Conjugated Estrogens (Vaginal)

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

Treats vaginal dryness, itching, and burning caused by low estrogen levels.

Brand Name(s):

Premarin Vaginal
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:

Cream

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to. In some cases you may use this medicine for only part of each month.
• This medicine comes with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine. Wash the applicator with warm, soapy water after use. Do not boil the applicator or use hot water.
• This medicine is to be used only in the vagina. Use at bedtime unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use 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, away from heat 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 Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.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®). Avoid using other vaginal products unless your doctor tells you to.

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. This medicine may cause latex or rubber condoms, diaphragms, or cervical caps to break. 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, depression, history of liver problems during pregnancy, 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 before you have surgery or if you need to stay in bed for an extended time. This medicine may affect the results of certain medical tests.
• Using 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.

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, or pain, swelling, 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
• Yellow skin or eyes

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

• Breast pain or tenderness
• Increased vaginal itching or discharge
• Mild nausea, vomiting, cramps, bloating
• Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet

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