The hormone replacement drug Premarin is used by women to control menopausal symptoms. While the drug is effective, there are some serious risks involved, including an increased risk of some cancers. A woman interested in using Premarin should discuss whether this form of hormone replacement therapy is right for her.
Purpose
Premarin is primarily used as an estrogen replacement to ease the symptoms of menopause including hot flashes and vaginal dryness. It can also be used for women with ovarian failure and for the prevention of osteoporosis. It may also be used as a part of cancer treatment.
Usage
Premarin is only available by prescription and is taken daily. This drug is available as a tablet to be taken orally or as a vaginal cream to be inserted into the vagina with an applicator provided by the manufacturer. Oral Premarin may be prescribed as a cycle, with 25 days spent taking the pill followed by a five-day break before the next cycle begins.
Contraindications
Women who have had a heart attack, stroke or blood clot should not use Premarin. Other contraindications include a history of liver disease, breast cancer, uterine cancer or abnormal vaginal bleeding. Pregnant women or those who suspect that they may be pregnant should also avoid using Premarin since this drug may cause birth defects. Women who are breastfeeding should also avoid using Premarin, since this drug can get into breastmilk.
Interactions
Premarin may interact with some other drugs, including oral diabetes medication, some blood thinners, thyroid medications and drugs to control seizures. Herbal products, vitamins and dietary supplements may also interact with Premarin, so a doctor should go over all medications and supplements with the patient before prescribing this drug.
Side Effects
Serious side effects stemming from the use of Premarin include migraine headaches, abnormal vaginal bleeding, chest pain, jaundice, confusion or memory problems and swelling of the legs, feet or hands. Mild side effects may include breast pain, headache, dizziness, vaginal discharge and changes in weight. Women who experience unusual vaginal bleeding while taking Premarin should report it to their doctors, since this can indicate the presence of uterine or endometrial cancer.
Warning
Because Premarin contains estrogen but not progresterone, it increases a woman's risk of heart attacks, strokes, breast cancer, blood clots, endometrial cancer and uterine cancer, according to the U. S. Food and Drug Administration. These risks increase the longer a woman takes Premarin, so the FDA advises that women using this drug use it for the shortest time necessary and at the lowest dose necessary to treat symptoms. Taking a medication with progesterone along with Premarin may mitigate some of these effects.
