Premarin is a prescription hormone replacement drug consisting of conjugated estrogens. Premarin is used to treat hot flashes, vaginal dryness and other vaginal irritations in postmenopausal women who have had a hysterectomy. Like other hormone-based therapies, Premarin is associated with a number of side effects that should be considered before and during Premarin use.
Fluid Retention
Fluid retention is a relatively common side effect of Premarin. The manufacturer of Premarin recommends close medical observation for patients who must use Premarin but are sensitive to fluid retention because of asthma, epilepsy, migraines, heart disease or kidney dysfunction.
Cancer
Premarin is associated with an increased risk of certain cancers such as endometrial carcinoma, ovarian cancer, and breast cancer. Premarin comes with an FDA black box warning that vaginal bleeding with Premarin use may be a sign of endometrial carcinoma.
Cardiovascular Side Effects
Common cardiovascular side effects of Premarin use include deep vein thrombosis, superficial vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, increased blood pressure and myocardial infarction.
Genitourinary Reactions
Drug safety information reproduced by Drugs.com lists a number genitourinary reactions of Premarin that can effect the vaginal area, particularly with use of cream preparations of Premarin. Such side effects include breakthrough bleeding, spotting, changes in bleeding patterns, vaginitis, vaginal burning, itching and irritation, ovarian cancer and precocious puberty. These side effects should be brought to the attention of a physician.
Gallbladder Disease
Prescribing information provided by Wyeth, the manufacturer of Premarin, lists gallbladder disease as a potential side effect of Premarin. The risk of gallbladder disease requiring surgery is two to four times higher in postmenopausal women using estrogen therapies such as Premarin.
Gastrointestinal Side Effects
A number of gastrointestinal reactions have been described in patients using Premarin. Typical gastrointestinal side effects associated with Premarin include abdominal cramps, vomiting, bloating, pancreatitis and jaundice.
Nervous System and Psychiatric Effects
Common nervous system side effects of Premarin include headache, dizziness, stroke, nervousness, dementia and depression, according to Drugs.com. Mood cycling has also been reported in patients with previously diagnosed depression.
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