Ospemifene: A Novel Option for the Treatment of Vulvovaginal Atrophy

ABSTRACT

Ospemifene—a third-generation selective estrogen receptor modulator approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2013—is an oral medication for the treatment of dyspareunia. In postmenopausal women with vulvovaginal atrophy, ospemifene significantly improves the structure and pH levels of the vagina, reducing dyspareunia. It is available as a 60-mg tablet; hence, women who may have had prior difficulty with vaginal administration or on-demand use of nonprescription lubricants and moisturizers would likely prefer this form of treatment. Preclinical studies demonstrated that ospemifene has an estrogen agonist action on the bone, reducing the cell proliferation of ductal carcinoma in an in situ model. Studies evaluating the safety of treatment for up to 52 weeks have shown that ospemifene is a safe medication with minimal impact on the endometrium. Further studies with larger number of subjects are necessary to better conclude its effects and long-term safety.