Phexxi

Generic name: lactic acid, citric acid, and potassium bitartrate
Dosage form: vaginal gel
Drug class:Miscellaneous vaginal agents

Medically reviewed by Judith Stewart, BPharm. Last updated on Aug 31, 2020.

What is Phexxi

Phexxi is a prescription medicine used to prevent pregnancy in females who can become pregnant and choose to use an on-demand method of birth control.
Phexxi is not effective at preventing pregnancy when used after vaginal sex.
Phexxi is thought to work by making the vagina more acidic to reduce sperm motility.

How well does Phexxi work?

Your chance of getting pregnant depends on how well you follow the directions for using Phexxi. The better you follow the directions, the less chance you have of getting pregnant. It is very important that you follow the directions carefully each time you have vaginal sex.

Phexxi does not protect against HIV infection or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Before using Phexxi

Before using Phexxi, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

are pregnant or think you are pregnant. Phexxi is not for use in pregnant women.
are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if Phexxi passes into your breast milk.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them to show your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.

How should I use Phexxi?

See the Instructions for Use that comes with Phexxi for detailed instructions on the right way to use Phexxi.
Use Phexxi exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to use it.
Phexxi must be used before vaginal sex.
Phexxi comes as a pre-filled single-dose vaginal applicator.
Insert 1 Phexxi pre-filled applicator into your vagina and use Phexxi within 1 hour before each time you have vaginal sex. If you do not have vaginal sex within 1 hour of using Phexxi, you must insert a new Phexxi pre-filled applicator.
If you have vaginal sex more than 1 time within 1 hour, you must use a new Phexxi pre-filled applicator.
Phexxi may be used at any time during the menstrual cycle.
Phexxi may be used as soon as your healthcare provider tells you it is safe for you to have vaginal sex after childbirth, abortion, or miscarriage.
Phexxi may be used with hormonal contraceptives; and latex, polyurethane and polyisoprene condoms. Phexxi may be used with a vaginal diaphragm. Avoid using Phexxi with contraceptive vaginal rings.
Phexxi may be used with other medicines used in the vagina to treat infections including miconazole, metronidazole and tioconazole.