Phexxi (lactic acid/citric acid/potassium bitartrate) is a brand-name vaginal gel that’s prescribed to prevent pregnancy. As with other drugs, Phexxi can cause side effects, such as vaginal burning or itching.

Phexxi 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 used Phexxi in clinical trials:

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

Mild side effects that have been reported with Phexxi include:

  • vaginal burning
  • vaginal pain
  • painful urination
  • vaginal or genital discomfort
  • vaginal discharge
  • vaginal itching (See “Side effect specifics”)

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 Phexxi and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch.

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

If you develop serious side effects while taking Phexxi, 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:

  • infections (See “Side effect specifics”)
ALLERGIC REACTION

For some people, Phexxi can cause an allergic reaction.

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 Phexxi, your doctor may recommend taking a different medication instead.

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

Infections

Phexxi can cause infections. This side effect was common in clinical trials of the drug. Types of infections seen with Phexxi can include:

Symptoms of infections may include:

  • frequent urination
  • burning or painful urination
  • vaginal itching
  • vaginal discharge
  • bloody or cloudy urine
  • painful intercourse
  • abdominal pain
  • bladder pain

What you can do

If you develop symptoms of an infection, talk with your doctor right away. They’ll like to order tests to determine if you have an infection. And they may prescribe antifungal drugs or antibiotics to treat your infection. Certain medications are used by inserting them into the vagina. You can continue to use Phexxi while taking these medications.

Vaginal itching

Vaginal itching was a common side effect in clinical trials of Phexxi.

In some cases, itching can be a sign of a vaginal infection and may be accompanied by other symptoms, such as burning, discomfort, or discharge.

What you can do

Vaginal itching can resolve on its own soon after you insert Phexxi. If it doesn’t, you can try washing your vagina or genitals with soap and warm water.

If you experience other symptoms along with vaginal itching, such as painful urination, vaginal burning, frequent urination, vaginal discharge, or cloudy urine, talk with your doctor.

Below is important information you should consider before taking Phexxi.

Precautions

Before taking Phexxi, discuss your health history with your doctor. Phexxi 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:

  • urinary tract problems
  • previous allergic reaction to this or a similar drug
  • pregnancy
  • breastfeeding

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.