Conjugated Estrogens vaginal cream
What does conjugated estrogens vaginal cream do?
CONJUGATED ESTROGENS (Premarin(R)) are a mixture of naturally occurring different estrogen female hormones. Estrogens are essential for maintaining normal female functions. Conjugated estrogens vaginal cream can help relieve symptoms of the menopause (vaginal dryness and irritation).
What should my health care professional know before I use 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 use this medicine?
Conjugated estrogens vaginal cream is for use in the vagina only. Do not take by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Vaginal products work best if used at bedtime. Use at bedtime unless otherwise directed by your prescriber or health care professional. Read package directions carefully before using. Use the special applicator supplied with the cream. Wash hands before and after use. Fill the applicator with the cream and remove from the tube. Lie on your back, part and bend your knees. Insert the applicator into the vagina and push the plunger to expel the cream into the vagina. Wash the applicator with warm soapy water and rinse well. You also can apply a small amount of the cream to the labia (outer skin folds or "lips" of the vagina) to relieve dryness or irritation. Use exactly as directed for the complete length of time prescribed. Do not stop using except on your prescriber's advice.
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, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.
What other medicines can interact with conjugated estrogens?
Conjugated estrogens vaginal cream usually releases only a small amount of hormone into the body daily and is less likely to cause significant drug interactions with most medications. However, if you are on any of the following medications, you may want to ask your health care professional about any needed precautions. Do not use other vaginal medications without the advice of your health care professional.
• some antibiotics used to treat infections
• barbiturates or benzodiazepines usedfor inducing sleep or treating seizures (convulsions)
• bromocriptine
• carbamazepine
• cimetidine
• cyclosporine
• dantrolene
• medications for diabetes
• methotrexate
• griseofulvin
• hydrocortisone, cortisone, or prednisolone
• isoniazid (INH)
• methotrexate
• 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 using 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
• stomach pain (severe)
• swelling of the hands, feet or ankles, or rapid weight gain
• vaginal area itching or redness
• 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
• headache
• loss of appetite
• mild stomach upset
• problems wearing contact lenses