Indications
Prempro Low Dose is an oral medication used to treat moderate to severe hot flashes associated with menopause. It can provide relief from certain symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness, by replacing the hormones that the body no longer produces naturally.
Prempro is a combination of two hormones: conjugated estrogens and medroxyprogesterone acetate. These compounds work together to increase levels of estrogen and progesterone in the body, which can help regulate the menstrual cycle, prevent bone loss, and reduce the severity and frequency of menopause symptoms.
Conjugated estrogens are a type of estrogen derived from pregnant horses' urine. They are structurally similar to the estrogen that is produced by the human body and can help alleviate symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness.
Medroxyprogesterone acetate, on the other hand, is a synthetic progestin used with estrogen to decrease the risk of endometrial cancer and other complications. It works by thickening the lining of the uterus, which can reduce the risk of abnormal growths and other adverse effects.
Use and Dosage
Prempro Low Dose comes in the form of tablet to take by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. You may take it with food or right after a meal to prevent stomach upset.
The recommended dosage for Prempro Low Dose is one tablet once a day for 28 days, then repeat the cycle. Use the tablet at the lowest effective dose and for the shortest duration consistent with treatment goals and risks for the individual patient and follow your healthcare provider's instructions and take the medication exactly as prescribed.
If you miss a dose of Prempro Low Dose, take it as soon as possible within the same day, but do not take extra medicine to make up for the missed dose. Note that Prempro Low Dose should only be used under the supervision of a healthcare provider.
Side Effects
Common Side Effects of Prempro Low Dose (Medroxyprogesterone/Estrogen):
- Acne
- Back pain
- Bloating
- Breast tenderness/pain/swelling
- Changes in your menstrual periods
- Decreased sex drive
- Depression
- Dizziness
- Excess gas in the stomach or intestines
- Freckles or darkening of facial skin
- Headache
- Increased hair growth
- Lack or loss of strength
- Loss of scalp hair
- Nausea
- Nervousness
- Problems with contact lenses
- Stomach upset or pain
- Tired feeling
- Vaginal itching or discharge
- Vomiting
- Weight or appetite changes
Serious Side Effects of Prempro Low Dose (Medroxyprogesterone/Estrogen):
- Bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
- Blood in the urine
- Blurred vision
- Chest pain
- Clear or bloody discharge from the nipple
- Cough or hoarseness
- Dimpling of the breast skin
- Dizziness
- Fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse
- Feeling faint, dizzy, or lightheaded
- Feeling of warmth or heat
- Fever or chills
- Flushing or redness of the skin, especially on the face and neck
- Headache
- Inverted nipple
- Lower back or side pain
- Lump in the breast or under the arm
- Nervousness
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Painful or difficult urination
- Persistent crusting or scaling of the nipple
- Pounding in the ears
- Redness or swelling of the breast
- Severe cramping of the uterus
- Sore on the skin of the breast that does not heal
- Sudden shortness of breath or troubled breathing
- Sweating
- Thick, white vaginal discharge with no odor or with a mild odor
- Tingling of the hands or feet
- Unexpected or excess milk flow from the breasts
- Unusual weight gain or loss
- Vaginal bleeding that is unusual and heavy
- Vaginal or genital itching
- Vaginal yeast infectios
- Vomiting
- Yellow eyes or skin
Forms and Strength
Prempro Low Dose (Medroxyprogesterone/Estrogen) is available in the following forms and strength:
Prempro Low Dose: Tablet
- 1.5/0.3mg
- 5/0.625mg
Cautions
- Increased risk of cardiovascular disorders, such as heart attack or stroke, especially in women who smoke or have pre-existing risk factors for these conditions.
- Increased risk of breast cancer, especially with long-term use.
- Increased risk of endometrial cancer if estrogen is used alone without a progestin.
- Increased risk of dementia in women over 65 years old who use estrogen and progestin.
- Other potential side effects include headaches, vaginal bleeding, nausea, bloating, fluid retention, and mood changes.
- Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not use Prempro.
- Prempro should be used with caution in women with a history of liver or kidney disease, gallbladder disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, or asthma.
- Prempro may interact with other medications, including herbal products and supplements, tell your healthcare provider about all the medications you are taking before starting Prempro.
- Women who experience unexplained vaginal bleeding or other unusual symptoms while taking Prempro should contact their healthcare provider immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can Prempro Low Dose increase the risk of breast cancer?
Yes, Prempro Low Dose may increase the risk of breast cancer, especially with long-term use.
Can Prempro Low Dose increase the risk of cardiovascular disorders?
Yes, Prempro Low Dose may increase the risk of cardiovascular disorders, such as heart attack or stroke, especially in women who smoke or have pre-existing risk factors for these conditions.
Can Prempro Low Dose be used during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
No, Prempro Low Dose should not be used during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Should all women in menopause use Prempro Low Dose?
No, Prempro Low Dose is not safe for everyone to use. Women who have a history of breast cancer or other medical conditions should discuss the potential risks and benefits of Prempro with their healthcare provider before using the tablet.
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