| Generic Name:
Conjugated Estrogens
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| Drug Class:
Estrogens
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| Description |
Premarin® is a female hormone and is usually given to women who no longer produce the proper amount. It is used to reduce
menopause symptoms (e.g., hot flashes, vaginal dryness), to prevent bone loss (osteoporosis) in people at high risk, to treat
certain cancers in men and women (e.g., certain types of metastatic breast cancer), and to treat other conditions as determined
by your doctor.
If you are only being treated for vaginal menopause symptoms, products applied locally such as vaginal creams, tablets, or rings
should be considered before products taken by mouth or absorbed through the skin.
There are several medications (e.g., raloxifene or bisphosphonates) that are safe and effective to prevent or treat bone loss.
These medicines should be considered for use before estrogen therapy. If you have other medical conditions as well, and are
prescribed estrogens for more than one condition, consult your doctor about your treatment plan and its options.
|
 |
| Proper
Use |
Take Premarin® by mouth as directed by your doctor. It may be taken with food or immediately after a meal to prevent
stomach upset.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Follow the dosing schedule carefully.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet available from your pharmacist. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
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| Side
Effects |
Dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, stomach upset, bloating, nausea, weight changes, increased/decreased interest in sex,
and breast tenderness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: mental/mood changes (e.g., severe depression,
memory loss), calf pain/swelling, sudden severe headache, chest pain, trouble breathing, one-sided weakness, slurred speech,
vision changes (e.g., change in contact lens fit, loss of vision), breast lumps, swelling of hands or feet, changes in vaginal
bleeding (e.g., spotting, breakthrough bleeding, or prolonged bleeding), unusual vaginal discharge/itching/odor, yellowing of
the eyes or skin.
An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction
include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
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| Precautions |
Premarin® should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using Premarin®, consult your doctor or
pharmacist if you have: undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding, cancer (e.g., breast cancer - also see USES section),
blood clots, active/recent stroke or heart attack, liver disease.
Before using Premarin®, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: family medical history
(especially breast lumps and cancer), asthma, diabetes, seizures, migraine headaches, heart disease (e.g., high blood pressure, heart
attacks, congestive heart failure), kidney disease, low thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism), abnormal calcium level in the blood,
depression, high blood pressure during pregnancy (toxemia), yellowing of eyes and skin (cholestatic jaundice) during pregnancy
or with past estrogen use, womb problems (e.g., uterine fibroids, endometriosis), cholesterol or lipid problems, gallbladder
disease, excessive weight gain, certain blood disorder (porphyria), any allergies.
Premarin® may make you dizzy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit
alcoholic beverages.
Premarin® may cause a patchy darkening of the skin on the face (melasma). Sunlight may intensify this darkening and you may need
to avoid prolonged sun exposure and sunlamps. Consult your doctor regarding use of sunscreens and protective clothing.
Cigarette smoking can increase the chance of blood clots while taking this medication (especially in women over the age of 35).
If you will be having surgery or will be confined to a chair or bed for a long period of time (e.g., a long plane flight),
notify your doctor beforehand. Special precautions may need to be taken in these circumstances while you are taking this drug.
If Premarin® is used in children, their growth pattern should be monitored as this drug might stunt their growth.
Premarin® must not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform your doctor
immediately.
Premarin® may pass into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Therefore, breast-feeding while
using this medication is not recommended.
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| Drug
Interactions |
Before using Premarin®, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription products you may use,
especially of: corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone), hydantoins (e.g., phenytoin), warfarin.
Also tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any medications which affect certain liver enzymes (CYP450-3A4 enzymes),
such as: azole antifungals (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole), carbamazepine, cimetidine, macrolide antibiotics (e.g.,
clarithromycin, erythromycin), phenobarbital, rifamycins (e.g., rifampin), ritonavir, St. John's wort.
This product can affect the results of certain lab tests. Make sure laboratory personnel and your doctors know you use this drug.
Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
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| Overdose |
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If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the
US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.
Symptoms of overdose may include: severe nausea/vomiting or excessive vaginal bleeding.
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| Missed
Dose |
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If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume
your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
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| Storage |
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Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
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| Disclaimer |
| The above
information is intended to supplement, not substitute
for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist
or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed
to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate,
or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional
before using this drug. |
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