Brand Name: Premarin
Generic Name: Conjugated estrogens

Estrogens, conjugated

(ESS-truh-janz)

ORIGINAL USES (ON-LABEL)
Symptoms associated with menopause, inoperable breast cancer, prostatic cancer, abnormal uterine bleeding, hypogonadism, primary ovarian failure, prevention of osteoporosis.

BRAND NAME
Premarin, Cenestin, Menest, C.E.S.

DRUG CLASS
Estrogens

DESCRIPTION
Premarin is an estrogen and is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms flushing, hot flashes) associated with menopause, vaginal or vulvar atrophy, and prevention of osteoporosis.

POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS
Anxiety, blood clots in the blood vessels, breakthrough bleeding and spotting, breast pain, tenderness or enlargement, changes in sex drive, depression, disturbance in liver function, dizziness, fatigue, gall bladder disease, gut disturbances, such as nausea, abdominal pain, bloating, flatulence, indigestion, headache/migraine, irregular brown patches on the skin, usually of the face, leg cramps, premenstrual-like symptoms, rise in blood pressure, skin reactions such as rash and itch, steepening of corneal curvature which may make contact lenses uncomfortable, swelling of the ankles due to to fluid retention), vaginal thrush, weight changes

CAUTIONS

• Hypertension, gallbladder disease, CHF, diabetes mellitus, depression, migraine headache, seizure disorders, hepatic disease, family history of breast or endometrial cancer, history of thromboembolic disorders, uterine fibroids, hypertriglyceridemia, hypercalcemia

DRUG INTERACTIONS
Tricyclic antidepressants, anticonvulsants, anticoagulants, oral hypoglycemics, tamoxifen, barbiturates, phenylbutazone, rifampin, corticosteroids

FOOD INTERACTIONS
grapefruit juice

HERBAL INTERACTIONS
St. John's wort, alfalfa, hops, saw palmetto, black cohosh, DHEA

PREGNANCY AND BREAST-FEEDING CAUTIONS
Pregnancy category X; may decrease quantity and quality of breast milk.

SPECIAL INFORMATION

• Use this drug cyclically or short term; prepare a calendar of drug days, rest days, and drug-free periods.
• This drug cannot be given to pregnant women because of serious toxic effects to the baby.