Intrarosa (Prasterone)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Intrarosa Used For?
Intrarosa is a local hormone replacement therapy designed specifically for postmenopausal women experiencing uncomfortable vaginal symptoms.
Primary Uses
Intrarosa treats vulvar and vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women with moderate to severe symptoms, including vaginal dryness, pain during sexual activity, irritation, and itching.
How It Works
Prasterone replaces missing natural steroids in postmenopausal women to relieve menopausal symptoms of vulvar and vaginal atrophy. It works as a local hormone replacement therapy.
Good to know: This is a local treatment that works directly where it’s needed in the vaginal area.
How to Take Intrarosa
Intrarosa is a vaginal pessary that you insert once daily at bedtime using the provided applicator or your fingers.
Dosage Instructions
Use one pessary once a day at bedtime. Empty your bladder and wash your hands before handling. Insert the pessary into your vagina using the provided applicator or your fingers. Do not use any other applicator. The applicator can be reused for up to one week after washing.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss your dose at the usual time, use one as soon as you remember. If your next dose is due in less than 8 hours, skip the missed dose and take your next dose when scheduled. Do not use more than one pessary at a time.
Important: Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. Do not use any applicator other than the one provided.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Vaginal discharge
- Weight fluctuation
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Changes in breast exam or Pap test results
- Signs of blood clots (painful swelling and redness of legs, sudden chest pain, difficulty breathing)
- Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Large rise in blood pressure
- New migraine-like headaches
Important Warnings
Intrarosa has several important contraindications and requires careful monitoring during use.
Who Should Not Take Intrarosa
Do not use if you: are allergic to prasterone or any ingredients; have or have had breast cancer or cancer sensitive to estrogens; have untreated excessive thickening of the womb lining; have or have had blood clots; have blood clotting disorders; have or recently had heart attack, stroke or angina; have liver disease with abnormal function tests; have porphyria; are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have undiagnosed vaginal bleeding.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have: vaginal infection, fibroids, endometriosis, increased risk of blood clots or estrogen-sensitive cancer, high blood pressure, liver disorder, diabetes, gallstones, migraine, lupus, epilepsy, asthma, otosclerosis, high triglycerides, or fluid retention due to heart or kidney problems.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Intrarosa is for postmenopausal women only. If you become pregnant, stop taking Intrarosa immediately and contact your doctor. It is not recommended during breastfeeding as it’s unknown if the medicine passes into breast milk.
Cancer Risk: HRT may increase the risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and endometrial cancer. Regular breast exams and Pap tests are essential.
Drug Interactions
While specific interactions with Intrarosa have not been established, certain combinations are not recommended.
Important: The use of Intrarosa with other HRT or vaginal estrogens is not recommended.
- Other hormone replacement therapy (estrogen-only or estrogen-progestogen combinations)
- Androgen treatment
- Vaginal estrogens
Alcohol & Driving
Intrarosa does not affect your ability to drive or operate machinery, and there are no known interactions with alcohol.
Alcohol
There is no potential interaction with alcohol while using Intrarosa.
Driving and Operating Machinery
No effects on ability to drive and use machines have been observed with Intrarosa.
Storage
Store Intrarosa below 30°C in original package to protect from light. Keep in a cool, dry place away from moisture, heat, or sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car, or on window sills. Do not freeze. Keep away from children.
Overdose Information
If you think you have used too much Intrarosa, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Phone the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department, even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
The source doesn’t specify exact timing, but you should see your doctor for regular check-ups at least every 6 months to discuss the benefits and effectiveness of continuing treatment.
No, Intrarosa is only for postmenopausal women. Do not use this medicine if you still have periods.
Vaginal discharge is the most common side effect and can occur due to the melting of the hard fat base and increased vaginal secretions. You do not need to stop Intrarosa if this occurs.
No, do not use condoms, diaphragms, or cervical caps made of latex when using Intrarosa as they may become damaged.
You should see your doctor for regular check-ups at least every 6 months or as clinically appropriate, including regular Pap tests, gynecological and breast exams.
If you have a vaginal infection, it will need to be treated with antibiotics before starting treatment with Intrarosa. Check with your doctor.
Yes, you can reuse each applicator for up to one week. Wash it by taking it apart, rinsing both pieces for 30 seconds under running water, wiping dry, and reassembling. Store in a clean place separate from unused applicators.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.