Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) 1 mg/g and Estriol 0.25 mg/g Vaginal Cream is a specially compounded semisolid formulation designed for vaginal administration. This cream is dispensed in a tube, which allows for convenient and precise application to the vaginal area. The formulation is intended to deliver medication directly to the site of action, providing therapeutic effects for specific gynecological conditions.

The active ingredients in this formulation, DHEA and Estriol, have distinct but complementary roles. DHEA is a naturally occurring hormone that serves as a precursor to sex hormones, including estrogens and androgens. In this formulation, DHEA may help to alleviate symptoms associated with vaginal atrophy, such as dryness, itching, and discomfort, which are often experienced by women during menopause or as a result of certain medical conditions. By converting to active sex hormones locally within the vaginal tissues, DHEA can help to restore the normal physiology of the vaginal mucosa.

Estriol, the weakest form of estrogen, is used in this formulation for its estrogenic effects, which are milder compared to other forms of estrogen. It is often chosen for its favorable safety profile, particularly in women who may have concerns about the use of stronger estrogens. Estriol can help to improve the thickness and elasticity of the vaginal mucosa, enhance natural lubrication, and maintain a healthy vaginal pH, which is important for preventing infections. Together, DHEA and Estriol work synergistically to relieve symptoms of vaginal atrophy and support the overall health of the vaginal tissue.

This formulation may be prescribed for women experiencing symptoms of menopause, such as vaginal dryness, irritation, and painful intercourse, or for those who have conditions that lead to similar symptoms, such as certain breast cancer treatments that lower estrogen levels. It is important for patients and prescribers to note that the use of this cream should be based on a thorough evaluation of the patient's medical history and current health status. Regular monitoring and follow-up are recommended to assess the effectiveness of the treatment and to make any necessary adjustments.

For any questions regarding this formulation, or to discuss individual patient needs, please reach out to us at Bayview Pharmacy. Our team of knowledgeable compounding pharmacists is dedicated to providing personalized care and support to both patients and prescribers.

The formulation you have described contains two active ingredients: dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and estriol, which are hormones that can have various effects on the body. DHEA is a precursor to sex hormones, including estrogens and androgens, and estriol is a weak estrogen. This vaginal cream is designed to address conditions such as atrophic vaginitis, which is often associated with decreased levels of estrogen in postmenopausal women, leading to thinning and inflammation of the vaginal walls. The cream may also be used for other gynecological conditions where local hormone therapy is indicated.

When considering drug interactions, it is important to note that the systemic absorption of hormones from vaginal creams can be lower than from oral formulations, but interactions can still occur. Estriol, being an estrogen, can theoretically interact with a variety of medications. For example, it may reduce the effectiveness of aromatase inhibitors, which are used in the treatment of certain types of breast cancer, as these drugs are intended to decrease estrogen levels in the body. Concurrent use of estriol with other estrogenic compounds can increase the risk of additive systemic estrogenic effects, such as endometrial hyperplasia or venous thromboembolism.

Estrogens can also affect the metabolism of certain drugs by inducing or inhibiting hepatic enzymes such as cytochrome P450 enzymes. This can lead to either decreased effectiveness of drugs like warfarin, leading to a potential decrease in anticoagulant effect, or increased levels of drugs metabolized by these enzymes, such as certain benzodiazepines, leading to increased sedative effects. Additionally, estrogens may interfere with the effectiveness of hypoglycemic drugs, and doses may need to be adjusted in diabetic patients.

DHEA, on the other hand, is converted in the body to both estrogens and androgens. It may interact with medications that are also metabolized by the same pathways, such as certain antipsychotics, HIV medications, and other hormones. The use of DHEA in combination with other androgens or estrogens can potentiate the effects and side effects of these hormones. Caution should be exercised when using this cream in patients who are on hormone replacement therapy or hormonal contraceptives.

It is also important to consider the potential for interactions with over-the-counter medications, herbal supplements, and even certain foods. For instance, grapefruit juice can affect the metabolism of estrogens and should be consumed with caution. Patients should be advised to inform their healthcare provider of all medications, supplements, and significant dietary changes.

Given the complexity of hormone interactions, it is crucial for prescribers to thoroughly evaluate the patient's current medication regimen and medical history before prescribing this vaginal cream. Monitoring for signs of systemic hormonal effects or interactions with other medications should be part of the follow-up care. If you have any questions or require further information regarding this formulation and its potential interactions, please reach out to us at Bayview Pharmacy. We are here to support both patients and prescribers with the safe and effective use of compounded medications.

The Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) 1 mg/g and Estriol 0.25 mg/g Vaginal Cream is a specially compounded formulation designed to address certain gynecological conditions through topical application. DHEA is a naturally occurring hormone that serves as a precursor to sex hormones in the body, including estrogen and testosterone. When applied vaginally, DHEA is thought to be converted by local tissues into active sex hormones, which can then exert their effects directly on the vaginal and surrounding tissues. This local conversion helps to minimize systemic exposure and potential side effects. DHEA has been studied for its role in improving vaginal atrophy, dryness, and inflammation, which are common symptoms of menopause due to the decline in estrogen levels.

Estriol, the weakest form of the three naturally occurring estrogens, is often used in hormone replacement therapy for menopausal symptoms. In this formulation, estriol is used for its estrogenic effects, which can help to restore the health and function of vaginal and urinary tissues. It promotes the growth of the vaginal lining, increases blood flow, and enhances natural lubrication. This can lead to relief from symptoms such as vaginal dryness, itching, and burning, as well as potentially reducing the risk of urinary tract infections. The low dose of estriol in this formulation aims to provide therapeutic benefits while minimizing the risk of estrogen-related side effects.

The combination of DHEA and estriol in a vaginal cream allows for the synergistic benefits of both hormones. The cream is formulated to be a semisolid at room temperature, ensuring that it can be easily dispensed from a tube for precise application. Once applied, the cream melts at body temperature and is distributed evenly across the vaginal mucosa, allowing for optimal absorption of the active ingredients. This localized delivery system targets the affected area directly, which can lead to improved efficacy and patient satisfaction compared to systemic treatments.

This vaginal cream is typically used to treat symptoms associated with menopause or other hormonal imbalances that affect the vaginal area. It may also be used in the management of certain conditions like vulvovaginal atrophy, dyspareunia (painful intercourse), and to improve the overall health of the vaginal tissue. As with any medication, it is important to use this cream under the guidance of a healthcare provider, who can determine the appropriate treatment regimen based on the patient's specific condition and health history.

If you have any questions about this formulation or how it can be used to treat specific disease states, please reach out to us at Bayview Pharmacy. Our team of knowledgeable compounding pharmacists is here to provide guidance and support to both patients and prescribers considering the use of this specialized medication.

While this Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) 1 mg/g and Estriol 0.25 mg/g Vaginal Cream is primarily formulated to address specific gynecological conditions such as atrophic vaginitis, which is associated with estrogen deficiency in postmenopausal women, it may have other potential uses as well. For instance, some studies suggest that DHEA may improve sexual function and overall well-being in women experiencing decreased libido or sexual dysfunction, possibly due to its conversion into active sex steroids within vaginal tissues. Furthermore, the local application of estriol, being a weaker estrogen, is thought to minimize systemic exposure and potential risks associated with stronger estrogens, which might make this combination appealing for women who are concerned about systemic hormone therapy.

Patients with symptoms of genital atrophy, often manifesting as dryness, itching, burning, and dyspareunia (pain during intercourse), may find relief with the application of this cream. Additionally, the hormonal components of this formulation could contribute to the maintenance of healthy vaginal flora, hence potentially reducing the risk of recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) seen in postmenopausal women. Although the formulation’s primary purpose is not for incontinence, improvements in urethral function have been noted with local estrogen therapy, which might provide added benefit for some women experiencing mild urinary incontinence.

It's important to note that this formulation should be used under medical supervision and is not indicated for all patient populations. For example, it is not recommended for patients with a history of hormone-dependent cancers or those with unexplained vaginal bleeding unless a thorough diagnostic evaluation has been performed. As a compounding pharmacy, we advise prescribers to consider individual patient needs, risks, and potential benefits when contemplating this formulation. We also encourage patients to speak to their healthcare provider to ensure this therapy aligns with their specific health conditions and treatment goals.

Moreover, this vaginal cream could potentially be used off-label for supportive care during treatments that cause vaginal mucosa atrophy or for premenopausal women who have certain conditions leading to a decrease in endogenous estrogen production. Because this is an area of ongoing research, prescribers and patients alike are urged to stay informed about emerging studies and clinical trials that might expand the potential uses of this medication. If you have any questions regarding the suitability of this formulation for different uses or would like to discuss specific patient cases, do not hesitate to reach out to us at Bayview Pharmacy. Our team of compounding pharmacists is always ready to provide the necessary information and support.