FAQs
FAQs
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Gina is indicated for treatment of vaginal atrophy (VA) due to oestrogen deficiency in postmenopausal women aged 50 and above who have not had a period for at least one year.
Gina acts to relieve symptoms of VA including: vaginal dryness, itching, burning, soreness and discomfort during sex.1,6
If a woman is switching from a different local oestrogen therapy, check that:
- She has been using her current local oestrogen therapy for more than 3 months
- Her symptoms have been adequately controlled
- There have been no changes in her health status since her last prescription
This can be assessed using the Pharmacy Checklist. If the woman is suitable for Gina, you can supply Gina and advise her to start on the maintenance dose. Note that Gina may provide a lower dose than her current local oestrogen therapy and this may affect her symptom control.
The vaginal tablet should not fall out. After inserting the vaginal tablet, it sticks to the vaginal wall and dissolves.6 However, if the woman is worried about this, you can suggest that she uses Gina in the evening before she goes to bed.
Most women who have never previously used a local oestrogen therapy may not see an improvement in their symptoms that they consider significant until after 3 months of treatment. However, they may notice improvements earlier.
Oestrogen delivery direct to the vagina avoids hepatic first-pass metabolism so that lower doses than those delivered orally can be utilised to achieve a treatment response in the vagina. As the oestrogen stays within the vagina and low levels are released into the bloodstream, levels remain within the normal postmenopausal range. As systemic absorption of oestrogen is minimal, progestogen is not required.7
If your patient is scheduled for surgery and has to remain immobile during her recovery, it is recommended to temporarily stop Gina 4-6 weeks earlier. Gina should not be used by women who are having to remain immobile during recovery from surgery, until they are completely mobile again.1
Gina is not associated with weight gain. There is no evidence that HRT can have an effect on body weight.8 However, women who are concerned about weight gain may be advised that it is normal to gain weight around the time of the menopause.