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Premarin
Pronounced: PREM-uh-rin
Generic name: Conjugated estrogens
Other brand names: Cenestin, Premphase, Prempro
Premarin is an estrogen replacement drug. The tablets are used to reduce symptoms of menopause, including feelings of warmth in the face, neck, and chest, and the sudden intense episodes of heat and sweating known as "hot flashes." Cenestin tablets, containing a synthetic form of conjugated estrogens, may also be prescribed for these symptoms.
In addition to the symptoms of menopause, Premarin tablets are prescribed for teenagers who fail to mature at the usual rate, and to relieve the symptoms of certain types of cancer, including some forms of breast and prostate cancer.
In addition, either the tablets or Premarin vaginal cream can be used for other conditions caused by lack of estrogen, such as dry, itchy external genitals and vaginal irritation.
Along with diet, calcium supplements, and exercise, Premarin tablets are also prescribed to prevent osteoporosis, a condition in which the bones become brittle and easily broken. Recently, the use of estrogen in osteoporosis has been challenged due to superior therapies with fewer side effects.
The addition of progesterone to estrogen-replacement therapy has been shown to reduce the risk of uterine cancer. Prempro combines estrogen and progesterone in a single tablet taken once daily. Premphase is a 28-day supply of tablets. The first 14 contain only estrogen. The second 14 supply both estrogen and progesterone. Both Prempro and Premphase are prescribed to reduce the symptoms of menopause, including vaginal problems, and to prevent osteoporosis.
Your doctor may start therapy with this medication at a low dose. 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 dosage is 0.3 to 1.25 milligrams daily. If you are still having periods, the doctor may start the Premarin on the fifth day of your cycle, have you take it for 3 weeks, then give you 1 week off.
Tissue Degeneration in the Vagina
The usual dosage is 0.3 to 1.25 milligrams or more daily. The drug is taken cyclically (3 weeks on and 1 week off).
Ovary Removal or Ovarian Failure
The usual dosage is 1.25 milligrams daily, cyclically (3 weeks on and 1 week off). Your doctor will adjust the dosage according to the severity of your symptoms and your response to treatment.
Prevention of Osteoporosis (Loss of Bone Mass)
The usual dosage is 0.625 milligram daily, taken cyclically (3 weeks on and 1 week off).
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.
PREMPHASE TABLETS
Follow a 28-day cycle. Take 1 maroon Premarin tablet every day for the first 14 days; on the 15th day, begin taking 1 light-blue tablet daily.
PREMPRO TABLETS
The usual starting dose is one 0.625-milligram/2.5-milligram tablet once a day. If this dose proves insufficient, your doctor may increase the dose to one 0.625-milligram/5-milligram tablet once a day.
CENESTIN TABLETS
The usual starting dose is 0.625 milligrams a day. If this proves insufficient, the doctor may gradually increase the dose up to a maximum of 1.25 milligrams daily. |
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