Indications
Premarin (active ingredient: conjugated estrogens) is a prescription medication indicated for the following:
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Premarin is used for hormone replacement therapy in women experiencing menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and mood swings.
- Osteoporosis Prevention: It is indicated for the prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women who are at risk of fractures.
- Primary Ovarian Failure: Premarin is used in the treatment of primary ovarian failure (premature menopause) in women who have not had their ovaries surgically removed.
Premarin belongs to a class of drugs known as estrogen hormone replacement therapies, which work by supplementing the body with estrogen to alleviate menopausal symptoms and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
Uses and Dosage
Premarin is available in tablet form, which can be taken by mouth with or without food as prescribed by a healthcare provider. If you experience stomach upset, taking the medication with food or immediately after a meal may help. Do not chew, crush, or dissolve the tablets, swallow the tablets whole as doing so may increase the risk of side effects. The dosage and treatment duration will be determined based on factors such as your medical condition and response to treatment. Follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider while taking Premarin.
The recommended dosages of Premarin depend on the condition being treated. Here are the typical starting doses for different conditions:
- Menopausal symptoms: The typical starting dose is 0.3 mg by mouth once a day.
- Low estrogen: The starting dose is determined by your provider based on the condition causing low estrogen. The starting dose ranges from 0.3 mg to 1.25 mg by mouth once a day for 3 weeks, with 1 week off (no tablets taken during this week). Then this cycle is repeated.
- Breast cancer: The typical dose is 10 mg by mouth 3 times a day for at least 3 months.
- Prostate cancer: The typical dose is 1.25 mg to 2.5 mg by mouth 3 times a day.
- Prevention of bone loss (osteoporosis): The typical starting dose is 0.3 mg by mouth once a day.
Side Effects
Common Side Effects of Premarin (Conjugated Estrogen):
- Nausea
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Vomiting
- Bloating
- Stomach upset
- Breast tenderness
- Tiredness
- Weight changes
Serious Side Effects of Premarin (Conjugated Estrogen)
- Unusual vaginal bleeding
- Breast lumps
- Increased vaginal irritation and discharge
- Mental or mood changes
- Severe abdominal pain
- Persistent vomiting
- Yellowish skin
- Swelling of the extremities
- Dark urine
- Signs of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism (chest pain, severe headache, unusual sweating, difficulty breathing, sudden dizziness, fainting)
Form and Strength
Premarin (Conjugated Estrogen) is available in the following forms and strengths:
Premarin: Tablet
- 0.3mg
- 0.45mg
- 0.625mg
- 0.9mg
- 1.25mg
Caution
- Using Premarin, an estrogen-only medication, may increase your chance of developing uterine cancer. Tell any unusual vaginal bleeding immediately, as this can be a warning sign of cancer of the uterus. Make sure to have your healthcare provider check any abnormal vaginal bleeding to identify the cause.
- Premarin has the potential to cause dark and blotchy areas on the skin and face, known as melasma. It can be worsened by exposure to sunlight, so limit sun exposure, avoid tanning booths and sunlamps, and wear protective clothing when outdoors, including the use of sunscreen.
- Estrogen combined with smoking further increases your risk of stroke, blood clots, high blood pressure, and heart attack, especially in women older than 35.
- Avoid using estrogens, both with or without progestins, to prevent heart disease, heart attacks, strokes, or dementia (decline in brain function).
- Do not use estrogens, whether with or without progestins, to prevent heart disease, heart attacks, strokes, or dementia (decline in brain function). This is because using estrogen alone may increase your chances of getting strokes or blood clots, while using estrogens with progestins may increase your chances of getting heart attacks, strokes, breast cancer or blood clots.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is this medication safe?
Premarin is proven safe. Even so, you must consult your physician if you encounter severe and unusual adverse effects because this medication could increase the risk of endometrial cancer and uterine cancer.
How long does this medication take to work?
It could take about a month before you notice an improvement in your menopausal symptoms.
When is the best time to take this medication?
Postmenopausal women could take this medication any time of the day provided that it is the same time of the day, each day.
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