The article discusses the instructions for use with Pharmatex gel.
Spermicides are contraceptives that are chemicals used to prevent pregnancy. They are special substances that negatively affect sperm entering the vaginal cavity, destroying them, preventing them from entering the uterus. A similar effect is due to the presence of a special chemically active element in the composition of these medicines.
Farmateks gel belongs to the category of local-use contraceptives with spermicidal properties.
Release form
This pharmacological agent is produced in the form of a 1.2% gel, which is intended for vaginal administration. The medicine is available in 72 g aluminum tubes, packed in cardboard boxes. An annotation is attached to the medication with a description of the characteristics of this medication and a dispenser for the convenience of introducing the gel into the vagina.
What is a Pharmatex cream gel?
Structure
The contents of the tube are a creamy thick mixture of white or yellowish color with a characteristic smell of lavender.
The composition of the medication includes an active active element - benzalkonium chloride. As additional components are: citric acid, ethylene glycol palmitostearate, purified water, lavender oil.
Indications for appointment
Farmatex gel is prescribed to women of reproductive age who are not planning a pregnancy, as a local contraceptive, including:
- in the presence of contraindications to the introduction of an intrauterine device ;
- in the presence of contraindications for use inside contraceptive hormonal tablets;
- in the postpartum period;
- during lactation;
- after abortion;
- during menopause as an additional remedy for excessive dryness of the vagina;
- as a contraceptive for women who do not have regular sexual contact.
This pharmacological agent can also be used as a supplement to measures to protect against unwanted pregnancy when wearing an intrauterine device or vaginal diaphragm.
Contraindications
Farmatex gel has certain contraindications for use, which is why it is imperative that you familiarize yourself with the attached instructions before using the medicine. The gel cannot be used in the following cases:
- with inflammation of the mucous membranes of the vagina;
- erosion on the vaginal mucosa;
- during an exacerbation of vaginal candidiasis;
- with individual intolerance to the components of the product;
- in case of bleeding from the genital tract of unknown etiology;
- with sexually transmitted diseases;
- with progressive erosion of the cervix.
Dosage and route of administration
Farmatex gel is inserted into the vagina several minutes before sexual contact begins. For ease of use, the dispenser attached to the medication is used, which is filled with gel and, in the supine position, is slowly introduced into the vaginal cavity. In one dosage (with a full dispenser) contains 5 g of the drug, which is enough for a single sexual intercourse. Before each sexual encounter, a new portion of this medication should be administered.
After the gel is inserted into the vagina, it is not recommended to empty the bladder for 2-4 hours and take a shower and for 12 hours, since this significantly reduces the contraceptive effect.
Side effects
According to the instructions, the Pharmatex gel is well tolerated by patients, however, with a high individual sensitivity to the main element of this medication after administration, a woman may experience certain undesirable side effects:
- burning and itching in the vagina;
- discomfort during sexual contact;
- increased vaginal discharge;
- redness and swelling of the genitals;
- signs of painful urination;
- rashes on the skin of the genital organs;
- vaginitis, colpitis.
All these side effects, as a rule, are mild and quickly disappear on their own after hygiene procedures.
Overdose
As indicated by the instructions to the Pharmatex gel, no cases of drug overdose have been reported. However, in order to avoid the development of irritation and negative side effects, a single injection of the gel in larger volumes is not recommended than is placed in the dispenser.
Drug interaction
The pharmaceutical drug Farmateks is not recommended to be used simultaneously with medications for vaginal use (for example, suppositories or creams for the treatment of thrush), since the active substances of these drugs, when used together, can inactivate the spermicidal properties of this gel.
Antiseptic solutions or suppositories containing iodine inactivate the spermicidal activity of the gel, so you should definitely consider this fact and not take such medications at the same time.
Special recommendations
Active and additional components present in the medicinal product in some cases can violate the integrity of latex products, and this should be considered when using condoms.
The contraceptive gel “Pharmatex” does not have protection against infectious pathogens, sexually transmitted infections, which is why women who do not have a permanent sexual partner, this method of contraception is not suitable.
Soap solutions and soap reduce the effectiveness of this drug, so experts do not recommend washing or douching the vagina immediately after sexual intercourse.
With an exacerbation of some diseases of the genital organs, it is necessary to stop the use of the drug, since the main element of this medicine - benzalkonium chloride is able to irritate the mucous membranes of the vagina and aggravate the course of pathological processes.
Reviews about the Pharmatex gel are mostly positive.
The effectiveness of contraception is also associated with strict observance of the rules for its use:
- the gel should be administered so that this dosage form penetrates deep into the vaginal cavity, preferably in a prone position;
- before sexual contact should wait at least 10 minutes, until the gel is evenly distributed on the surface of the mucous membranes;
- be sure to introduce a new dosage of the gel before the second act.
