IMPORTANT NOTE:
The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute
for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist
or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed
to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or
effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before
using this drug.
ESTROGENS - ORAL (ESS-trow-jens, conjugated)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Cenestin,
Estinyl, Estrace, Menest, Ogen, Premarin, Tace
WARNING: This drug has been
reported to increase the chance of womb (endometrial) cancer
in women who have been through menopause. This risk appears
to depend on the length of time this drug is used and the
amount of estrogen per dose. If you use this drug for an extended
period, you should be evaluated at least every 6 months. If
you experience abnormal vaginal bleeding, notify your doctor
promptly. This medication is not effective in preventing or
treating a tendency toward miscarriages (natural habitual
abortion) nor the threat of miscarriage. This drug must not
be used during pregnancy because its use may result in birth
defects or cancer later in the child's life. If you become
pregnant or think you may be pregnant, consult your doctor
immediately to discuss the risk to the fetus.
USES: This medication is
a hormone and is given to women who no longer produce the
proper amount. It is used to reduce menopause symptoms (e.g.,
hot flashes), for brittle bones (osteoporosis), and treats
certain cancers in both men and women.
HOW TO USE: May be taken with food or immediately after
a meal to prevent stomach upset. Take this medication as prescribed.
Follow the dosing schedule carefully. Be sure to ask your
doctor if you have any questions.
SIDE EFFECTS: May cause dizziness,
lightheadedness, headache, stomach upset, bloating, or nausea.
These effects should disappear as your body adjusts to the
medication. 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, yellowing of the eyes or skin, changes in vaginal
bleeding (spotting, breakthrough bleeding, prolonged or complete
stoppage of bleeding), stomach pain, skin rash. If you notice
other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Before you take
this medication, tell your doctor your entire medical history,
including: family medical history (especially breast lumps
and cancer), high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma, epilepsy
(seizures), migraine headaches, liver disease, heart disease,
kidney disease, depression, toxemia (high blood pressure during
pregnancy), jaundice (yellowing skin/eyes) during pregnancy,
excessive weight gain and fluid retention (bloating) during
menstrual cycle, uterine fibroid tumor, abnormal vaginal bleeding,
blood clots or stroke, cholesterol or lipid problems, gallbladder
disease. Before having surgery, tell the doctor that you take
this drug. Depending on strength, this drug may cause a patchy,
darkening of the skin on the face (melasma). Higher strengths
are more likely to cause melasma. Sunlight may intensify this
darkening and you may need to avoid prolonged sun exposure
and sunlamps. Consult your doctor regarding use of sunscreens
and protective clothing. Cigarette smoking can increase the
chance of blood-clots while taking this medication (especially
in women past the age of 35). This drug should not be used
during pregnancy. If you become pregnant or think you may
be pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. This drug may
be excreted into breast milk and its use is not recommended
while breast-feeding. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your
doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may
use, especially of: hydantoins (e.g., phenytoin), barbiturates
(e.g., phenobarbital), corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone).
This product can affect the results of certain lab tests.
Make sure laboratory personnel and your doctors know you use
this drug. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor
or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is
suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency
room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea/vomiting
or stoppage of periods.
NOTES: Do not share this
medication with others.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss
a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost
time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and
resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up"
the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature
between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C)
away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.
