Premarin 0.30mg Tablet

What is Premarin 0.30 mg Tablet?

Premarin 0.3 mg Tablets is a sex hormone, prescribed for treating conditions due to menopause, treating vulval or vaginal atrophy, prostate cancer, and preventing osteoporosis (brittle bones).

It is also used for estrogen replacement therapy after failure of the ovaries and to relieve the symptoms of breast cancer.

Premarin is a synthetic version of the naturally occurring form of the female sex hormone, oestrogen. It is used as a hormone replacement therapy (HRT) by women going through or have passed menopause. The medication can be used to treat symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, burning and irritation.

Some women may also use it in the prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis and certain types of cancer.

Premarin 0.30 mg Tablet Uses?

Premarin should be taken orally once per day or as directed by a doctor. To prevent an upset stomach, the medication should be taken with or just after food along with a glass of water.

It is usually given in a rotating schedule, such as 3 weeks on followed by 1 week off. Contact a doctor for the correct dosage, start date and length of treatment as it will depend on the patients condition and their response to the therapy.

How does Premarin 0.30 mg Tablet work?

Menopause occurs naturally in women, typically between the ages of 45 and 55. During menopause, your body produces less estrogen than it did beforehand. This can cause symptoms such as “hot flushes”.

Some women also have problems with dryness of the vagina causing discomfort during or after sexual intercourse. Some women develop osteoporosis during or after menopause. This is a thinning of the bones making them weaker and more likely to break, especially the bones of the spine, hip and wrist.

Conjugated estrogens are like the hormones produced by the ovaries before menopause. When given during or after menopause, they can help control the symptoms.

Estrogen is used treat women who have had their uterus or “womb” removed. If you have not had your uterus or “womb” removed, you will need to take an estrogen with a progestogen.

How to take Premarin 0.30 mg Tablet?

Menopause occurs naturally in women, typically between the ages of 45 and 55. During menopause, your body produces less estrogen than it did beforehand. This can cause symptoms such as “hot flushes”. Some women also have problems with dryness of the vagina causing discomfort during or after sexual intercourse.

Some women develop osteoporosis during or after menopause. This is a thinning of the bones making them weaker and more likely to break, especially the bones of the spine, hip and wrist.

Conjugated estrogens are like the hormones produced by the ovaries before menopause. When given during or after menopause, they can help control the symptoms.

Estrogen is used treat women who have had their uterus or “womb” removed. If you have not had your uterus or “womb” removed, you will need to take an estrogen with a progestogen.

Premarin 0.30 mg Tablet Contraindications:

Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity; undiagnosed vaginal bleeding; clot in blood vessels; breast cancer, estrogen-dependent tumor; disorders of certain enzymes; pregnancy

Premarin 0.30 mg Tablet Dosage:

Generally, when estrogen therapy is prescribed for a postmenopausal woman with a uterus, a progestin should be considered to reduce the risk of endometrial cancer.

A woman without a uterus does not need progestin. In some cases, however, hysterectomized women with a history of endometriosis may need a progestin.

Use of estrogen-alone, or in combination with a progestin, should be with the lowest effective dose and for the shortest duration consistent with treatment goals and risks for the individual woman. Postmenopausal women should be re-evaluated periodically as clinically appropriate to determine if treatment is still necessary.

What are the Side effects of Premarin 0.30 mg Tablet?

Patients using Premarin may encounter unwanted side effects such as:

• Upset stomach
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Bloating
• Breast tenderness or pain
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Hair loss

Contact a doctor immediately should side effects persist or encounter more severe side effects such as:

• Unusual or rapid weight change or appetite
• Vaginal itching or discharge
• Decreased sex drive
• Jaundice
• Mental or mood changes
• Breast lumps
• Dark urine
• Vision problems

Premarin 0.30 mg Tablet Warnings?

Immediately proceed to your nearest emergency department if you suffer an allergic reaction. Symptoms usually associated with such a reaction include difficulty breathing or swallowing, chest tightness, swelling, skin rashes, and hives.

Premarin is not always suitable for all patients. Always consult your health care provider prior to using this medication if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to conceive, using any other medication (prescription or non-prescription), using any herbal products or supplements, or if you have any allergies or other health problems.

The correct dosage and prescription commonly depend on the patient and the condition being treated. Do not adjust your dosage without the approval of your health care provider. This product is only for use as prescribed and instructed.

References:

Rossouw JE, et al. Postmenopausal Hormone Therapy and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease by Age and Years Since Menopause. JAMA. 2007.

Hsia J, et al. Conjugated Equine Estrogens and Coronary Heart Disease. Arch Int Med. 2006.

Curb JD, et al. Venous Thrombosis and Conjugated Equine Estrogen in Women Without a Uterus. Arch Int Med. 2006.

Cushman M, et al. Estrogen Plus Progestin and Risk of Venous Thrombosis. JAMA. 2004.

Stefanick ML, et al. Effects of Conjugated Equine Estrogens on Breast Cancer and Mammography Screening in Postmenopausal Women With Hysterectomy. JAMA. 2006.

FAQ:

Q: I am 43 and had a complete hysterectomy a little over 2 years ago. Does the hormone Premarin help contribute to weight gain, or could it help with weight loss? It is depressing how much weight I have gained since menopause.

Ans:- Premarin (conjugated estrogens) have been associated with appetite and weight changes, both weight gain and weight loss. Patients should contact their health care provider for any changes in their medical condition, including unusual weight gain.

Q: I take Depakote 500 mg 3 times a day and Premarin .0625mg. Do these have anything to do with my weight gain? Can I stop taking Premarin if I’ve had a full hysterectomy?

Ans:- Depakote was found to cause weight gain in 9 percent of patients taking the medication in clinical studies. Premarin is not usually the cause of weight gain in patients. Patients taking Premarin should be taken for the shortest amount of time at the lowest dose in order to achieve their individual goals. Patients should be re-evaluated every 3 to 6 months to determine if treatment is still necessary.

Q: Is there a cheaper replacement for Premarin, which is so expensive? I am currently taking 0.3mg, but I am trying to wean off of it completely. A 30 day supply right now costs me $54.

Ans:- Patients often inquire about cheaper alternatives to the current treatment that has been prescribed. Firstly, you may want to contact your insurance company, prior to speaking with your doctor, and request a formulary. A formulary is a list of the medications they prefer and the different levels of coverage specific to your plan. Then it is important to contact your health care provider and based on your individual needs and the formulary list of covered medications, the best treatment option can be determined. Beth Isaac, PharmD

Q: What is the best treatment for vaginal dryness? My doctor prescribed Premarin vaginal cream, but I am afraid of the estrogen causing breast or uterine cancer.

Ans:- For women who still have a uterus, who have not had a hysterectomy, taking Premarin alone, without a progestin, increases the risk of endometrial cancer, which is cancer of the lining of the uterus. Women, who still have a uterus, should take Premarin in combination with a progestin.