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- $Unique_ID{BRK03150}
- $Pretitle{}
- $Title{estrogens, conjugated}
- $Subject{conjugated Premarin Wyeth-Ayerst Estrogen estrogens estrogen-like
- urine mares menopausal prostatic cancer uterine bleeding breast cancer
- replacement therapy}
- $Volume{}
- $Log{
- Premarin 0.3 mg*0315001.scf
- Premarin 0.625 mg*0315002.scf
- Premarin 0.9 mg*0315003.scf
- Premarin 1.25 mg*0315004.scf
- Premarin 2.5 mg*0315005.scf}
-
- Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd.
-
-
- estrogens, conjugated
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
- BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers)
-
- conjugated estrogens (various manufacturers)
- Premarin (Wyeth-Ayerst)
-
- TYPE OF DRUG
-
- Estrogen
-
- INGREDIENTS
-
- conjugated estrogens
-
- DOSAGE FORM
-
- Tablets (0.3 mg, 0.625 mg, 0.9 mg, 1.25 mg, and 2.5 mg)
-
- STORAGE
-
- These tablets should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed
- container.
-
- USES
-
- Conjugated estrogens are a group of estrogen-like products obtained from
- natural sources (the urine of pregnant mares). They are used to treat
- menopausal symptoms, prostatic cancer, uterine bleeding, and some cases of
- breast cancer. They can also be used in replacement therapy for women who do
- not produce enough estrogen of their own.
-
- TREATMENT
-
- In order to avoid stomach irritation, you can take conjugated estrogens
- with food or immediately after a meal.
- Follow your doctor's instructions carefully when you take this
- medication. Often, conjugated estrogens are prescribed to be taken for
- three-week periods, with one week off (in order to reduce potential side
- effects).
- If you miss a scheduled dose of this medication, take the missed dose as
- soon as possible, unless it is almost time for the next dose. In that case,
- do not take the missed dose at all; just return to your regular dosing
- schedule. Do not double the next dose.
-
- SIDE EFFECTS
-
- Minor.
-
- Bloating, change in sexual desire, depression, diarrhea, dizziness,
- headache, loss of appetite, nausea, or vomiting. These side effects should
- disappear as your body adjusts to the medication.
- This medication can increase your sensitivity to sunlight. You should,
- therefore, try to avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and sunlamps. Wear
- protective clothing and sunglasses, and use an effective sunscreen.
- If you feel dizzy or light-headed, sit or lie down for a while; get up
- slowly from a sitting or reclining position, and be careful on stairs.
-
- Major.
-
- Tell your doctor about side effects that are persistent or particularly
- bothersome. IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about changes in
- menstrual patterns; chest pain; difficulty in breathing; eye pain; loss of
- coordination; lumps in the breast; painful urination; pain in the calves; skin
- color changes; slurred speech; sudden, severe headache; swelling of the feet
- or ankles; vision changes; weight gain or loss; or yellowing of eyes or skin.
-
- INTERACTIONS
-
- Conjugated estrogens interact with several other drugs:
- 1. Estrogens can decrease the effectiveness of oral anticoagulants (blood
- thinners, such as warfarin).
- 2. Carbamazepine, ampicillin, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone, and
- rifampin can increase the elimination of estrogen from the body, thus
- decreasing its effectiveness.
- 3. Estrogens can increase the side effects and decrease the effectiveness
- of the tricyclic antidepressants.
- BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently
- taking, especially those listed above.
-
- WARNINGS
-
- * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
- any medications, especially to conjugated estrogens, to oral contraceptives
- (birth control pills), or to any other estrogen product.
- * Before starting to take this drug, tell your doctor if you have ever
- had asthma, blood clot disorders, breast cancer, diabetes mellitus,
- endometriosis, epilepsy, gallbladder disease, heart disease, high blood
- pressure, hypercalcemia, kidney disease, liver disease, migraines, porphyria,
- uterine fibroid tumors, vaginal bleeding, or depression.
- * Studies have shown that estrogens increase the risk of certain types of
- cancer. Ask your pharmacist for the brochure "Information for the Patient."
- It is important that you understand the possible risks and benefits of this
- medication. If you have any questions, check with your doctor or pharmacist.
- * Although it is not known if estrogens can increase the risk of breast
- cancer, it is important that you examine your breasts regularly for lumps or
- discharge.
- * If you notice tenderness, swelling, or bleeding of your gums, consult
- your doctor or dentist.
- * Estrogens can cause a change in glucose tolerance in diabetic patients.
- If you are diabetic, be sure to tell your doctor if you notice any
- abnormalities in your urine or blood glucose levels.
- * Do not change your brand of medication without the consent of your
- doctor. If your refill does not look the same, consult your doctor or
- pharmacist.
- * Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious side effects from
- estrogens. The risk increases with both age and the amount of smoking.
- * If this medication makes you dizzy or light-headed, you should not take
- part in any activity that requires alertness, such as driving a car or
- operating potentially dangerous equipment.
- * Estrogens can change your blood's clotting ability, so be especially
- careful to avoid injuries.
- * Before having surgery or any other medical or dental treatment, be sure
- to tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication.
- * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant. If you suspect you
- are pregnant, discontinue use of this medication immediately. Several studies
- have shown that estrogens taken during pregnancy can cause birth defects.
- Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant. Estrogens pass
- into breast milk.
-
- ----------------
-
- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
- the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
- doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
- problem.
-