ospemifene at a glance
Medicine class
Selective oestrogen receptor modulator (SERM)
Licensed role
Moderate to severe symptomatic vulval and vaginal atrophy after menopause
Hot flushes
It does not treat hot flushes and may cause or worsen them
What is ospemifene used for?
UK-licensed use:
Treatment of moderate to severe symptomatic vulval and vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women, including vaginal dryness and pain during sex.
How does ospemifene work?
Ospemifene binds to oestrogen receptors and selectively activates or blocks oestrogen pathways according to the tissue. Its oestrogen-like action in vaginal tissue improves maturation and lubrication of the vaginal lining, helping relieve atrophy-related symptoms.
ospemifene preparations and strengths
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 60 mg
How to take ospemifene
Follow the directions on the dispensing label. Swallow the film-coated tablet whole with food. Speak to the prescriber before stopping treatment.
Do not crush or chew the tablet unless a pharmacist confirms this is appropriate.
Tell the prescriber if you have severe liver impairment or difficulty swallowing tablets.
ospemifene side effects
Common or expected effects
- Hot flushes or increased sweating
- Genital thrush
- Headache
- Muscle cramps
- Vaginal or genital discharge
- Rash
- Vaginal bleeding
Get urgent medical advice
- Painful leg swelling, sudden chest pain or breathlessness: stop ospemifene and seek immediate medical help because these may indicate a blood clot.
- Tongue or throat swelling, throat tightness, or difficulty breathing or swallowing: seek emergency help for a possible severe allergic reaction.
- New vaginal bleeding or spotting during treatment or after stopping: contact the prescriber promptly because it requires investigation.
ospemifene in pregnancy
Ospemifene is intended only for postmenopausal women and should not be used during pregnancy or by women who could become pregnant. If pregnancy occurs, stop it and contact the prescriber immediately; human pregnancy data are unavailable.
ospemifene while breastfeeding
Ospemifene should not be used while breastfeeding.
ospemifene interactions
Check all prescribed, non-prescribed and herbal products with a pharmacist or prescriber. Important interactions include:
Oestrogens and other SERMs, including tamoxifen, toremifene, bazedoxifene and raloxifene
Concurrent use is not recommended because safety has not been established.
Fluconazole
May substantially increase ospemifene exposure and adverse effects.
Rifampicin, rifabutin, carbamazepine, phenytoin and St John’s wort
These enzyme inducers may lower ospemifene exposure and reduce its effect.
Common questions about ospemifene
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is ospemifene an oestrogen?
No. It is a nonsteroidal SERM that selectively copies or blocks some oestrogen effects depending on the tissue.
What symptoms does ospemifene treat?
It treats moderate to severe vulval and vaginal atrophy after menopause, including dryness, burning, irritation and pain during sex.
Should ospemifene be taken with food?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.