Brand Names: Cenestin, Enjuvia, Premarin

Generic Name: conjugated estrogens (oral) (Pronunciation: KON joo gay ted ES troe jenz)

• What are conjugated estrogens (Premarin)?
• What are the possible side effects of conjugated estrogens (Premarin)?
• What is the most important information I should know about conjugated estrogens (Premarin)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking conjugated estrogens (Premarin)?
• How should I take conjugated estrogens (Premarin)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Premarin)?
• What happens if I overdose (Premarin)?
• What should I avoid while taking conjugated estrogens (Premarin)?
• What other drugs will affect conjugated estrogens (Premarin)?
• Where can I get more information?

What are conjugated estrogens (Premarin)?

Estrogen is a female sex hormone produced by the ovaries. Estrogen is necessary for many processes in the body.

Conjugated estrogens are a mixture of estrogen hormones used to treat symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes, and vaginal dryness, burning, and irritation. Other uses include prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women, and replacement of estrogen in women with ovarian failure or other conditions that cause a lack of natural estrogen in the body. Conjugated estrogens are sometimes used as part of cancer treatment in women and men.

Conjugated estrogens should not be used to prevent heart disease or dementia, because this medication may actually increase your risk of developing these conditions.

Conjugated estrogens may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Cenestin 0.3 mg

round, green, imprinted with dp, 41

Cenestin 0.45 mg

round, orange, imprinted with dp, 46

Cenestin 0.625 mg

round, red, imprinted with dp, 42

Cenestin 0.9 mg

round, white, imprinted with dp, 43

Cenestin 1.25 mg

round, blue, imprinted with dp, 44

Premarin 0.3 mg

elliptical, green, imprinted with PREMARIN 0.3

Premarin 0.45 mg

oval, blue, imprinted with PREMARIN 0.45

Premarin 0.625 mg

elliptical, maroon, imprinted with PREMARIN 0.625

Premarin 0.9 mg

elliptical, white, imprinted with PREMARIN 0.9

Premarin 1.25 mg

elliptical, yellow, imprinted with PREMARIN 1.25

What are the possible side effects of conjugated estrogens (Premarin)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop taking this medication and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling;
• sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body;
• sudden headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance;
• pain or swelling in your lower leg;
• abnormal vaginal bleeding;
• migraine headache;
• pain, swelling, or tenderness in your stomach;
• confusion, problems with memory or concentration;
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet; or
• a breast lump.

Less serious side effects may include:

• mild nausea, vomiting, bloating, stomach cramps;
• breast pain, tenderness, or swelling;
• freckles or darkening of facial skin;
• increased hair growth, loss of scalp hair;
• changes in weight or appetite;
• problems with contact lenses;
• vaginal itching or discharge;
• changes in your menstrual periods, decreased sex drive; or
• headache, nervousness, dizziness, tired feeling.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about conjugated estrogens (Premarin)?

Do not use this medication if you have any of the following conditions: a history of heart attack, stroke, or blood clot (especially in your lung or your lower body), liver disease, abnormal vaginal bleeding, or a hormone-related cancer such as breast or uterine cancer.

This medication can cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Do not use conjugated estrogens if you are pregnant.

Long-term treatment with conjugated estrogens may increase your risk of breast cancer, heart attack, or stroke. Talk with your doctor about your individual risks before using conjugated estrogens long term, especially if you smoke or are overweight. Your doctor should check your progress on a regular basis (every 3 to 6 months) to determine whether you should continue this treatment.

Have regular physical exams and self-examine your breasts for lumps on a monthly basis while using conjugated estrogens.

Conjugated estrogens should not be used to prevent heart disease or dementia, because this medication may actually increase your risk of developing these conditions.