Means for intimate hygiene with Farmateks gel cannot be combined. It is forbidden to use soap for hygiene of the genitals 2 hours before contact and within 2 hours after it, since soap, even in small quantities, destroys the main substance of the drug.
- Immediately after intimacy, it is possible to carry out an external toilet of the genitals with clean water or with the help of a foaming agent of the same brand that does not contain soap.
- Vaginal irrigation is carried out 2 hours after contact.
- With a gel inserted into the vagina, it is forbidden to take a bath, bathe in a pond, pool and because of the danger of reducing the contraceptive effect.
- Since the gel contains benzalkonium chloride, its use should be interrupted with the development of any pathological processes in the vagina or their exacerbation.
Price
Women in the reviews note the availability of the drug. The cost of this tool for local contraception is approximately 430 rubles.
Analogs
The following drugs have the same effect with Pharmatex gel:
- "Nanoxylol" is a non-hormonal contraceptive that contains the active element nonoxynol-9. The medication is available in the form of suppositories for administration into the vagina. This drug has spermicidal, antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral effects. The active substance of this medication is a surface-active nonionic compound. The spermicidal effect is due to fragmentation and a decrease in sperm activity. This component is able to destroy the membrane of the acrosome and the sperm head, provoking the inability to dissolve the egg membrane. This medicine exhibits bactericidal activity to chlamydia and gonococcus. Laboratory studies have shown its activity against HIV infections. Lactic acid, which is also present in the composition of the drug, has a beneficial effect on the mucous membranes of the genital tract and normalize the microflora. Spermicidal effect is observed 10 minutes after the application of the suppository, the effect lasts approximately 2 hours. This tool does not form foamy masses.
- "Contraceptin T" is a vaginal contraceptive medication. As a result of the increased viscosity of the fat base of this drug, a natural mechanical obstruction is created for the movement of sperm into the vagina. The tannin, which is part of this product, causes coagulation of the proteins of the mucous membrane of the lubricant with the formation of a special protective film, which does not allow the seminal fluid to come into contact with the mucous membrane of the vagina. In addition, the composition contains the substance oxyquinoline sulfate, which has a spermatocidal effect, and boric acid, which creates an acidic environment in the vagina, which is a negative factor for the vital activity of spermatozoa. In addition, these elements of the composition have an antiseptic effect.
- Erotex is a benzalkonium chloride-based cationic detergent which, by incorporating sperm into the cell walls and interacting with lipoproteins, disrupts membranes and their barrier functions, which contributes to cell death. Such a mechanism determines the impossibility of fertilization and, therefore, the contraceptive property of this pharmacological drug. Spermicidal effect is noted 5 minutes after application. Benzalkonium chloride does not affect the normal microflora of the vagina (including the number of lactobacilli) and hormonal balance.
Benefits of Spermicidal Gel
One of the main advantages of this contraceptive is its availability. Gel medications can be easily purchased at any pharmacy. The tool is not expensive, which can be considered a definite plus. The benefits of this spermicidal gel also include its safety. It does not contain hormones and can be used by both women giving birth and not giving birth. The gel is easy to use. It is inserted into the vagina before the onset of sexual intercourse and acts, as a rule, for about 1 hour.
disadvantages
The effectiveness of such contraceptives, despite not positive qualities, is not high enough. According to statistics, out of 100 women, 30 have a pregnancy. The negative qualities that this spermicidal agent has are associated with the presence of side effects. Partners after intimacy can feel a burning sensation in the genital area, and experience allergic reactions. Another disadvantage is that when using the drug, the risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections is not excluded. The disadvantage is that the gel can not be used too often, because the composition contains chemicals. With constant use, vaginal irritation or damage to its mucosa may occur.
Reviews about the contraceptive gel "Farmateks"
Intimacy is an integral part of life, therefore, in the pharmacological market today there is a large selection of means to prevent unwanted pregnancies. Pharmatex is one of these drugs. There are a lot of comments about him, and almost all of them contain information of a positive nature.
Consider the reviews of women about the Pharmatex gel.
Ladies of childbearing age who used these contraceptives for local administration note its effectiveness and safety for the body. Those who left positive reviews observed that the gel copes well with its purpose - to prevent conception. In addition, this group of women did not observe any side effects from the introduction of the gel vaginally, described in the annotation for use. Some women noticed that after sexual contact they had some discomfort in the genital tract in the form of a slight burning sensation, which is easily eliminated through hygienic procedures.
There is no information about pregnancy during the period of use of this medical device.
The doctors' comments on the Pharmatex gel also contain favorable information. Experts say that the method of contraception with this gel is very safe and effective, but before using this tool, you need to make sure that the woman has no contraindications to it.