Dosage Details for Phexxi

The table below highlights the basics of Phexxi’s dosage.

Keep reading for more details about Phexxi’s dosage.

What is Phexxi’s form?

Phexxi comes as a vaginal gel in a prefilled applicator. Each applicator is wrapped and is for one-time use.

What strength does Phexxi come in?

Phexxi comes in one strength of 5 grams (g). That means each applicator has 5 g of gel that contains:

• 90 milligrams (mg) of lactic acid
• 50 mg of citric acid
• 20 mg of potassium bitartrate

What is the usual dosage of Phexxi in adults?

The information below describes the dosage that is commonly used or recommended. But be sure to use the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Dosage for prevention of pregnancy

Phexxi is used to help prevent pregnancy in females who are able to become pregnant. (In this article, we use the term “female” to refer to someone’s sex assigned at birth. For information about the difference between sex and gender, see this article.)

The typical Phexxi dosage is one applicator inserted into the vagina up to 1 hour before intercourse.

You don’t have to use Phexxi every day. You can use it only as you need it. It also doesn’t contain any hormones. And you may use it at any point in your menstrual cycle.

You must insert Phexxi before having intercourse. If you insert it after, it won’t be effective as a birth control method. Also, you must insert a new dose before each time you have intercourse. That means you’ll need a new dose even if it’s within 1 hour of inserting the last dose.

If 1 hour passes after inserting Phexxi and you’ve not had intercourse, you’ll need to insert another dose.

Phexxi with other birth control

You may use Phexxi with other forms of birth control, such as vaginal diaphragms. But you should avoid using Phexxi with vaginal rings.

Phexxi will not protect against catching HIV or sexually transmitted infections (STIs). So in addition to Phexxi, you’ll need adequate protection against these. Consider using a barrier method, such as a condom.

Phexxi with other medications

You may use Phexxi with other drugs prescribed for vaginal infections, including miconazole, metronidazole, and tioconazole. But always follow your doctor’s instructions for using these drugs.

What’s the dosage of Phexxi for children?

Phexxi may be used to help prevent pregnancy in females under age 17 years who have started their menstrual cycle. Their dosage is the same as the dosage for adults. To learn more, see the “What is the usual dosage of Phexxi in adults?” section above.

For more information about Phexxi’s dosage for children, talk with your child’s doctor or a pharmacist.

Is Phexxi used long term?

Yes, Phexxi may be used as a long-term treatment. But you use Phexxi only as you need it. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for you, you might use it long term.

Phexxi comes as a vaginal gel in a prefilled applicator that is ready to use. Each applicator is wrapped and is for one-time use. You insert the applicator into your vagina, up to 1 hour before intercourse.

When you’re ready to insert Phexxi:

1. Wash your hands.
2. Unwrap Phexxi from its pouch.
3. Insert the plunger rod into the prefilled applicator.
4. Remove the pink cap on the applicator.
5. Insert the applicator into your vagina as far as it will comfortably go.
6. Press the plunger fully with your index finger to release the dose of gel.
7. Remove the applicator and place it in the trash.

For detailed instructions and a video on how to insert Phexxi, see the drugmaker’s website.

For information on the expiration, storage, and disposal of Phexxi, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Accessible drug containers and labels

Some pharmacies provide medication labels that:

• have large print
• use braille
• feature a code you can scan with a smartphone to change the text to audio

Ask your pharmacy whether it offers these accessibility features. If it doesn’t, your doctor or pharmacist may be able to recommend pharmacies that do.

Do not use more Phexxi than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to harmful effects.

What to do in case you use too much Phexxi

Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve used too much Phexxi. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room.

Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Phexxi’s dosage.

Is Phexxi’s dosage similar to the dosages of Xulane?

Phexxi and Xulane (norelgestromin and ethinyl estradiol) are both used to help prevent pregnancy in females who are able to become pregnant. (In this article, we use the term “female” to refer to someone’s sex assigned at birth. For information about the difference between sex and gender, see this article.) But the forms and how often you use each drug are different.

Xulane is a patch you leave on the skin of your belly, buttock, or upper outer arm for 3 weeks (21 days). For the fourth week, you don’t wear a patch. When that week is over, you apply a new patch.

On the other hand, Phexxi is available as a gel in a prefilled applicator that you insert into your vagina. You insert the gel up to 1 hour before intercourse.

Xulane contains hormones, but Phexxi doesn’t.

Your doctor will prescribe the drug and the dosage that’s right for you. To learn more about how these drugs compare, talk with your doctor.

How long does it take for Phexxi to start working?

Phexxi starts to work as soon as you insert a dose into your vagina. It will work to help prevent pregnancy for up to 1 hour after insertion. But you’ll need to insert a new dose of Phexxi before each time you have intercourse. That means you’ll need a new dose even if it’s within 1 hour of inserting the last dose.

If 1 hour passes after inserting Phexxi and you’ve not had intercourse, you’ll need to insert another dose.

Talk with your doctor if you have other questions about what to expect from your Phexxi treatment.

The sections above describe the usual dosage provided by Phexxi’s drugmaker. If your doctor recommends this drug, they’ll prescribe the dosage that’s right for you.

Remember, you should not change your dosage of Phexxi without your doctor’s recommendation. Only use Phexxi exactly as prescribed. Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your current dosage.

Here are some examples of questions you may want to ask your doctor:

• Is there a maximum number of doses of Phexxi that I can use within a certain time interval?
• If I’m breastfeeding, does my dosage of Phexxi need to change?
• Will using a hormonal form of birth control change my dose of Phexxi?

To learn more about Phexxi, see these articles:

• All About Phexxi
• Phexxi and Cost: What You Need to Know

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Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.