Premarin

Premarin (Conjugated Estrogens) can be used for vasomotor symptoms caused by the menopause, menopausal vaginal atrophy, hypoestrogenism, breast cancer, androgen dependent prostate cancer (for men), and to help prevent postmenopausal osteoporosis. This medicine contains various conjugated estrogens which are administered orally. They are easily absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract due to their water solubility, allowing for them to be distributed throughout the body.

The menopause can cause hot flashes, night sweats and vaginal dryness, and there is a direct link between these symptoms and the decrease in estrogen (an important female sex hormone) that occurs as a consequence of the menopause. Orally administered estrogen is often used for HRT (hormone replacement therapy), so as to act as a substitute for the estrogen that would normally be produced by the body.

In this way, it is able to supplement the declining estrogen levels and provide relief from the menopausal symptoms listed above. A decrease in estrogen can also weaken the bones and make them thinner (osteoporosis). This could increase the risk of fractures. To protect against this, some women may be given this medicine by their physician to help lower the risk of broken bones.

Premarin (Conjugated Estrogen) comes in tablet form, of which there is a lower strength 0.3mg variety available, as well as a 0.625mg version. If estrogen HRT is initiated for a women who still has a uterus, the physician will also recommend using a progestin so as to lower the possibility of endometrial cancer. However, a progestin is not required in women without a uterus.

Women who are being treated for vaginal or vasomotor symptoms of the menopause which are moderate to severe in nature may be instructed by their physician to take 0.3mg per day. It may either be given daily or else on a cyclic basis. Your physician will decide which dosage regimen is best suited for your individual needs. The dosage for female hypoestrogenism, osteoporosis or any other condition could differ and it will be necessary for your physician to individualize the dosage.

Inform your physician if any side effects occur during treatment with Premarin (Conjugated Estrogen) tablets. Possible reactions could include:

• Itchy vagina or discharge
• Lower than usual sex drive
• Stomach cramps and nausea
• Dark discoloration of skin on the face
• Changes in hair growth patterns or hair loss

It will be necessary to consult your physician straight away if you suffer from migraines, inflammation occurring in the legs, speech problems, lumps appearing on the breast, difficulty balancing or any other severe adverse events which have not been referenced here.

During the course of treatment with Premarin (Conjugated Estrogen) tablets, you should regularly check your breasts for signs of lumps. Your physician will also call you in for regular breast examinations.

HRT (hormone replacement therapy) can increase the risk of DVT (deep vein thrombosis, the name given to blood clots). Overweight patients, those who smoke, patients with a history of blood clots and other risk factors may be the most at risk. Discuss this with your physician before starting treatment.

Your physician will regularly re-assess the need to continue HRT and if deemed necessary, you may be told to discontinue treatment.