Premarin

What is the brand name for this medicine?
Premarin

What is this medicine used for?
It is most commonly used as hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in post-menopausal women. This medicine is used for relief of  symptoms such as hot flashes. It is also used for decreasing the risk of brittle bones (qsteoporosis), and treatment of vaginal atropy. Doctors may also prescribe this medicine to treat certain cancers in both men and women.

How is this medicine taken?
To be effective, this medicine must be taken daily and continuously. This medicine should be taken with food or milk to minimize stomach upset.

What if I miss a dose?
Take your next dose as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double doses.

How is this medicine stored?
Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container. Keep away from heat and light.

Are there side effects?
The most common side effects include dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, stomach upset, bloating and nausea.
 Notify your doctor if you experience: severe depression; calf pain; sudden severe headache; chest pain; shortness of breath; lumps in the breast, weakness or tingling in the arms or legs and any changes in vaginal bleeding.
 If you experience other side effects that are bothersome to you, contact your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Are there precautions with this medicine?
Before starting the medicine, tell your doctor your entire medical history, including breast cancer, diabetes, migraine headaches, high blood pressure, depression or liver and kidney disease. This will help determine if the drug is right for you. It is also very important to note that cigarette smoking can increase the chance of blood clots while taking this medication (especially in women past the age of 35).

Can I take this medicine if I’m pregnant or breast-feeding?
This drug should not be used in pregnancy. Let your doctor know immediately in you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant.

Can I take this medicine with other medicines?
Yes, but talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking seizure medications such as phenytoin (Dilantin) or phenobarbital. There are some documented drug interactions. Also let your doctor know if you are taking a steroid medication such as prednisone.