Prasterone (Intrarosa): a vaginal DHEA insert for painful sex

Prasterone (brand name Intrarosa) is dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) given as a nightly vaginal insert. The FDA approved it to treat moderate to severe painful intercourse (dyspareunia) caused by menopause-related vulvar and vaginal changes. It acts locally and is converted to estrogens and androgens in vaginal tissue.

Key label points

Over-the-counter DHEA supplements are not the same product and are not FDA-approved for this use.

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.

• Used once daily at bedtime.
• Should not be used with undiagnosed abnormal genital bleeding.
• Has not been studied in women with a current or past history of breast cancer; estrogen is a metabolite, so labeling advises caution.
• Vaginal discharge is the most 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

• Any vaginal bleeding after menopause (12 months without a period) should be checked by a clinician.

How Dot can help

Dot lets you note comfort and symptoms over time in a private log you control. Dot does not recommend treatments.

How Dot works · Kindr Care clinical care

Related topics

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

Sources

1. DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine. Intrarosa (prasterone) — 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.