Premarin Vaginal

The dose of Premarin Vaginal (Estrogens-vaginal) is individualized to the person using the cream. The lowest dose that will treat the symptoms should be used.

The recommended adult dose of conjugated estrogens vaginal cream ranges from 0.5 g to 2 g of cream daily. Depending on how severe the symptoms are, the cream may be inserted into the vagina using the applicator provided, applied to the outside areas of the vagina, or both. The cream should be used on a regular cycle, with 3 weeks of use followed by 1 week off.

To use the applicator, remove the cap of the tube of cream and screw the nozzle end of the applicator onto the tube. Squeeze the cream until it reaches the mark that indicates the dose prescribed by your doctor. Unscrew the applicator from the tube, place it into the opening of the vagina, and gently press the plunger to release the medication. Clean the applicator by pulling the plunger out from the barrel and washing it with mild soap and warm water.

Women who also take oral conjugated estrogens tablets may need to have the dose of their tablets adjusted when they start using the cream. Women who have not had their uterus removed should also take a progestin (such as medroxyprogesterone acetate). Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about which dosing schedule would work best for you if you are taking a progestin.

Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to use Premarin Vaginal (Estrogens-vaginal) exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose of Premarin Vaginal (Estrogens-vaginal), use it as soon as you remember it. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and carry on with your regular dosing schedule. Do not administer a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store Premarin Vaginal (Estrogens-vaginal) at room temperature, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

In addition to its desired action, this medication may cause some adverse effects, notably: it may cause headaches; it may cause stomach ache; it may cause nausea or, rarely, vomiting; it could cause water retention and swelling; it may cause your breasts to feel swollen and tender; it may increase breast size. Each person may react differently to a treatment. If you think this medication may be causing adverse effects (including those described here, or others), talk to your health care professional. He or she can help you to determine whether or not the medication is the source of the problem.

Each g of white, vaginal cream contains 0.625 mg of conjugated estrogens CSD. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cetyl alcohol, cetyl esters wax, glycerin, glyceryl monostearate, methyl stearate, mineral oil, phenylethyl alcohol, propyl glycol monostearate, sodium lauryl sulfate, water purified, and white wax. Gluten-, paraben-, sugar-, sulfite-, and tartrazine-free.

Do not use conjugated estrogens vaginal cream if you:

• are allergic to conjugated estrogen or any ingredients of the medication
• are or may be pregnant
• have a history of known or suspected estrogen-dependent tumours such as breast or Uterine Cancer
• have abnormal liver test results caused by liver disease or liver problems
• have endometrial hyperplasia
• have undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding
• have active Thrombophlebitis, thrombosis, or thromboembolic disorders (blood clotting problems)
• have or have had Stroke, Heart Attack, or coronary heart disease
• have migraine with or without aura
• have certain hereditary blood clotting disorders (e.g., protein C, protein S, or antithrombin deficiency)
• have had partial or complete loss of vision due to blood vessel-related eye disease

There may be an interaction between conjugated estrogens vaginal cream and any of the following:

• Anastrozole
• antidiabetic medications (e.g., insulin, Glyburide, Linagliptin, Metformin)
• Aprepitant
• "azole" antifungals (e.g., itraconazole, ketoconazole, Voriconazole)
• barbiturates
• blood-pressure-lowering medications (e.g., Propranolol, Enalapril, Diltiazem)
• Bosentan
• calcium channel blockers (e.g., Amlodipine, diltiazem, Nifedipine, Verapamil)
• cannabis
• Carbamazepine
• Celecoxib
• Clozapine
• conivaptan
• corticosteroids (Hydrocortisone, Prednisolone, Prednisone)
• Dantrolene
• Deferasirox
• grapefruit juice
• Heparin
• HIV non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs; e.g., delavirdine, efavirenz, etravirine, nevirapine)
• HIV protease inhibitors (e.g., atazanavir, indinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir)
• Lamotrigine
• low molecular weight heparins (e.g., Dalteparin, Enoxaparin, Tinzaparin)
• macrolide antibiotics (e.g., clarithromycin, erythromycin)
• Mitotane
• Modafinil
• Phenytoin
• primidone
• protein kinase inhibitors (e.g., Dabrafenib, imatinib)
• rifabutin
• rifampin
• Ropinirole
• St. John's wort
• Teriflunomide
• thalidomide
• theophyllines (e.g., Aminophylline, Oxtriphylline, Theophylline)
• thyroid replacements (e.g., dessicated thyroid, Levothyroxine)
• Tizanidine
• Tocilizumab
• Ursodiol
• vitamin C
• Warfarin

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Premarin Vaginal (Estrogens-vaginal). Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Premarin Vaginal (Estrogens-vaginal).

Note the following important information about estrogen replacement therapy: The Women's Health Initiative (WHI) study results indicated an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, Breast Cancer, Blood Clots in the lungs, and blood clots in the leg veins in postmenopausal women during 5 years of treatment with 0.625 mg conjugated equine estrogens and 2.5 mg medroxyprogesterone compared to women receiving sugar tablets. Other combinations of estrogen and progestins were not studied. However, until additional data are available, the risks should be assumed to be similar for other hormone replacement products. Therefore,

• estrogen with or without progestins should be used at the lowest dose that relieves your menopausal symptoms for the shortest time period possible, as directed by your doctor.
• estrogen with or without progestins should not be used to prevent heart disease, heart attacks, or strokes.

