Ospemifene (Osphena): an oral option for painful sex after menopause

Ospemifene (brand name Osphena) is a prescription pill taken once daily with food. It is an estrogen agonist/antagonist that acts like estrogen on vaginal tissue. The FDA has approved it for moderate to severe painful intercourse (dyspareunia) and vaginal dryness caused by menopause.

Key label points

This summary reflects FDA-approved prescribing information. It is not a complete list of uses, warnings or side effects — read the current label and the Medication Guide or patient information from your pharmacist.

• Boxed warning: it can act like estrogen on the uterine lining, so endometrial cancer risk is a concern; abnormal bleeding should be evaluated.
• The boxed warning also notes an increased risk of stroke and blood clots.
• Should not be used with undiagnosed abnormal genital bleeding, known or suspected breast cancer or estrogen-dependent cancer, or active or past blood clots or stroke.
• Hot flashes are a common side effect.

When to talk with a healthcare professional

• Before starting, stopping or changing any medicine — only a prescriber can decide this with you.
• If you notice a side effect, or take other medicines or supplements that might interact.

When to get prompt care

• Sudden chest pain, shortness of breath, leg pain or swelling, sudden severe headache, vision changes or weakness on one side — call emergency services.
• Any vaginal bleeding after menopause (12 months without a period) should be checked by a clinician.

How Dot can help

Dot gives you a private log for intimacy and comfort so you can describe changes accurately to your clinician.

How Dot works · Kindr Care clinical care

Related topics

• Vaginal dryness (GSM)
• Prasterone
• Vaginal estrogen
• Libido & intimacy

Sources

1. DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine. Osphena (ospemifene) — FDA prescribing information.
2. The Menopause Society. The 2020 Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause Position Statement of The North American Menopause Society. Menopause 2020;27(9):976–992 (2020).

This page is educational and not medical advice. Dot does not diagnose or prescribe. See our editorial policy.