Premarin (Conjugated Estrogen)

Do’s

• Before starting to use Premarin each time you get a refill, read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist. If you have any questions, ask your healthcare provider.
• Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your healthcare provider. It can be taken with food or right after a meal to prevent stomach upset.
• If you are taking the extended-release tablets, swallow the whole.
• The dosage of Premarin is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Follow your dosing schedule carefully
• Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help remember, take it at the same time(s) each day as directed.
• Consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice and guidance regarding the use of Premarin. Additionally, report to your healthcare provider if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.

Don’ts

• Do not crush, chew, or dissolve extended-release tablets, as doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects.
• Do not increase your dose or take this medication more often or for a longer time than directed.

Serious, but less common side effects: 

• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Blood clots
• Dementia
• Breast cancer
• Cancer of the lining of the uterus (womb)
• Cancer of the ovary
• High blood pressure
• High blood sugar
• Gallbladder disease
• Liver problems
• Enlargement of benign tumors of the uterus (fibroids)
• Severe allergic reactions 

Other potential side effects: 

• Leucorrhea
• Vaginal hemorrhage
• Vaginitis,
• Back pain
• Leg cramps
• Pain in the pelvis
• Changes to mental health during menopause

If you experience any severe side effects or have concerns about this medication, contact your healthcare provider promptly for guidance and support.

Inform your healthcare provider if you have had or will be having surgery, or if you will be confined to a chair or bed for a long time (such as a long plane flight). These conditions increase the risk of getting blood clots, especially if you are taking an estrogen product. You may need to stop this medication for a time or take special precautions.

Premarin can interact with other medications, affecting their blood levels and potentially increasing side effects or making the medications less effective. Inform your healthcare provider about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Premarin should be used at the lowest effective dose and for the shortest length of time consistent with treatment goals and risks.

Postmenopausal women should be re-evaluated periodically as clinically appropriate to determine if treatment is still necessary.  Use of estrogen-alone, or in combination with a progestin, should be with the lowest effective dose and for the shortest duration consistent with treatment goals and risks for the individual woman.

Premarin should not be used during pregnancy. It may decrease the quantity and quality of breast milk. Discuss these considerations with a healthcare provider.

The information provided here is not exhaustive. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice and guidance regarding the use of Premarin.