Blood clotting disorders: Estrogen with or without progestins is associated with an increased risk of blood clots in the lungs and legs. This risk also increases with age, a personal or family history of blood clots, smoking, and Obesity. The risk of blood clots is also increased if you are immobilized for prolonged periods and with major surgery. If possible, Premarin Vaginal (Estrogens-vaginal) should be stopped 4 to 6 weeks before major surgery. Talk about the risk of blood clots with your doctor.

Breast cancer: Some studies have found an association between a modest increase in the risk of developing breast cancer and the use of hormone replacement therapy after menopause. Women who have a history of breast cancer should not use estrogens. If you have a family history of breast cancer, breast nodules, fibrocystic disease of the breast, or abnormal mammograms, you should be closely monitored by your doctor if you use estrogens. Women using estrogens should have regular breast examinations and should be taught how to do a breast self-examination. Your doctor may also recommend regular mammograms, depending on your age, risk factors, and previous mammogram results. Premarin Vaginal (Estrogens-vaginal) must not be applied to the breasts, as it may have harmful effects on the breast tissue. Discuss the benefits and risks with your doctor so that you can make an informed choice about using Premarin Vaginal (Estrogens-vaginal).

Condoms, diaphragms, or cervical caps: Conjugated estrogens vaginal cream may weaken the latex rubber of condoms, diaphragms, and cervical caps. Therefore, they may not be effective in preventing pregnancy for women who use the cream.

Dementia: Women over age 65 receiving combined estrogen and progestin replacement therapy may be at increased risk of developing dementia (loss of memory and intellectual function). If you are over 65 years of age, your doctor should closely monitor you for loss of memory and intellectual function.

Diabetes: People with diabetes should monitor their blood glucose closely to detect any changes in blood glucose control that sometimes occur with use of estrogens. If you have risk factors for diabetes, your doctor will monitor your blood glucose regularly while taking Premarin Vaginal (Estrogens-vaginal).

Endometrial cancer: Several studies suggest that estrogen replacement therapy increases the risk of cancer of the endometrium (uterus). Taking a progestin along with the estrogen reduces the risk to the same level as that of a woman not using estrogens. For this reason, all women who have not had their uterus removed should also take a progestin if they are using estrogens.

Fibroids: Premarin Vaginal (Estrogens-vaginal) may worsen fibroids, causing sudden enlargement, pain, or tenderness. If you notice these effects, contact your doctor.

Gallbladder: An increased risk of gallbladder disease has been reported by postmenopausal women who take oral estrogens. If you have a history of gall bladder disease, discuss with your doctor how Premarin Vaginal (Estrogens-vaginal) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Premarin Vaginal (Estrogens-vaginal), and whether any special monitoring is needed. If you experience symptoms of gallbladder disease such as abdominal pain, possibly with Fever and chills, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Heart disease and stroke: Studies indicate an increased risk of heart disease and stroke with estrogen (with or without progestins) for postmenopausal women. If you experience symptoms of a heart attack (chest pain, tightness or pressure, sweating, nausea, feeling of impending doom) or stroke (sudden dizziness, headache, loss of speech, changes in vision, weakness or numbness in the arms and legs) while taking Premarin Vaginal (Estrogens-vaginal), get immediate medical attention.

High Cholesterol or triglycerides: Estrogen may increase triglyceride (a type of fat found in the blood) levels, especially for those who already have high levels of triglycerides. Your doctor will monitor your triglyceride levels closely while you are using Premarin Vaginal (Estrogens-vaginal).

Kidney Disease: People with kidney disease should be monitored by their doctor while using estrogen.

Liver disease: If you have or have had liver problems, you may require special monitoring by your doctor while you use Premarin Vaginal (Estrogens-vaginal). Make sure to tell your doctor if you have ever had liver problems.

Seizures: Estrogens may cause an increase in seizures. If you have a history of Epilepsy or medical conditions that increase the risk of seizures, discuss with your doctor how Premarin Vaginal (Estrogens-vaginal) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Premarin Vaginal (Estrogens-vaginal), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Thyroid disease: Estrogens can increase the amount of thyroid hormone your body needs to work properly. If you are hypothyroid (have reduced amount of thyroid hormone in your body) and need estrogens, you may require an increased amount of thyroid hormone for it to continue to work properly. Discuss with your doctor how Premarin Vaginal (Estrogens-vaginal) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Premarin Vaginal (Estrogens-vaginal), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Water retention: Estrogen may cause sodium (salt) and water retention; therefore, people with epilepsy, asthma, or kidney or heart dysfunction should be closely monitored by their doctor while using Premarin Vaginal (Estrogens-vaginal).

Pregnancy: Estrogen should not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant while using Premarin Vaginal (Estrogens-vaginal), contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: Estrogen passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are using Premarin Vaginal (Estrogens-vaginal), it may affect your baby. Premarin Vaginal (Estrogens-vaginal) is not recommended for breast-feeding mothers.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of Premarin Vaginal (Estrogens-vaginal) have not been established for children.

This medication is typically used only once a day. However, your pharmacist may have suggested a different schedule that is more appropriate for you. Take it regularly and continuously to maintain its beneficial effects. Important: Follow the instructions on the label. Do not use more of this product, or more often, than prescribed. This medication should be swallowed whole. It should not be split, crushed or chewed. If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember -- unless it is almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose. Do not double the next dose to catch up. This medication may be taken with or without food.