Imvexxy (estradiol) is a brand-name medication that’s prescribed to help treat painful sex after menopause. As with other drugs, Imvexxy can cause side effects, such as headache or nausea.

Imvexxy has boxed warnings. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For details, see the “Side effect specifics” section below.

Imvexxy can cause certain side effects, some of which are more common than others. These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

These are just a few of the more common side effects reported by people who took Imvexxy in clinical trials:

  • headache
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • fluid retention (fluid buildup in the body)
  • breast pain or tenderness

Mild side effects can occur with Imvexxy use. This list doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Imvexxy’s prescribing information.

Mild side effects that have been reported with Imvexxy include:

  • headache
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • breast pain or tenderness
  • fluid retention (fluid buildup in the body)

These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. If you develop a side effect while taking Imvexxy and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch.

Imvexxy may cause serious side effects, but they rarely occur. The list below may not include all possible serious side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Imvexxy’s prescribing information.

If you develop serious side effects while taking Imvexxy, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

Serious side effects that have been reported and their symptoms include:

  • Vision problems, which may include symptoms such as:
    • loss of vision
    • bulging of the eyes
    • double vision
    • migraine headache
  • Increased risk of gallbladder problems, which may include symptoms such as:
  • Increased risk of certain cancers*
  • Increased risk of dementia*
  • Risk of cardiovascular problems*

* Imvexxy has boxed warnings about these risks. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. To learn more, see the “Side effect specifics” section below.

ALLERGIC REACTION

For some people, Imvexxy tablets can cause an allergic reaction.

But this side effect wasn’t reported in the drug’s studies.

In general, symptoms of allergic reaction can be mild or serious.

Ways to manage

For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep taking the medication.

For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Imvexxy, your doctor may recommend taking a different medication instead.

Imvexxy may cause several side effects. Here are some frequently asked questions about the drug’s side effects and their answers.

Can Imvexxy cause hair loss or weight gain?

No. There were no reports of hair loss or weight gain in clinical trials of Imvexxy.

However, Imvexxy is used to treat painful sex after menopause, and menopause may cause hair loss in some people. If you experience hair loss while using Imvexxy, talk with your doctor. They can help you determine the cause of your hair loss and may be able to suggest ways to manage it.

While weight gain wasn’t reported as a side effect, it’s possible that Imvexxy can cause fluid retention (a buildup of fluid in the body). This may temporarily cause an increase in your weight.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re concerned about hair loss or weight gain while taking Imvexxy.

How long does Imvexxy stay in your system?

Because Imvexxy is used in the vaginal area, not much drug is absorbed into the bloodstream. This found that any drug that is absorbed into the bloodstream was shown to be cleared from your system within 14 days.

If you have any questions or concerns about how long Imvexxy stays in your system, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Learn more about some of the side effects that Imvexxy may cause. To find out how often side effects occurred in clinical trials, see the prescribing information for Imvexxy.

Increased risk of cancer

Imvexxy has a boxed warning about the increased risk of certain cancers. Although Imvexxy is only used in the vaginal area, it’s possible for it to be absorbed into the bloodstream leading to an increased risk of endometrial or breast cancer in some people. This was rare in clinical trials of the drug.

Endometrial cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the lining of the uterus. Symptoms of endometrial cancer may include:

Breast cancer may cause symptoms such as:

  • nipple discharge
  • discoloration of the skin on the breast
  • breast pain
  • swollen lymph nodes in the armpit

What you can do

Your doctor will likely recommend routine screenings, including breast exams, pelvic exams, and blood tests. It’s important to keep all your appointments for routine checkups and screenings while you’re taking Imvexxy.

If you experience any symptoms of endometrial or breast cancer while using Imvexxy, talk with your doctor right away. They’ll likely order tests to determine the cause of your symptoms.

Talk with your doctor before starting treatment if you have questions about the risk of cancers with Imvexxy. They may suggest other ways to reduce your risk. Imvexxy should be used at the lowest dose possible for the shortest time to reduce your risk of these cancers.

Increased risk of dementia

Imvexxy has a boxed warning about the increased risk of dementia. This increased risk was seen in people ages 65 years and older who have been through menopause. Dementia can cause problems with memory, thinking, and communication, which may include symptoms such as:

  • sudden mood changes
  • trouble communicating
  • short-term memory loss
  • difficulty completing familiar tasks
  • feeling disoriented or confused

What you can do

Talk with your doctor if you or anyone in your family notices symptoms of dementia. Your doctor may recommend stopping Imvexxy and suggest other treatment options.

Risk of cardiovascular problems

Imvexxy has a boxed warning about the increased risk of cardiovascular disorders, such as heart attack, stroke, or blood clots. These were rare but serious side effects of Imvexxy in the drug’s clinical trials.

Blood clots, such as pulmonary embolism (PE) or deep vein thrombosis (DVT), are possible during treatment with Imvexxy. PE is a blood clot that forms in your lungs. DVT is a blood clot that forms in your leg (usually in the lower leg) or arm. Symptoms of PE or DVT may include:

  • chest pain
  • trouble breathing
  • pain or swelling in your leg or arm
  • warmth in or around the affected area

Using Imvexxy may increase your risk of heart attack or stroke. A heart attack is when there is a blockage in the arteries that supply oxygen to the heart. A stroke occurs when there is a blockage or bleed in the vessels that deliver oxygen to the brain. Symptoms of a heart attack or stroke may include:

  • sudden severe headache
  • changes in vision
  • chest pain or tightness
  • shortness of breath
  • feeling clammy or sweating

What you can do

Talk with your doctor if you have questions about your risk for cardiovascular disease with Imvexxy. If you have any symptoms of cardiovascular problems, call your doctor right away. If your symptoms feel severe or life threatening, call 911 or your local emergency number.

Below is important information you should consider before taking Imvexxy.

Imvexxy has boxed warnings. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For details, see the “Side effect specifics” section above.

Other precautions

Before taking Imvexxy, discuss your health history with your doctor. Imvexxy may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. Be sure to talk with your doctor if any of the following apply to you:

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.