Premarin

Uses
Premarin (Conjugated Oestrogens) reduces hot flashes, night time perspiration and vaginal symptoms in menopausal women by replacing the hormonal levels. This medicine has also been shown to make the bones in the spine and hip more dense, which could be useful in the prevention of osteoporosis. The production and secretion of oestrogen by the ovarian follicle is generally decreased as a direct result of the menopause.

Because of the subsequent drop in blood oestrogen levels, symptoms such as hot flushes during the night and vaginal dryness (which may lead to pain during sexual intercourse) can occur. In order to control and provide relief from these unpleasant symptoms, doctors may recommend HRT (hormonal replacement therapy). This medicine contains oestrogens which are water soluble, allowing for them to be quickly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and released into the body over a set period of time.

By boosting the oestrogen levels, HRT with this medicine can thereby alleviate the symptoms listed above. Clinical trials showed that it could relieve the severity and decrease the frequency of vasomotor symptoms (flushes) in menopausal women. Other conditions for which patients have taken it include female hypogonadism and breast cancer. Some men have also administered it for androgen dependent prostate cancer (in men).

Dosage and Administration
Premarin (Conjugated Oestrogens) comes in tablet form, and the strength of each one is 0.3mg. Each strop contains 28 tablets, which is enough for 4 weeks. Generally, doctors instruct women undergoing HRT to take one tablet per day. Patients are generally treated with the lowest effective amount of medicine for the shortest possible length of time and re-evaluation of the need for treatment will be regularly conducted by the doctor in charge of treatment.

Women treating vaginal symptoms and flushes may be directed to take it every day on a continuous basis or else as part of a cyclical treatment schedule (for example, 25 days taking it after which a five day break from treatment is taken). Patients with a uterus may also need to administer a progestin, so as to lower the risk of endometrial cancer.

Side effects
Side effects which have occurred in patients treated with Premarin (Conjugated Oestrogens) include (but are not limited to) the following:

• Loss of hair
• Reduced libido
• Yeast infections of the vagina
• Bloated feeling and stomach cramps
• Painful sensation affecting the breasts

Ensure that your doctor is made aware of any side effects that are experienced during the course of treatment, even if they are only mild. Some reactions are serious and will necessitate immediate medical care. Attend the hospital or see your doctor straight away if you experience or notice a lump on the breast, severe headaches, speech problems, unusual bleeding from the vagina, inflammation of the limbs or any other serious side effects.

Precautions
HRT can increase the risk of breast cancer. For this reason, regular breast checks will be needed by your doctor. Attend all scheduled medical appointments.

Women should also note that HRT could cause a slight increase in the risk of blood clots or strokes. Discuss this with your doctor before beginning treatment.

Seek immediate emergency medical attention if you suffer an allergic reaction. Symptoms to watch for, which may be indicative of a reaction, include skin rashes, hives, swelling of the face or limbs, trouble breathing, and trouble swallowing.

Always use Premarin (Conjugated Oestrogens) as you have been prescribed by your doctor. Never self-medicate or change your dosage without first consulting your doctor. The correct dosage can vary depending on your health, medical history, and the severity of the condition being treated.

This medication may not be safe for all patients. Before you begin using it always disclose the following to your doctor:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• If you suffer from any allergies.
• If you suffer from any other health conditions or illnesses.
• If you are using any other medicine (including all non-prescription).
• If you are using any supplements, vitamins, or herbal products of any kind.