Part Two of Elredin Information, Focusing on Side Effects, Discontinuation or Withdrawal Effects, and Additional Information

This second section of our medication database entry focuses on potential side effects, withdrawal or discontinuation effects, and additional information, while part one covers basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits.

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What are the possible side effects of conjugated estrogens?

  • Conjugated estrogens increase the risk of developing a condition (endometrial hyperplasia) that may lead to cancer of the lining of the uterus. Taking progestins, another hormone drug, with conjugated estrogens lowers the risk of developing this condition. Therefore, if your uterus has not been removed, your doctor may prescribe a progestin for you to take together with the estrogen. Visit your doctor regularly and report any unusual vaginal bleeding right away.
  • Treatment with conjugated estrogens may increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, breast cancer, and blood clots in the lungs or legs. Because of these risks, conjugated estrogens should be prescribed at the lowest effective dose, for the shortest amount of time necessary.
  • If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking conjugated estrogens and seek emergency medical attention:
    • an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
    • shortness or breath or pain in the chest;
    • a painful, red, or swollen leg;
    • abnormal vaginal bleeding;
    • pain, swelling, or tenderness in the abdomen;
    • severe headache or vomiting, dizziness, faintness or changes in vision or speech;
    • yellowing of the skin or eyes; or
    • a lump in a breast.
  • Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take conjugated estrogens and talk to your doctor if you experience
    • decreased appetite, nausea, or vomiting;
    • swollen or tender breasts;
    • acne or skin color changes;
    • decreased sex drive;
    • migraine headaches or dizziness;
    • water retention (swollen hands, feet, or ankles);
    • problems with wearing contact lenses;
    • depression; or
    • changes in menstrual cycle or breakthrough bleeding.
  • Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect conjugated estrogens?

  • Before taking conjugated estrogens, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:
    • an anticoagulant (blood thinner) such as warfarin (Coumadin);
    • a thyroid medication such as levothyroxine (Synthroid, Levoxyl, Levothroid, and others);
    • insulin or an oral diabetes medicine such as glipizide (Glucotrol) or glyburide (Diabeta, Micronase);
    • tamoxifen (Nolvadex);
    • didanosine (Videx);
    • phenytoin (Dilantin) or ethotoin (Peganone);
    • carbamazepine (Tegretol);
    • phenobarbital (Solfoton, Luminal);
    • primidone (Mysoline); or
    • rifampin (Rifadin).
  • A dosage adjustment or special monitoring may be required during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.
  • Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with conjugated estrogens. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.

Where can I get more information?

  • Your pharmacist has additional information about conjugated estrogens written for health professionals that you may read.
  • Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Limitations and the Source of Our Online Medication Information Database

Although we have made considerable efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, MedLibrary.org makes no guarantee to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. This medication information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend any specific pharmacotherapy. This is an educational resource only -- intended to supplement but not to replace the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of medically qualified healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, please check with your doctor, nurse or local pharmacist. MedLibrary.org does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided here.

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Version: 5.03. Revision date: 3/4/03.

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