Premarin

Overview

About Premarin

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, notify your doctor immediately. Premarin and conjugated estrogens should not be taken during pregnancy because of the possibility of harm to the unborn child. Premarin cannot prevent a miscarriage. Estrogens can decrease the quantity and quality of breast milk, and progestins appear in breast milk. Your doctor may advise you not to breastfeed while you are taking this drug.

Recommended dosage

Your doctor will start therapy with this medication at a low dose and adjust the dosage according to your response. He or she will want to check you periodically at 3- to 6-month intervals to determine the need for continued therapy.

PREMARIN TABLETS

Hot flashes associated with menopause

The usual starting dosage is 0.3 milligrams daily, taken continuously or in cycles such as 25 days on Premarin and 5 days off.

Tissue degeneration in the vagina

The usual starting dosage is 0.3 milligrams daily, taken continuously or in cycles.

Low estrogen levels due to reduced ovary function

The usual dosage is 0.3 to 0.625 milligrams daily, taken cyclically.

Ovary removal or ovarian failure

The usual dosage is 1.25 milligrams daily, taken cyclically.

Prevention of osteoporosis (loss of bone mass)

The usual starting dosage is 0.3 milligrams daily, taken continuously or in cycles.

Advanced androgen-dependent cancer of the prostate, for relief of symptoms only

The usual dosage is 1.25 to 2.5 milligrams 3 times daily.

Breast cancer (for relief of symptoms only) in appropriately selected women and men with metastatic disease

The suggested dosage is 10 milligrams 3 times daily for a period of at least 3 months. Tell your doctor if you have any unusual bleeding.

PREMARIN VAGINAL CREAM

Given cyclically for short-term use only.

Degeneration of genital tissue or severe itching in the genital area

The recommended dosage is one-half to 2 grams daily, inserted into the vagina, depending on the severity of the condition. You will use the cream for 3 weeks, then stop for 1 week. Tell your doctor if you notice any unusual bleeding.

PREMPRO TABLETS/PREMPHASE THERAPY

Symptoms associated with menopause (hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal tissue degeneration) or for the prevention of osteoporosis (loss of bone mass)

The usual starting dose for Prempro is one 0.3-milligram/1.5-milligram tablet once a day. If this dose proves insufficient, your doctor may increase the dose to one 0.625-milligram/0.25- or 0.5-milligram tablet once a day.

For Premphase therapy, follow a 28-day cycle. Take 1 maroon Premarin tablet (equal to 0.625 milligrams estrogen) every day for the first 14 days; on the 15th day, begin taking 1 light-blue tablet (equal to 0.625 milligrams estrogen/5 milligrams progesterone) daily.

CENESTIN TABLETS

The usual starting dose is 0.45 milligrams a day. If this proves insufficient, the doctor may gradually increase the dose up to a maximum of 1.25 milligrams daily.