Drug Name: Premarin
Brand Name: Premarin
Generic Name: Conjugated Estrogens
Uses: Premarin is a treatment for any form of menopausal syndromes such as hot flashes, dryness, itching and burning in and around the vagina. It is also used as a therapy when the body fails to produce estrogen due to ovarian failure. It is also used to prevent osteoporosis and heart disease. Premarin is also capable of treating prostrate cancer and breast cancer in men.
How to use: Lowest oral dose is recommended to minimize having side effects. Premarin is used and should be increased based on the patient’s response. There are no restrictions on food, beverages or activity while taking Premarin unless the doctor directs otherwise.
Side Effects: The common side effects of Premarin include headache, abdominal pain, nervousness, nausea, back pain, leg cramps, joint pain, vaginitis, itching, vaginal bleeding/spotting, loss of periods or excessively prolonged periods, breast pain, breast enlargement and an increase or decrease in sexual drive. Rashes and melasma (tan or brown patches) may also develop. Premarin may also cause an increase in the curvature of the cornea and increase calcium levels in the blood in patients with breast and bone cancer. Some patients may experience increased blood pressure.
Precautions: Premarin should not be used when there is unusual vaginal bleeding. It should not be given to patients with cancer of the breast or uterus, had a stroke or heart attack in the past year, had blood clots or liver problems. Premarin is not recommended for pregnant women since it may cause birth defects. Treatment with Premarin may increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, breast cancer and blood clots in the lungs or legs. Effective oral dose at a lowest point is important at a shortest level of time dosage.
Drug Interaction: Premarin may interact with Warfarin, an anticoagulant, as it increases the liver's ability to produce factors that promote the clotting of blood. Rifampin, barbiturates, carbamazepine, griseofulvin, phenytoin, St. John’s Wort and Primidone adds the removal of estrogen while drugs such as erythromycin, ketoconazole, itraconazole and ritonavir may lower the elimination of estrogens by the liver which may lead to increased levels of estrogens in the blood. Grapefruit juice also increases the levels of estrogens in the intestine.
Overdose: An overdose of Premarin is unlikely to threaten life. Symptoms of overdose include nausea, vomiting and vaginal bleeding in females.
Notes: Premarin increases the risk of developing a condition that may lead to cancer of the lining of the uterus. Report any unusual vaginal bleeding to your doctor.
Missed Dose: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember then return to your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
Important Note: While taking Premarin, have a yearly physical exam and monthly breast examination. Do not take Premarin without first talking to your doctor if you have a circulation, bleeding, or blood-clotting disorder; undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding; or any type of breast, uterine, or hormone-dependent cancer. Bleeding after menopause may be a sign of a cancer, so, seek immediate advise from your doctor.
Storage: Premarin should be stored at room temperature.
More information on Premarin:
Estrogens conjugated (Premarin)- Drug class and medical uses
