Ovesse becomes UK's first vaginal oestrogen cream without prescription
Will be available in Boots pharmacies over-the-counter
Ovesse has become the first and only vaginal oestrogen cream available to buy directly from Boots pharmacies in the UK, without a prescription.
Ovesse contains a female hormone called estriol. It acts as a substitute for the reduced production of naturally occurring oestrogen following the menopause and helps to restore the vaginal tissue back to normal.
Ovesse is a prescription strength cream that is applied in the vagina using a reusable applicator and treats and relieves vaginal atrophy, a chronic and progressive condition which affects half of postmenopausal women. The cream contains a female hormone called estriol and it becomes a safe substitute for the reduced production of naturally occurring oestrogen following the menopause and helps to restore the vaginal tissue back to normal.
The ability to purchase Ovesse from pharmacies without the need to see a GP or have a prescription will help improve access to this treatment, and with the added protection of pharmacy teams, both in-store and online, conducting relevant checks to ensure the product is appropriate for each woman. The introduction at Boots follows MHRA approval.
Nicholas Scott, Head of Northern Europe Commercial at Aspen Pharmacare said:
“We’re delighted to be launching Ovesse vaginal cream into the UK, as a non-prescription option for postmenopausal women experiencing symptoms of vaginal atrophy.
“We know that speaking to a Doctor or getting a prescription can sometimes deter women from seeking help. Ovesse will help improve access to this healthcare product and help empower postmenopausal women experiencing vaginal atrophy symptoms to manage their health with greater ease and confidence.”
A symptom of reducing oestrogen levels
Vaginal atrophy is a condition associated with the menopause. During and after the menopause, women’s oestrogen levels reduce, changing vaginal health, making the walls of the vagina thinner and dryer which may lead to vaginal symptoms that include dryness, soreness, itching, burning sensation or painful sexual intercourse. These symptoms are known as vaginal atrophy. Unlike other common menopausal symptoms such as night sweats and hot flushes, vaginal atrophy is unlikely to resolve without treatment.
The symptoms of vaginal atrophy can have a significant impact on a woman’s quality of life and relationships with their partner. It can also negatively impact sleep and general enjoyment of life. A UK survey found that 66% of women said that vaginal atrophy interfered with sexual satisfaction and 61% said it interfered with intimacy.
Although around half of all postmenopausal women will experience at least one symptom of vaginal atrophy, many women do not seek help for their symptoms. Reasons for this include lack of knowledge about treatment options and accepting the symptoms as simply a part of ageing, or embarrassment. Many women are reluctant to discuss their symptoms with a Doctor and many women aren’t aware that treatment is available.