Before using Premarin Vaginal Cream, tell your healthcare provider about your full medical history, including any previous cancers, blood clots, heart or circulation problems, liver disease, unexplained vaginal bleeding, allergies, and possible pregnancy.
When you should not use Premarin Vaginal Cream
Do not use Premarin Vaginal Cream if you have unexplained vaginal bleeding. Bleeding or spotting after menopause should be examined before estrogen treatment begins because it may be caused by a problem affecting the uterus or cervix.
Premarin Vaginal Cream may also be unsuitable if you have or have previously had certain cancers that may be affected by estrogen, such as breast cancer or cancer of the uterine lining. Tell your healthcare provider about any history of cancer, even if your treatment was completed many years ago.
You should not use this medication if you currently have, or have previously had, a blood clot in a deep vein or the lungs. It may also be unsuitable if you have had a heart attack, stroke, or another condition involving blood clots in the arteries.
Do not use Premarin Vaginal Cream if you have liver disease or if your liver is not working normally. The liver helps process estrogen, and liver problems may cause the medication to build up in your body.
You should also avoid this medication if you have had a serious allergic reaction to conjugated estrogens or any ingredient in the cream.
Pregnancy
Premarin Vaginal Cream is intended for use after menopause and should not be used during pregnancy.
Tell your healthcare provider if you think you may be pregnant. Although pregnancy is unlikely after menopause, it may still be possible during perimenopause or in people with irregular menstrual periods.
Contact your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while using the cream. Do not continue treatment unless they specifically advise you to do so.
Bleeding and clotting disorders
Tell your healthcare provider if you have a bleeding or blood-clotting disorder. You should also mention any personal or family history of blood clots, stroke, heart attack, or unexplained miscarriages.
Other factors that may increase the risk of blood clots include smoking, obesity, limited mobility, recent surgery, long periods of bed rest, and certain inherited conditions.
Your healthcare provider may ask you to stop using estrogen temporarily before major surgery or during a prolonged period of immobility.
Allergies and inactive ingredients
Premarin Vaginal Cream contains inactive ingredients in addition to conjugated estrogens. These ingredients help form, preserve, or stabilize the cream, but they may cause irritation or an allergic reaction in some people.
Before starting treatment, tell your healthcare provider or pharmacist about allergies to medications, foods, preservatives, dyes, or topical products.
Stop using the cream and seek immediate medical attention if you develop swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing, severe dizziness, hives, or a widespread rash.
Contact your healthcare provider if you experience severe vaginal burning, swelling, pain, or irritation after applying the cream.
Protecting the uterine lining
If you still have your uterus, using estrogen without a progestogen can cause the uterine lining to become too thick. Over time, this may increase the risk of endometrial cancer.
Your healthcare provider may prescribe a progestogen along with Premarin Vaginal Cream to help protect the uterine lining. Whether you need a progestogen depends on the dose, treatment schedule, length of use, your medical history, and how much estrogen is absorbed into your bloodstream.
Do not start a progestogen on your own. Your healthcare provider will determine whether the benefits outweigh the possible risks.
Unusual vaginal bleeding
Tell your healthcare provider promptly if you experience unusual vaginal bleeding or spotting while using Premarin Vaginal Cream.
This may include bleeding after menopause, bleeding between periods, bleeding that is heavier than expected, or bleeding that returns after it had stopped.
Unusual bleeding does not always mean that you have cancer. However, it should be investigated so that your healthcare provider can identify the cause and provide appropriate treatment.
Regular follow-up appointments
Attend regular follow-up appointments while using vaginal estrogen cream, tablets, or rings. Your healthcare provider will review whether the medication is improving your symptoms and whether you still need treatment.
During these visits, your healthcare provider may review your vaginal bleeding, breast health, blood pressure, risk of blood clots, and any new medical conditions or medications.
Use Premarin Vaginal Cream at the lowest effective dose and for the shortest period appropriate for your treatment goals. Do not increase the dose, use it more often, or continue it longer than prescribed.
Seek immediate medical attention if you develop chest pain, sudden shortness of breath, coughing up blood, sudden vision or speech changes, weakness on one side of your body, or pain and swelling in one leg. These may be signs of a heart attack, stroke, or blood clot.
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