PIH16 TREATMENT DURATION FOR ATROPHIC VAGINITIS: CLINICAL TRIALS VERSUS “THE REAL WORLD”

Abstract

Presented at ISPOR 9th Annual European Congress, Copenhagen, Denmark, October 28-31, 2006 • Atrophic vaginitis affects as many as 15% of premenopausal women, 1040% of postmenopausal women, and 10-25% of women on systemic hormone therapy.1 • Hormone replacement therapy is the most common treatment strategy, as depletion of estrogen levels is considered to be the primary cause of atrophic vaginitis.2 • There are multiple modes of vaginal estrogen delivery: vaginallyadministered topical creams (VC), vaginal estradiol tablets (VT) [Vagifem®, Novo Nordisk A/S], and vaginal rings. • Vaginal creams are more commonly used and have been available for over 50 years, but disadvantages include messiness and application timing.3 • Vaginal tablets are new and less common, but advantages include convenience of timing and mode of administration. • Duration of atrophic vaginitis treatment may vary due to a number of potential reasons including symptom relief, non-adherence to treatment, and disadvantages associated with medication. However, no study has examined the treatment duration associated with atrophic vaginitis in “real-world” clinical practice.