The medication is a hormone, specifically estrogen, primarily employed by women to alleviate menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and vaginal dryness.
Menopausal symptoms occur due to a decrease in the body’s estrogen production.
When addressing symptoms localized in and around the vagina, considering products applied directly inside the vagina is recommended over medications taken orally, absorbed through the skin, or injected.
Additionally, certain estrogen products may be used by postmenopausal women to prevent bone loss (osteoporosis). However, alternative medications such as raloxifene and bisphosphonates (e.g., alendronate) may be both effective and potentially safer, warranting consideration before resorting to estrogen treatment.
Beyond menopausal symptoms, estrogen products may find application in treating cancers, including specific types of prostate cancer and breast cancer that has metastasized.
Women who are unable to produce sufficient estrogen, for reasons like hypogonadism or primary ovarian failure, may also benefit from certain estrogen products.
Dosage and administration
Before initiating the use of this medication, it is advisable to read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Take the medication orally, either with or without food, according to your doctor’s instructions. To minimize the risk of stomach upset, you can take it with food or immediately after a meal.
If you are using extended-release tablets, avoid crushing, chewing, or dissolving them, as this may release the entire drug at once, increasing the likelihood of side effects. Swallow the tablets whole.
The prescribed dosage is determined based on your medical condition and response to treatment.
To maximize the medication’s benefits, consistently take it as directed. Establish a routine by taking it at the same time(s) each day. Adhere to your dosing schedule meticulously. Do not alter your dose, frequency, or duration of use without explicit instructions.
If your condition does not improve or worsens, inform your doctor about the changes. Regular communication with your healthcare provider is essential for monitoring and adjusting the treatment plan as needed.
Side effects
Common side effects of this medication may include stomach upset, nausea/vomiting, bloating, breast tenderness, headache, or weight changes. If any of these effects persist or worsen, promptly inform your doctor or pharmacist.
Notify your doctor immediately if you observe the tablet in your stool.
It’s essential to recognize that your doctor prescribed this medication because the perceived benefits outweigh the potential risks of side effects. Many individuals using this medication experience no serious side effects.
Promptly report to your doctor if you encounter serious side effects, such as persistent nausea/vomiting, mental/mood changes (like depression, memory loss), breast lumps, unusual vaginal bleeding (spotting, breakthrough bleeding, prolonged/recurrent bleeding), increased or new vaginal irritation/itching/odour/discharge, severe stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing of eyes/skin, dark urine, swelling in hands/ankles/feet, or increased thirst/urination.
This medication may rarely lead to severe complications like blood clots, resulting in conditions such as heart attacks, strokes, deep vein thrombosis, or pulmonary embolism. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms such as chest/jaw/left arm pain, unusual sweating, sudden/severe headache, weakness on one side of the body, confusion, difficulty speaking, sudden vision changes (partial/complete blindness), pain/redness/swelling of legs, tingling/weakness/numbness in the arms/legs, trouble breathing, coughing up blood, or sudden dizziness/fainting.
While very rare, a serious allergic reaction to this medication can occur. Seek immediate medical help if you notice symptoms such as rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing.
Note that the above information does not encompass all potential side effects. If you observe other effects not listed, contact your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Precautions
Before starting this medication, inform your doctor or pharmacist about any allergies you may have, as this product may contain inactive ingredients that can cause allergic reactions or other issues. Consult your pharmacist for more information.
Share your medical history with your doctor or pharmacist, especially if you have a history of vaginal bleeding of unknown cause, certain cancers (such as breast cancer, uterine or ovarian cancer), blood clots, stroke, heart disease (including heart attack), liver or kidney disease, a family history of certain conditions (such as breast lumps, cancer, blood clots), a personal or family history of a specific swelling disorder (angioedema), blood clotting disorders (such as protein C or protein S deficiency), high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol/triglyceride levels, obesity, lupus, underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), mineral imbalance (low or high calcium levels in the blood), a certain hormone problem (hypoparathyroidism), uterus problems (like fibroids or endometriosis), gallbladder disease, asthma, seizures, migraine headaches, or a certain blood disorder (porphyria), as well as mental/mood disorders (such as dementia or depression).
It is advised not to smoke or use tobacco while taking this medication, as the combination of estrogens and smoking increases the risk of stroke, blood clots, high blood pressure, and heart attack, particularly in women over 35 years old.
Notify your doctor if you have recently undergone or are planning surgery or if you will be immobile for an extended period (e.g., long plane flight). These conditions elevate the risk of blood clots, especially when using an estrogen product. Temporary cessation of this medication or special precautions may be necessary.
This medication may cause blotchy, dark areas on the face and skin (melasma), which may worsen with sunlight exposure. Limit sun exposure, avoid tanning booths and sunlamps, and use sunscreen and protective clothing when outdoors.
If you are nearsighted or wear contact lenses, be aware that this medication may lead to vision problems or difficulties with contact lens wear. Contact your eye doctor if these issues arise.
Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, which could potentially affect their growth and development. Discuss potential effects with the doctor and monitor your child’s growth regularly.
This medication should not be used during pregnancy. Inform your doctor immediately if you become pregnant or suspect pregnancy.
The medication passes into breast milk and may impact the quality and quantity of breast milk produced. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Additional information
Brand Name:
Premarin
Scientific Name:
Conjugated Estrogen
Other Names:
Premarin
Strength(s):
0.3mg, 0.9mg, 0.45mg, 0.625mg, 1.25mg
Quantities Available:
28, 56, 84, 100
Formulation:
Tablet
All product content included on OnlineCanadianPharmacy.com is for information only. Please note that it is not a replacement for your individual professional medical care or advice. Always remember to speak with a qualified health professional before taking any prescription or non prescription medication.
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Premarin
