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Overview: Phexxi is used to prevent pregnancy. Sperm are unable to move well in the presence of this medicine. Thus, the risk of pregnancy is lower when this medicine is used in the vagina before sperm get there. 
Phexxi must be placed into the vagina no more than one hour before sex. Common side effects include vaginal burning, itching, or pain. Call your health care provider right away if you have burning or pain when peeing, cloudy pee, or back pain. 

Uses

What is Phexxi used for?

Phexxi (lactic acid, citric acid, potassium bitartrate) is a non-hormonal birth control that is inserted into the vagina before sex to prevent pregnancy.

Phexxi may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Phexxi work (mechanism of action)?

Phexxi works by changing the acidity of the vagina. Sperm are unable to move well in the presence of this medicine. Thus, the risk of pregnancy is lower when this medicine is used in the vagina before sperm get there.

How is Phexxi supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Phexxi

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 1.8%/1%/0.4% vaginal gel

How should I store Phexxi?

Phexxi should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when you’re transporting it. Store it in a cool, dry place. Keep Phexxi in its original foil pouch, and open the foil pouch only when you are ready to use the medicine.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Phexxi?

The most common side effects of Phexxi are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

There may be other side effects of Phexxi that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Phexxi?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Phexxi are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Phexxi may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Phexxi and get help right away if you or your partner has any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Bladder or Kidney Infection. Phexxi may cause a bladder infection (cystitis) or kidney infection (pyelonephritis). These infections can be serious and may need to be treated in the hospital. Get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of these infections.

  • Dark, cloudy, or bloody pee, or pee that smells bad
  • Fever and chills
  • Loss of appetite
  • Needing to pee a lot or feeling pain when you pee
  • Pain in your lower back, side, or groin
  • Upset stomach, nausea, and vomiting

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Phexxi?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Phexxi.

  • Phexxi
  • Lactic acid
  • Citric acid
  • Potassium bitartrate
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Phexxi.

What should I know about Phexxi before using it?

Do not use Phexxi unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed.

Do not share Phexxi with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Phexxi out of the reach of children.

This medicine will not help prevent pregnancy if it is used after sex.

Phexxi does not protect you from HIV, AIDS, or other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

This medicine is inserted into your vagina before each episode of sex. Make sure that you understand how to use Phexxi. If you have any questions, talk to your health care provider.

Insert Phexxi into your vagina right before, or up to one hour before, vaginal intercourse. If you have vaginal intercourse more than one time within one hour, use an extra dose of Phexxi. If more than one hour passes after using Phexxi, use an extra dose. 

Throw used Phexxi applicators in the trash. 

It is OK to use Phexxi during your period. Phexxi can also be used as soon as your health care provider tells you it is safe to have vaginal intercourse after childbirth, abortion, or miscarriage.

Phexxi can be used along with most other birth control methods, including oral contraceptives, condoms, and vaginal diaphragms. Do not use Phexxi with vaginal rings. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions.

It is OK to use Phexxi when using medicines that you insert into your vagina to treat a vaginal infection.

Phexxi may cause burning or irritation to your sexual partner. Do not use Phexxi if your partner is allergic to any of the ingredients in Phexxi. Talk to your health care provider if you have concerns.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Phexxi?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if Phexxi is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Urinary Tract Problems. If you have urinary tract infections (UTIs) or problems with your bladder, kidneys, or urinary tract, Phexxi increases your risk of getting bladder or kidney infections. Tell your health care provider if you have UTIs that keep coming back or other urinary tract problems. 

Other Medicines and Supplements. Phexxi may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using Phexxi, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. Do not use Phexxi if you are pregnant. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Phexxi passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

How can I get more information about Phexxi?

For more information about Phexxi, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.phexxi.com or call them at 833-383-6246.

Interactions

Does Phexxi interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Phexxi and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Phexxi.

Does Phexxi interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using a vaginal ring (NuvaRing, EluRyng, etc.), which is commonly used to prevent pregnancy.   

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Phexxi. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Phexxi?

If you or someone else has used too much Phexxi, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Phexxi?

Phexxi is used on an as-needed basis. If more than one hour passes after using Phexxi and you will have sex, use an extra dose. 

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