Conjugated Estrogens (By Mouth)

Conjugated Estrogens (KON-joo-gated ES-troe-jenz)

Treats symptoms of menopause and lack of estrogen, and helps to prevent osteoporosis after menopause. Also used to relieve symptoms of breast or prostate cancer in certain people.

Brand Name(s):

Premarin
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to estrogens, if you may be pregnant, or if you have breast cancer or certain other types of cancer (unless your doctor recommends using this medicine), blood-clotting problems, or unusual vaginal bleeding that has not been checked by a doctor.

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to. In some cases you may take this medicine for only part of each month.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
• Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine at room temperature in a closed container, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, heart disease, liver disease, gallbladder problems, high blood pressure, cancer, asthma, epilepsy, migraine headaches, diabetes, endometriosis, fibroids in your uterus (womb), bone disease, or a family history of breast cancer or high cholesterol or triglycerides.
• Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using this medicine (usually 6 months to 1 year). Be sure to keep all appointments.
• Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine for several weeks before you have surgery or any other condition that keeps you in bed for a while.
• Taking large amounts of this medicine over long periods of time may increase your risk of some kinds of cancer. Talk to your doctor about your personal risks compared with the benefits of this medicine.
• This medicine may affect the results of certain medical tests.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
• Breast lumps (in women or men)
• Nausea, vomiting, fever, pain or tenderness in the upper right stomach
• Pain in the chest or lower leg
• Sudden or severe headache, changes in vision, shortness of breath, or coughing up blood
• Unusual vaginal bleeding

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Breast pain or tenderness
• Mild headache or dizziness
• Mild nausea, vomiting, cramps, bloating
• Mood changes
• Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
• Trouble wearing contact lenses

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.