Conjugated estrogens (By mouth)

Introduction:

Conjugated Estrogens (KON-joo-gay-ted ES-troe-jenz)

Treats symptoms of menopause and lack of estrogen. Prevents osteoporosis after menopause. Treats symptoms of breast or prostate cancer in certain people. This medicine is a female hormone.

Brand Name(s):

Premarin, Premphase

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Your dose may need to be changed several times in order to find out what works best for you. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• This medicine comes with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• You may take this medicine with or without food.

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 in a closed container at room temperature, 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• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.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 thyroid replacement (Synthroid®), or a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin®), or other types of female hormones (such as Provera®, Prometrium®).

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 breast feeding, or if you have a history of breast cancer, endometriosis, fibroid tumors in your uterus (womb), or high cholesterol or triglycerides. Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, heart disease, liver disease, gallbladder problems, high blood pressure, thyroid problems, cancer, lupus, asthma, epilepsy, migraine headaches, or diabetes.
• 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.
• Using this medicine may increase your risk of blood clots, stroke, or heart attack. This risk may continue to be increased for many years after you stop using the medicine. Your risk of these serious medical problems is even greater if you smoke cigarettes or if you are over age 35.
• Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.
• Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using 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 your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Blistering, peeling, red skin rash.
• Breast changes, lumps, or discharge (in women or men).
• Chest pain, shortness of breath, or coughing up blood.
• Confusion, memory problems, lightheadedness or fainting.
• Numbness or weakness in your arm or leg, or on one side of your body.
• Pain in your lower leg (calf).
• Rapid weight gain.
• Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.
• Sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking.
• Unexpected vaginal bleeding.

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

• Breast pain or tenderness.
• Darkened skin on your face or other areas.
• Discomfort with wearing contact lenses.
• Hair loss on your head, or hair growth on your face, arms, or chest.
• Menstrual-type cramps.
• Mild headache or dizziness.
• Mild nausea, stomach pain, bloating, gas.
• Mood changes or depression.
• Vaginal itching or discharge.

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