Femring
(estradiol acetate vaginal ring)
Relieves hot flashes and vaginal dryness due to menopause.
Our bottom line
Femring (estradiol acetate vaginal ring) is dosed more conveniently than other forms of estrogen therapy (pills, gels, patches, and creams), but needs to be inserted directly into the vagina.
- Drug class: Women's health
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: No lower cost generic available
Upsides
- Femring (estradiol acetate vaginal ring) may be more convenient since it is dosed once every 3 months compared to other medications that need to taken daily or twice weekly.
- Many women find Femring (estradiol acetate vaginal ring) more comfortable to use and easier to apply than creams or gels.
- Unlike other topical therapies, Femring (estradiol acetate vaginal ring) works to improve both hot flashes and vaginal dryness caused by menopause.
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What to expect from Femring, on one page
Download Fact Sheet
31Downsides
- Use of a vaginal ring might not be the best option if you have a narrow vagina or frequent vaginal infections.
- The ring can fall out without you noticing.
- Only available as brand name, so it may be expensive if not covered by insurance.
- All estrogen therapies increase your risk of uterine cancer, heart problems, and blood clots – especially if you have a history of these conditions.
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What to expect from Femring, on one page
Download Fact SheetFemring (estradiol acetate vaginal ring) acts like estrogen to restore functions lost when hormone levels are dramatically reduced during menopause.
- Drug class: Women's health
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: No lower cost generic available
Used for
- Hot flashes
- Vaginal dryness and inflammation
Dosage forms
- Vaginal ring
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.- Rite AidGet free coupon$463.95
- CostcoGet free coupon$470.04
What to expect when you take Femring (estradiol acetate vaginal ring) for hot flashes and vaginal dryness related to menopause
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonthsLong term
- Effectiveness
- Starts to kick inFull effects
- First few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonthsLong term
- Possible side effects
- Headache
- Spotting
- Vaginal yeast infection
- Breast tenderness
- Back pain
- Bloating
Side effect rates for Femring (estradiol acetate vaginal ring)
- Spotting8%8%2%2%
- Headache7%7%9%9%
- Bloating7%7%3%3%
- Vaginal yeast infection6%6%3%3%
- Breast tenderness6%6%2%2%
- Back pain6%6%4%4%
- Sinus infection2%2%2%2%
- Pain in the uterus2%2%1%1%
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Femring.
People taking Femring felt side effect more
People taking Femring felt side effect less
Risks and Warnings for Femring (estradiol acetate vaginal ring)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.- Higher risk if:
- › Using estrogen for more than one year
- › Higher dose of estrogen
Taking Femring (estradiol acetate vaginal ring) for more than a year increases your risk for uterine cancer. Talk to your doctor if this concerns you. Let your doctor know if you notice any unusual bleeding while on Femring (estradiol acetate vaginal ring).
This is a black box warning. The FDA requires this warning when there is a significant risk of serious or life-threatening effects that anyone taking the drug should consider.
Common concerns from people taking Femring (estradiol acetate vaginal ring)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?- Worth itBig hassleReviewed Femringon 1/4/2017I can not get the femring out, I have to have my doctor remove the ring and that is pain full.69WomanHot flashes and night sweats