Premarin
Generic Name: Conj. EstrogenBrand Names: Premarin
What is Premarin?
Premarin is a mixture of estrogen hormones used to treat symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes, and vaginal dryness, burning, and irritation. Other uses include prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women, and replacement of estrogen in women with ovarian failure or other conditions that cause a lack of natural estrogen in the body. Premarin is sometimes used as part of cancer treatment in women and men.
Estrogen is a female sex hormone produced by the ovaries. Estrogen is necessary for many processes in the body.
Premarin should not be used to prevent heart disease or dementia, because this medication may actually increase your risk of developing these conditions.
Premarin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important information about Premarin
Do not use this medication if you have any of the following conditions: a history of heart attack, stroke, or blood clot (especially in your lung or your lower body), liver disease, abnormal vaginal bleeding, or a hormone-related cancer such as breast or uterine cancer. This medication can cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Do not use Premarin if you are pregnant.
Long-term treatment with Premarin may increase your risk of breast cancer, heart attack, or stroke. Talk with your doctor about your individual risks before using Premarin long term, especially if you smoke or are overweight. Your doctor should check your progress on a regular basis (every 3 to 6 months) to determine whether you should continue this treatment.
Have regular physical exams and self-examine your breasts for lumps on a monthly basis while using Premarin.
Premarin should not be used to prevent heart disease or dementia, because this medication may actually increase your risk of developing these conditions.
Before taking Premarin
Do not use Premarin if you have:
- a history of heart attack, stroke, or blood clot (especially in your lung or your lower body);
- abnormal vaginal bleeding that a doctor has not checked;
- liver disease; or
- any type of breast, uterine, or hormone-dependent cancer.
Before using Premarin, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:
- high blood pressure, heart disease, or circulation problems;
- a personal or family history of stroke;
- endometriosis;
- kidney disease;
- asthma;
- epilepsy or other seizure disorder;
- migraines;
- diabetes;
- underactive thyroid;
- high cholesterol or triglycerides;
- high or low levels of calcium in your blood;
- porphyria;
- systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE);
- gallbladder disease; or
- if you have had your uterus removed (hysterectomy).
Premarin increase your risk of developing endometrial hyperplasia, a condition that may lead to cancer of the uterus. Taking progestins while using Premarin may lower this risk. If your uterus has not been removed, your doctor may prescribe a progestin for you to take while you are using Premarin.
Long-term Premarin treatment may increase your risk of stroke or blood clots. Talk with your doctor about your individual risks before using Premarin long term, especially if you smoke or are overweight. Your doctor should check your progress on a regular basis (every 3 to 6 months) to determine whether you should continue this treatment.
FDA pregnancy category X. This medication can cause birth defects. Do not use Premarin if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment. Use an effective form of birth control while you are using this medication. Premarin can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. This medication may also slow breast milk production. Do not use if you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not give this medication to anyone under 18 years old without the advice of a doctor.
