Information about Conjugated estrogens (Generic Premarin) :


Conjugated Estrogens is a mixture of female estrogen hormones that is used to treat symptoms of advanced breast cancer in selected men and women; to treat menopause symptoms (hot flashes, vaginal itching, burning, and dryness); to prevent osteoporosis after menopause; to replace estrogen after failure of the ovaries; and to treat advanced prostate cancer in men. It replaces natural estrogens in a woman who can not produce enough estrogen and antagonizes male hormones.

You should not use Conjugated Estrogens in case you have any condition mentioned below: you are allergic to any ingredient in Conjugated Estrogens; you are pregnant or suspect you may be pregnant; you have known, suspected, or a history of breast cancer (unless directed by your doctor) or other cancers that are estrogen-dependent; you have abnormal vaginal bleeding of unknown cause; you have impaired liver function or liver disease, or the blood disease porphyria; you have recently (within the last year) had a stroke or heart attack; you have blood clots or circulation disorders.

In such cases it is obligatory to consult with your doctor or health care provider before taking this drug.

Before using Conjugated Estrogens:
Before using Conjugated Estrogens you should tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions listed below: you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding a baby; you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement; you have allergies to medicines or other substances; you have an abnormal mammogram; you have asthma (wheezing), a benign breast nodule, bone cancer, depression, diabetes, endometriosis or endometrial (uterine) cancer, epilepsy (seizures), gallbladder disease, heart problems, high blood pressure, kidney problems, liver problems or a history of yellowing of the skin or eyes, lupus, migraines, obesity, pancreatitis, uterine fibroids, thyroid problems or have high calcium levels in your blood; you use tobacco, you are going to have surgery, or you will be on bed rest; you have a family history of high cholesterol, lipid, calcium, or triglyceride levels; or breast cancer.

Be aware that Conjugated Estrogens may interact with some medicines. Consult with your health care provider in case you are taking any other drugs, especially any of the following: hydantoins (eg, phenytoin) and rifampin because the effectiveness of this medication may be decreased.

It may not be a complete list of all interactions with other drugs. To prevent any complications you should check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Conjugated Estrogens:
Use Conjugated Estrogens as recommended by your physician. Conjugated Estrogens should be taken with food or immediately after a meal to prevent stomach upset. It is important to take Conjugated Estrogens regularly at the same time each day. You should discuss with your doctor stopping Conjugated Estrogens 4 to 6 weeks before surgery.

In case you miss a dose of Conjugated Estrogens, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next intake, skip the missed dose and take it according to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take double doses to catch up.

Important safety information:
Be careful when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities as Conjugated Estrogens usage may lead to dizziness. These conditions may be worsened by alcohol or any other drugs. Try to avoid any dangerous activities or any other possibly unsafe tasks while taking Conjugated Estrogens.

The risk of blood clots (especially in women older than 35 years of age) may be increased by smoking while using Conjugated Estrogens.

You have to undergo complete medical and family history exam, which will include blood pressure, breast, stomach, and pelvic organ exams and a Pap smear before taking Conjugated Estrogens. You have also to undergo periodic mammograms. It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions for examining your breasts, and report any lumps right away.

You should know that your doctor examine you every 3 to 6 months to estimate whether or not you need to continue using Conjugated Estrogens.

To treat vaginal menopause symptoms, products should be applied locally such as vaginal creams, tablets, or rings. In case you have other medical conditions and you are administered estrogens for more than one condition, consult with your doctor.

You may be administered non-drug therapy for the purpose of bone loss prevention that includes a weight-bearing exercise plan, as well as adequate daily calcium and vitamin D intake. Consult with your doctor of pharmacist for additional information.

Diabetes patients should monitor their blood sugar levels closely, as Conjugated Estrogens may affect your blood sugar. Consult with doctor before changing the dose of your diabetes drugs.

Conjugated Estrogens usage may lead to dark skin patches on your face (melasma). Try to avoid prolonged sun exposure and sunlamps, as such exposure may make these patches darker. Consult with your doctor regarding the use of sunscreens and protective clothing.

In case you wear contact lenses and you have problems associated with them, consult with your doctor.

In case you will undergo surgery or will be confined to a chair or bed for a long period of time (eg, a long plane flight), consult with your doctor beforehand, as you may need special precautions.

Certain lab test results may be affected while taking Conjugated Estrogens. Notify laboratory personnel and your doctors that you use Conjugated Estrogens.

Lab tests, including a lipid profile, may be performed while you are using Conjugated Estrogens. It is important to control your progress or to check for side effects. Follow all doctor and lab appointments strictly.

You should use Conjugated Estrogens with extreme caution in CHILDREN. Monitor their growth pattern as Conjugated Estrogens might stunt their growth.

PREGNANCY and LACTATION:
Do not use Conjugated Estrogens in case you are pregnant. If you could become pregnant, consult with your doctor immediately. It is known that Conjugated Estrogens passes into breast milk. In case you are or will be breast-feeding a baby while you are using Conjugated Estrogens, consult with your doctor or pharmacist and discuss the risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of Conjugated Estrogens:
You should consult with your doctor in case you have any of side effects especially bothersome listed below: back pain; bloating; breast pain; depression; diarrhea; dizziness; flu syndrome; gas; hair loss; headache; increased cough; increased/decreased interest in sex; indigestion; infection; irregular vaginal bleeding or spotting; itching; joint pain; lightheadedness; leg cramps; muscle aches; nausea; nervousness; pain; runny nose; sinus inflammation; sleeplessness; sore throat; stomach pain; upper respiratory tract infection; vaginal inflammation; weakness; weight changes.

Seek emergency immediately in case you have any of these severe side effects: severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); abnormal bleeding from the vagina; breast lumps; changes in vision or speech; chest pain; dizziness; fainting; mental/mood changes; pain or tenderness in the upper abdomen; pain in the calves; severe headache; sudden shortness of breath; swelling of the hands or feet; unusual vaginal discharge/itching/odor; vomiting; weakness or numbness of an arm or leg; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

What is the expiration date of the pills?
This information is mentioned on each blister. The expiration date is 2 years from the date of manufacture.