Premarin

Common Name: conjugated estrogens

How does Premarin work?

Conjugated estrogens belong to the class of medications known as estrogen replacement therapy. Estrogen is a female hormone that is produced by the ovaries. Once menopause is reached, the ovaries produce less estrogen and symptoms of menopause can occur. Conjugated estrogen is an estrogen replacement hormone used for the management of menopausal symptoms such as abnormal uterine bleeding (spotting), hot flashes, sweating, and chills. It is also used by women to prevent and treat osteoporosis. It may be used as palliative treatment for certain men with inoperable progressive prostate cancer. Your doctor may choose to use a medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you're unsure why you are taking this medication, contact your doctor.

How should I use Premarin?

The recommended adult dose of conjugated estrogens ranges from 0.3 mg to 1.25 mg daily, depending on the condition being treated. Tablets can either be taken every day or in a cycle such as 25 days on the medication each month and 5 days off. Women who have not had their uterus removed should also take a progestogen (a different type of female hormone that protects the uterus from potential harmful effects caused by estrogen) for 10 to 14 days each month, or every day (depending on the hormone strength and whether a menstrual period is desired or not). Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about the advantages and disadvantages of the different dosing schedules of estrogen and progestogen. Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor. It is very important that this medication be taken on a regular schedule as prescribed by the doctor. If you miss a dose of this medication take it as soon as you remember it. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and carry on with your regular schedule. Do not double-up on doses.

What form(s) does Premarin come in?

Tablet

What should I NOT take with Premarin?

This medication should not be used by anyone who: has a history of known or suspected estrogen-dependent tumours such as breast or uterine cancer has undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding is known or suspected to be pregnant has active liver disease or dysfunction, especially of the obstructive type has active thrombophlebitis, thrombosis, or thromboembolic disorders (blood clotting problems) has endometrial hyperplasia is allergic to any of the ingredients of the medication

Are there any other precautions or warnings for Premarin?

Diabetes: People with diabetes and those with a predisposition to diabetes should monitor their blood glucose levels closely to detect changes in blood glucose control that sometimes occur with the use of estrogens. Gallbladder: An increased risk of gallbladder disease has been reported in postmenopausal women receiving oral estrogens. Endometrial cancer: There is evidence from several studies that estrogen replacement therapy increases the risk of cancer of the endometrium (uterus). Taking a progestogen appropriately along with the estrogen reduces this risk to the same level as that of a woman not taking estrogen therapy. For this reason, all women who have not had their uteruses removed should also take progestogen if they are using estrogens. Breast cancer: Breast cancer is a disease with multiple causes and it increases in frequency with age. Most of the causes of breast cancer is unknown. Some studies have found a link between a modest increase in the risk of developing breast cancer and the use of hormone replacement therapy during menopause. Women with a strong family history of breast cancer or who develop breast nodules, fibrocystic disease of the breast, or abnormal mammograms should be cautious about using this medication. Other known risk factors for the development of breast cancer (such as obesity, early onset of menstruation, late age at first full-term pregnancy, not having children, and late age at menopause) should also be evaluated. Discuss the benefits and risks with your doctor so that you can make an informed choice about using this therapy. Water retention: Estrogen may cause sodium (salt) and water retention; therefore, people with epilepsy, asthma, or kidney or heart dysfunction should use this medication with caution as their symptoms could worsen. Kidney disease: People with kidney disease should be cautious about taking estrogen. Hypercalcemia (increased calcium in the blood): People with hypercalcemia should be cautious about taking estrogen. Fibroids: This medication may worsen fibroids, causing sudden enlargement, pain, or tenderness. If you notice these effects, contact your doctor. Cholesterol: Oral estrogens can increase triglycerides in the blood. Your doctor may check your cholesterol levels if you take estrogen. Pregnancy: Estrogen should not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor. Breast-feeding: Estrogen is not safe for use during breast-feeding. A decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the estrogen, taking into account the importance of the medication to the mother. Children: The safety and effectiveness of this medication for use by children have not been established.