Drug Info For: Premarin (Conjugated Estrogens) 

Generic Name: E: CONJUGATED ESTROGENS (ESS-troe-jenz)

Drug Manufacturer: AYERST

Premarin (Conjugated Estrogens) Common Uses: Premarin (conjugated estrogen) is a female hormone and is usually given to women who no longer produce the proper amount. Premarin (conjugated estrogen) used to reduce menopause symptoms (e.g., vaginal dryness).

How to use Premarin (Conjugated Estrogens): Follow the directions for using Premarin (conjugated estrogen) provided by your doctor. Premarin (conjugated estrogen) comes with a patient leaflet. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions you may have about this medicine. Fill the applicator with the medicine according to the directions. Insert the applicator high into the vagina and press the plunger to release the medicine. Clean the applicator with warm soapy water and rinse well. Do not boil or use hot water to clean the applicator. Follow your dosing schedule closely. It is best to schedule each dose about the same time of the day. STORE Premarin (conjugated estrogen) at room temperature 77 degrees F (25 degrees C), away from heat, moisture, and light. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do NOT use 2 doses at once.

Premarin (Conjugated Estrogens) Cautions: KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are using this medicine. You should have a complete physical examination, including blood pressure measurements, breast and pelvic examinations, and a PAP test (for vaginal cancer), at least once a year. You should also have periodic mammograms as determined by your doctor. Follow your doctor's instructions for examining your own breasts, and report any lumps immediately. THIS MEDICINE MAY ALTER CERTAIN LAB RESULTS. Make sure laboratory personnel and your doctors know that you are using this medicine. If you will be having surgery or will be confined to a chair or bed for a long period of time (e.g., a long plane flight), notify your doctor beforehand. Special precautions may need to be taken in these circumstances while you are taking this medicine. Premarin (conjugated estrogens) MAY CAUSE DIZZINESS. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. LIMIT ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES while using this medicine. Premarin (conjugated estrogens) MAY CAUSE a patchy darkening of the skin on the face (melasma). Sunlight may intensify this darkening and you may need to avoid prolonged sun exposure and sunlamps. Consult your doctor regarding use of sunscreens and protective clothing. Cigarette smoking can increase the chance of blood clots while taking this medicine (especially in women over the age of 35). This medicine can weaken and lead to failure of latex condoms. Consult your doctor about the use of condoms and other vaginal products while using this medicine. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. FOR WOMEN: THIS MEDICINE HAS BEEN SHOWN TO CAUSE HARM to the human fetus. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE if you are pregnant. IF YOU SUSPECT THAT YOU COULD BE PREGNANT, contact your doctor immediately. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.

Possible Side Effects of Premarin (Conjugated Estrogens): SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment, include dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, stomach upset, bloating, nausea, weight changes, increased/decreased interest in sex, or breast tenderness. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience mental/mood changes (e.g., severe depression), calf/pain swelling, sudden severe headache, chest pain, trouble breathing, one-sided weakness, slurred speech, vision changes (e.g., change in contact lens fit, loss of vision), breast lumps, swelling of hands/feet, changes in vaginal bleeding (e.g., spotting, breakthrough bleeding, or prolonged bleeding), unusual vaginal discharge/itching/odor, or yellowing of the eyes/skin. AN ALLERGIC REACTION to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.