Premarin

What are conjugated estrogens

Estrogen is a female sex hormone necessary for many processes in the body.

Premarin is used to treat symptoms of menopause; deficiency in ovary function (including underdevelopment of female sexual characteristics and some types of infertility); some types of breast cancer in men and in postmenopausal women; degeneration of the vagina; and urethra and prostate cancer. In addition, conjugated estrogens are used to prevent osteoporosis.

Conjugated estrogens may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

General medical information about Premarin

Premarin increase the risk of developing a condition (endometrial hyperplasia) that may lead to cancer of the lining of the uterus. Taking progestins, another hormone drug, with Premarin lowers the risk of developing this condition. Therefore, if your uterus has not been removed, your doctor may prescribe a progestin for you to take together with the estrogen. Visit your doctor regularly and report any unusual vaginal bleeding right away.

Treatment with Premarin may increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, breast cancer, and blood clots in the lungs or legs. Because of these risks, Premarin should be prescribed at the lowest effective dose, for the shortest amount of time necessary.

Have yearly physical exams and examine your breasts for lumps on a monthly basis while taking Premarin.

Do not take Premarin if you are pregnant.

What you should find out before taking conjugated estrogens

Do not take conjugated estrogens without first talking to your doctor if you have
- a circulation, bleeding, or blood-clotting disorder;
- undiagnosed, abnormal vaginal bleeding; or
- any type of breast, uterine, or hormone-dependent cancer.

Taking conjugated estrogens may be dangerous in some cases if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Before taking conjugated estrogens, tell your doctor if you have:
- high blood pressure, angina, or heart disease;
- high levels of cholesterol or triglycerides in the blood;
- liver disease;
- kidney disease;
- asthma;
- epilepsy;
- migraines;
- diabetes;
- depression;
- gallbladder disease;
- uterine fibroids; or
- had a hysterectomy (uterus removed).

You may not be able to take Premarin, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Premarin is in the FDA pregnancy category X. This means that Premarin is known to cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Do not take this medication if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

Premarin may decrease milk flow and have other effects on milk composition. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should take Premarin

Take this medication exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass of water.

Take Premarin with food or milk to lessen stomach upset. Try to take doses at the same time daily.

Have yearly physical exams and examine your breasts for lumps on a monthly basis while taking Premarin.

It is important to take Premarin regularly to get the most benefit.

Your doctor may want you to have blood tests or other medical evaluations during treatment with Premarin to monitor progress and side effects.

Store Premarin at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

If you miss a dose:

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember then return to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

What happens if you overdose:

An overdose of this medication is unlikely to threaten life. Consult an emergency room or poison control center for advice.

Symptoms of an overdose of Premarin include nausea, vomiting, and vaginal bleeding in females.

Avoid while taking Premarin

There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while taking Premarin unless your doctor directs otherwise.

Possible side effects of Premarin

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Premarin and seek emergency medical attention:
- an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
- shortness or breath or pain in the chest;
- a painful, red, or swollen leg;
- abnormal vaginal bleeding;
- pain, swelling, or tenderness in the abdomen;
- severe headache or vomiting, dizziness, faintness or changes in vision or speech;
- yellowing of the skin or eyes; or
- a lump in a breast.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Premarin and talk to your doctor if you experience
- decreased appetite, nausea, or vomiting;
- swollen or tender breasts;
- acne or skin color changes;
- decreased sex drive;
- migraine headaches or dizziness;
- water retention (swollen hands, feet, or ankles);
- problems with wearing contact lenses;
- depression; or
- changes in menstrual cycle or breakthrough bleeding.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect Premarin

Before taking Premarin, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:
- an anticoagulant (blood thinner) such as warfarin (Coumadin);
- a thyroid medication such as levothyroxine (Synthroid, Levoxyl, Levothroid, and others);
- insulin or an oral diabetes medicine such as glipizide (Glucotrol) or glyburide (Diabeta, Micronase);
- tamoxifen (Nolvadex);
- didanosine (Videx);
- phenytoin (Dilantin) or ethotoin (Peganone);
- carbamazepine (Tegretol);
- phenobarbital (Solfoton, Luminal);
- primidone (Mysoline); or
- rifampin (Rifadin).

A dosage adjustment or special monitoring may be required during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Premarin. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.