Premarin tablets contain conjugated estrogens, a mixture of estrogens obtained from natural sources. Estrogen is a female sex hormone produced by the ovaries. Estrogen is necessary for many processes in the body.
Premarin is used to treat symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes, and vaginal dryness, burning, and irritation. Other uses include prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women, and replacement of estrogen in women with ovarian failure or other conditions that cause a lack of natural estrogen in the body.
Premarin is sometimes used as part of cancer treatment in women and men.
Important information
You should not use Premarin if you have any of the following conditions: a bleeding or blood-clotting disorder, liver disease, abnormal vaginal bleeding, history of an allergic reaction to estrogens, a hormone-related cancer such as breast or uterine cancer, or a history of heart attack, stroke, or blood clot.
Do not use if you are pregnant.
Premarin may increase your risk of developing a condition that may lead to uterine cancer. Call your doctor at once if you have any unusual vaginal bleeding while using this medicine.
Have regular physical exams and self-examine your breasts for lumps on a monthly basis while using Premarin.
Premarin should not be used to prevent heart disease, stroke, or dementia, because this medicine may actually increase your risk of developing these conditions. Long-term use may also increase your risk of breast cancer or blood clot.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Premarin if you have:
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a history of heart attack, stroke, or blood clot (especially in your lung or your lower body);
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abnormal vaginal bleeding that has not been checked by a doctor;
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any type of breast, uterine, or hormone-dependent cancer.
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liver disease;
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a bleeding or blood-clotting disorder;
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if you are pregnant or may become pregnant; or
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if you have ever had an allergic reaction to estrogens.
Premarin will not prevent heart disease, heart attack, stroke, breast cancer, or dementia, and may actually increase your risk of developing these conditions. Long-term use may also increase your risk of breast cancer or blood clot. Talk with your doctor about your individual risks.
To make sure Premarin is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
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unusual vaginal bleeding;
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heart disease;
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asthma;
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epilepsy or other seizure disorder;
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liver or kidney disease;
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hereditary angioedema;
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endometriosis;
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a thyroid disorder;
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lupus;
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high levels of calcium in your blood (hypercalcemia);
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migraines;
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gallbladder disease; or
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risk factors for coronary artery disease (such as diabetes, smoking, being overweight, having high blood pressure or high cholesterol, having a family history of coronary artery disease, being older than 40, or if you have had a hysterectomy).
Do not use Premarin if you are pregnant. Use effective birth control, and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant while you are using this medicine.
Conjugated estrogens can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. This medicine may also slow breast milk production. Do not use Premarin if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take Premarin?
Take Premarin exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Premarin may increase your risk of developing a condition that may lead to uterine cancer. Your doctor may prescribe a progestin to take while you are using Premarin, to help lower this risk. Report any unusual vaginal bleeding right away.
Read all patient information, medication guides, and instruction sheets provided to you. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Premarin is sometimes taken on a daily basis. For certain conditions, the medicine is given in a cycle, such as 3 weeks on followed by 1 week off. Follow your doctor"s instructions.
If you see what looks like part of a Premarin tablet in your stool, talk with your doctor.
Your doctor should check your progress on a regular basis (every 3 to 6 months) to determine whether you should continue this treatment. Self-examine your breasts for lumps on a monthly basis, and have regular mammograms.
If you need surgery or medical tests or if you will be on bed rest, you may need to stop using Premarin for a short time. Any doctor or surgeon who treats you should know that you are using Premarin.
Store Premarin at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the medicine container tightly closed.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, or vaginal bleeding.
What should I avoid while taking Premarin?
Do not smoke while using this medication. Smoking can increase your risk of blood clots, stroke, or heart attack caused by conjugated estrogens.
Premarin side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Premarin: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:
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abnormal vaginal bleeding;
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a lump in your breast;
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confusion, problems with memory or concentration;
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heart attack symptoms - chest pain or pressure, pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, nausea, sweating;
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liver problems - nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
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signs of a stroke - sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body), sudden severe headache, slurred speech, problems with vision or balance;
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signs of a blood clot in the lung - chest pain, sudden cough, wheezing, rapid breathing, coughing up blood; or
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signs of a blood clot in your leg - pain, swelling, warmth, or redness in one or both legs.
Common Premarin side effects may include:
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breast pain or tenderness;
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headache;
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swelling in your hands or feet;
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vaginal itching or discharge, changes in your menstrual periods, light vaginal bleeding or spotting;
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hair loss; or
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nausea, vomiting, bloating, stomach cramps.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect Premarin?
Other drugs may interact with conjugated estrogens, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.
