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.
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