Premarin
Generic Name:
Conjugated estrogen
Brand Names:
- Premarin
- Cenestin
- Enjuvia
- Estrace
- Femtrace
- Gynodiol
- Menest
- Ogen
- Alora
- Climara
- Divigel
- Elestrin
- Emcyt
- Esclim
- Estinyl
- EstroGel
- Evamist
- Menostar
- Vivelle
Premarin Description:
Premarin is a tablet or cream form of estrogen used to treat menopausal or post-menopausal women experiencing symptoms of vaginal dryness, itching, burning, hot flashes, and may also be prescribed for osteoporosis prevention. It may also be used to treat young women who do not produce enough estrogen on their own. Premarin has been prescribed to relieve symptoms from certain types of breast or prostate cancer.
Premarin Side Effects:
The most common side effects of Premarin include:
- Vaginitis
- Vaginal bleeding
- Painful menstruation
- Leg cramps
- Headache
- Infection
- Abdominal pain
- Back pain
- Accidental injury
For more information, see our Premarin side effects page.
Premarin Uses:
Premarin is an estrogen hormone therapy prescribed to treat menopause symptoms for women who experience vaginal dryness, itching, burning, hot flashes, chills, faintness, dizziness, and night sweats. It may also help women reduce their chances of developing osteoporosis.
Premarin may also be prescribed for men and women to treat certain types of breast or prostate cancer. Young women who do not produce enough estrogen on their own or women who have had a hysterectomy may be prescribed Premarin.
Premarin Interactions:
Patients should speak with their doctor about the use of any medications, vitamins or supplements before beginning treatment with Premarin.
Before taking Premarin, patients should consult their doctor if they are taking any of the following medications:
- Amiodarone
- Cyclosporine
- Antifungals
- Aprepitant
- Cimetidine
- Clarthromycin
- Griseofulvin
- Indinavir
- Nevirapine
- Ritonavir
- Thyroid medications
- Nevirapine
- Troleandomycin
- Verapamil
- Zafirlukast
- HIV or AIDS medications
- St. John’s Wort
This is not a complete list of drug interactions. Patients should inform their doctor of all medicines they are taking to avoid any complications while taking Premarin.
Patients with a history or current diagnosis of any of following conditions should consult their doctor before treatment with Premarin:
- Thyroid problems
- Blood clotting problems
- Asthma
- Diabetes
- Epilepsy
- Heart problems
- Kidney problems
- Liver problems
- Lupus
- Migraine headaches
- Breast cancer
- Bone cancer
- Uterine cancer or tumors
- Unknown causes of genital bleeding
- Endometriosis
- High cholesterol
- Pancreatitis
- Porphyria
- Vision or eye changes
- Stroke
Premarin Dosage Information:
Typical Dosage Recommendations
Patients should take Premarin exactly as prescribed by their doctor as doses may vary depending on what conditions are being treated.
Patients should take Premarin at the lowest effective dose for the shortest amount of time recommended by their doctor. Premarin is distributed as a tablet, cream, or injection. Tablet doses range from .3 mg to 1.25 mg. Premarin cream is a .625 mg dose and the injection solution comes in a 25 mg bottle.
Women who only experience vaginal dryness as a menopausal symptom may be prescribed Premarin vaginal cream.
Missing a Dose of Premarin
If a dose of Premarin is missed, take the dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and wait to return to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double dose.
Premarin Overdose
Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose of Premarin occurs. Patients who experience an overdose may demonstrate the following overdose symptoms:
- Upset stomach
- Vaginal bleeding
- Vomiting
Premarin FDA Approval:
May 8, 1942
Premarin Recall/Black Box Warning Information:
Premarin carries a Black Box warning for an increased risk of developing endometrial cancer and cardiovascular problems.
Some conditions that may develop as a result of treatment with Premarin:
- Uterine cancer
- Breast cancer
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Blood clots in lungs/legs
- Dementia
A recall was issued in February and April 2005 for a “dissolution failure” in .625 mg and .3 mg tablets of Premarin. (Recall # D-131-5, D-132-5, D-188-5, D-189-5)
Sources:
- http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/drug-information/DR602129
- http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a682922.html
- http://www.premarin.com
- http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/drugsatfda/index.cfm?fuseaction=Search.Overview&DrugName=PREMARIN
- http://www.wyeth.com/content/showlabeling.asp?id=170
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July 30, 2010, 2:23 pm
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July 29, 2010, 12:33 pm
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