Premarin (Conjugated Estrogens)

Chemical Name: CONJUGATED ESTROGENS (ESS-troe-jenz)

Premarin is a TABLET but CANNOT be split in half.

PREMARIN is a female hormone which is available in a tablet form for women who do not produce the proper amounts and to reduce menopausal symptoms. Symptoms may include hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal symptoms and can help prevent bone loss. PREMARIN is occasionally used as part of cancer treatment in women and men. This medication is made of conjugated estrogens which are a mixture of estrogens obtained from natural sources. It should not be used to prevent heart disease or dementia, because this medicine may actually increase your risk of developing these conditions.

Directions

Since each patient may be prescribed this medication to control different symptoms, it is important to take it exactly as instructed by your doctor or follow the directions on your prescription label.

Generally it is taken on a daily basis and in different cycles, depending on the condition of the patient. It is recommended to use the medication regularly to obtain optimal results. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

To be sure prescription medication is improving your symptoms, your doctor may conduct regular physical exams and recommend you to self-examine your breasts for lumps on a monthly basis. You may also have your blood and thyroid tested often. Visit your doctor regularly.

Cautions

Each woman may experience menopausal symptoms, anywhere from mild to severe. Consult your doctor to see if this medication is right for you and to determine which dosage will have optimal results.

It is also important to discuss the following before taking it:

• Previous treatment history with this drug
• Family medical history (heart attacks, breast cancer, strokes, blood clots or osteoporosis
• Allergies to any medications
• If you have had a hysterectomy
• Plans for pregnancy or breast feeding
• Menopausal symptoms you are experiencing (topical medication may be a better choice)
• Endometriosis
• Kidney problems
• Asthma
• Angioedema
• Epilepsy or other seizure disorder
• Migraines
• Diabetes
• Low thyroid
• High cholesterol or triglycerides
• Calcium in your blood
• Porphyria
• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
• Gallbladder disease

Side Effects

All medications have side effects, but many patients do not experience them. However it is important that patients are aware of the minor, moderate and serious side effects.

Some side effects which may occur while on this prescription medication include:

• Breast pain or increased breast size
• Rapid heartbeat
• Fever
• Hives, skin irritation or rash
• Joint pain, stiffness or swelling
• Swelling of eyelids, face lips, hands or feet
• Tightness in chest, difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Weight gain
• Wheezing

More serious side effects include:

• Severe allergic reactions
• Abnormal bleeding from the vagina
• Breast lumps
• Changes in vision or speech
• Confusion, dizziness or fainting
• Hoarseness
• Mental/mood changes
• One-sided weakness
• Pain or tenderness in the upper abdomen or calves
• Swelling of the hands or feet
• Unusual vaginal discharge/itching/odor
• Vomiting
• Weakness or numbness of an arm or leg
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes

Caution: This medication may increase chances of developing endometrial hyperplasia, a condition that may lead to cancer of the uterus. If you have not had a hysterectomy, your doctor may prescribe a progestin medication while you are using this medication.

This is not a complete list of all the possible side effects. Check with your doctor if you experience any symptoms which are not listed above.