Vagifem™ (estradiol vaginal tablet) was reported to be as effective in treating postmenopausal atrophic vaginitis as the most commonly used estrogen-containing vaginal cream, Premarin® Vaginal Cream (PVC). Patient acceptance with Vagifem was greater and the drop-out rate from the clinical trial was much lower. The 24-week, open-label study found that only one in ten (10 percent) of the women treated with Vagifem discontinued therapy while triple that number of women (32 percent) using the estrogen vaginal cream discontinued therapy. Vagifem provides controlled, consistent dosing, and results in only minimal systemic absorption. And Vagifem has a proven track record. It is available in 50 countries around the world and is the number one treatment of choice for atrophic vaginitis in markets such as Australia, Denmark, Sweden and the United Kingdom. Pharmacia Corporation acquired U.S. marketing rights for Vagifem in January 2000 under a licensing agreement with Novo Nordisk. Estrogens have been reported to increase the risk of endometrial carcinoma, a form of uterine cancer. Estrogens should not be used in women with known or suspected breast carcinoma, estrogen-dependent neoplasia, abnormal genital bleeding of unknown etiology, pregnancy, porphyria, thrombophlebitis, thrombosis, thromboembolic disorders or hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients of Vagifem. Adverse events associated with Vagifem generally have been mild, including vaginal spotting, vaginal discharge, allergic reactions and skin rash. Related Link: Pharmacia Corporation.
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