Conjugated Estrogens tablets
What do conjugated estrogens tablets do?
CONJUGATED ESTROGENS (Premarin(R)) are a mixture of different estrogen female hormones. Estrogens are essential for maintaining normal female functions. Conjugated estrogens can help relieve symptoms of the menopause (hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, and vaginal dryness and irritation), and also help to prevent osteoporosis (a loss of bone mass, so that bones become brittle and easily broken). Conjugated estrogens can also help improve female functions in women with hormonal imbalance or problems with their ovaries. Conjugated estrogens (Premarin(R)) can be given to patients with inoperable breast cancers (in men or women) or prostate cancer (men). Estrogens are occasionally prescribed for other purposes.
What should my health care professional know before I take conjugated estrogens?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• asthma
• blood vessel disease, blood clotting disorder, or suffered a stroke
• breast, cervical, endometrial or uterine cancer
• diabetes
• fibroids in the womb, or endometriosis
• heart, kidney or liver disease
• high blood lipids or cholesterol
• high blood pressure
• high level of calcium in the blood
• hysterectomy
• mental depression
• migraine
• porphyria
• tobacco smoker
• vaginal bleeding
• an unusual or allergic reaction to estrogens, other hormones, medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take conjugated estrogen tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablet with a drink of water. Take the tablets with food. Take your doses at regular intervals; conjugated estrogens work best when taken at the same time each day. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
Before starting this medication, read the paper on your prescription provided by your pharmacist or health care professional. This paper will tell you about the specific product you are taking. Make certain you understand the instructions.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What other medicines can interact with conjugated estrogens?
• some antibiotics used to treat infections
• barbiturates or benzodiazepines used for inducing sleep or treating seizures (convulsions)
• bromocriptine
• carbamazepine
• cimetidine
• cyclosporine
• dantrolene
• medications for diabetes
• methotrexate
• griseofulvin
• hydrocortisone, cortisone, or prednisolone
• isoniazid (INH)
• methotrexate
• mineral oil
• phenytoin
• raloxifene or tamoxifen
• rifabutin, rifampin, or rifapentine
• thyroid hormones
• topiramate
• tricyclic antidepressants
• warfarin
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from taking conjugated estrogens?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• breakthrough bleeding and spotting
• breast enlargement, tenderness, unusual discharge or milk production
• chest pain
• leg, arm or groin pain
• nausea, vomiting
• severe headaches
• stomach pain (severe)
• sudden shortness of breath
• swelling of the hands, feet or ankles, or rapid weight gain
• vision or speech problems
• yellowing of the eyes or skin
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• change in sexual desire
• mild stomach upset
• mood changes, anxiety, depression, frustration, anger, or emotional outbursts
• increased or decreased appetite
• skin rash, acne, or brown spots on the face
• tiredness
• vaginal yeast infection (irritation and white discharge)
• weight gain