PREMARIN (Conjugated Estrogen)

What is this medication? 

PREMARIN (Conjugated Estrogen)
Estrogen Derivative

PREMARIN (Conjugated Estrogen) is indicated for treatment of breast cancer (metastatic), hypoestrogenism, prevention of osteoporosis, prostate cancer (advanced), vasomotor symptoms and vaginal atrophy associated with menopause.

ALERT: WARNING
Endometrial Cancer
There is an increased risk of endometrial cancer in a woman with a uterus who uses unopposed estrogens. Adding a progestin to estrogen therapy has been shown to reduce the risk of endometrial hyperplasia, which may be a precursor to endometrial cancer. 

Cardiovascular Disease
Estrogen-alone therapy should not be used for the prevention of cardiovascular disease. Estrogen plus progestin therapy should not be used for the prevention of cardiovascular disease.

Breast Cancer
The WHI estrogen-plus-progestin study demonstrated an increased risk of invasive breast cancer.

Dementia
Estrogen-alone therapy should not be used for the prevention of dementia. Estrogen plus progestin therapy should not be used for the prevention of dementia.”

How does this medication work? 

Premarin contains a mixture of sodium salts and estrogen conjugates (estrone sulfate, equilin sulfate, 17 alpha-dihydroequilin, 17 alpha-estradiol and 17 beta-dihydroequilin).  Estrogens are responsible for the development and maintenance of the female reproductive system and secondary sexual characteristics. Premarin is used in menopausal hormone therapy and for various other conditions.

How should I take this medication? 

Oral: Take 0.3mg to 0.625mg daily which may be given cyclically; adjust dose according to the severity of symptoms and patient response.

Note: Either 3 weeks on, 1 week off or 25 days on, 5 days off.

How to Take: Take without regard to meals, same time each day.

What should I watch for while using this medication? 

Before starting PREMARIN (Conjugated Estrogen) make sure your physician is aware of any allergies or medications you currently take, and activities you perform.  PREMARIN (Conjugated Estrogen) when used with progestin can increase the risk of invasive breast cancer in post menopausal women.  Unopposed Premarin usage in women with an intact uterus can increase the risk of endometrial cancer.  PREMARIN (Conjugated Estrogen) can exacerbate endometriosis and may cause retinal vascular thrombosis.  PREMARIN (Conjugated Estrogen) should be used with caution in patients with familial defects in lipoprotein metabolism, asthma, diabetes, cardiac and renal dysfunction, epilepsy, cholestatic jaundice, hypoparathyroidism, migraine, porphyria, systemic lupus erythematosus, and hepatic hemangiomas.  PREMARIN (Conjugated Estrogen) is contraindicated in women with active DVT, PE, arterial thromboembolic disease (stroke and MI), or a history of these conditions.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose of medication, try to take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, take only that scheduled dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

How should I store this medication?

Keep out of the reach of children at all times. Store at room temperature, 59 to 86° F (15 to 30° C).  Protect from light. Keep the container tightly closed. Properly dispose of any unused medication after the expiration date.

What are the possible side effects of using this medication? 

Headache, abdominal pain, vaginal hemorrhage, mastalgia, back pain, arthralgia, pharyngitis, sinusitis, depression, dizziness, diarrhea, flatulence, vaginitis, leukorrhea, vulvovaginal candidiasis, weakness, leg cramps, increased cough

Note this is not a complete list of side effects for PREMARIN (Conjugated Estrogen), only the most common.