This first section of our medication database entry focuses on basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits, while part two covers side effects, interactions and additional information.
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Prempro Consumer Information
PREMPRO
Generic Name: conjugated estrogen and medroxyprogesterone combinations (ESS troe jen and me DROX ee proe JESS te rone)
Brand Names: Premphase, Prempro
What is the most important information I should know about conjugated estrogen and medroxyprogesterone combinations?
- Conjugated estrogens increase the risk of developing endometrial hyperplasia, a condition that may lead to cancer of the lining of the uterus. Taking a progestin, such as medroxyprogesterone, with conjugated estrogens lowers the risk of developing this condition. Visit your doctor regularly and report any unusual vaginal bleeding right away.
- The Women's Health Initiative (WHI) study found an increased risk of breast cancer, heart disease, nonfatal heart attacks, and blood clots in women taking estrogen and medroxyprogesterone combinations long-term. You should contact your doctor or healthcare provider to discuss your individual risks and benefits before taking a conjugated estrogen and medroxyprogesterone combination long-term. You should also talk to your doctor or healthcare provider on a regular basis (for example, every 3-6 months) about whether you should continue this treatment.
- Have yearly physical exams and examine your breasts for lumps on a monthly basis while taking conjugated estrogen and medroxyprogesterone combinations.
- Do not take conjugated estrogen and medroxyprogesterone combinations if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. It could affect the development of the baby.
What are conjugated estrogen and medroxyprogesterone combinations?
- Conjugated estrogens are naturally occurring female sex hormones that are involved in the development and maintenance of the female reproductive system.
- Medroxyprogesterone is a female hormone, usually called "progesterone." It is important for the regulation of ovulation and menstruation.
- Together, conjugated estrogen and progesterone are used to treat the symptoms of menopause such as feelings of warmth in the face, neck and chest, or sudden intense spells of heat and sweating ("hot flashes" or "hot flushes"); to treat vulvar and vaginal changes caused by menopause (itching, burning, dryness in or around the vagina, difficulty or burning with urination); and to prevent thinning of the bones (osteoporosis).
- Conjugated estrogen and medroxyprogesterone combinations may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking conjugated estrogen and medroxyprogesterone combinations?
- Do not take conjugated estrogen and medroxyprogesterone combinations without first talking to your doctor if you have
- had an allergic reaction to another estrogen or progesterone product;
- a circulation, bleeding, or blood-clotting disorder;
- a history of blood clots in the leg or lung;
- liver disease;
- undiagnosed, abnormal vaginal bleeding; or
- any type of breast, uterine, or hormone-dependent cancer.
- Taking conjugated estrogen and medroxyprogesterone combinations may be dangerous in some cases if you have any of the conditions listed above.
- Before taking conjugated estrogen and medroxyprogesterone combinations, tell your doctor if you have
- high blood pressure, angina, or heart disease;
- a history of heart attack or stroke;
- high levels of cholesterol or triglycerides in the blood;
- kidney disease;
- thyroid problems;
- asthma;
- epilepsy;
- migraines;
- depression;
- diabetes;
- gallbladder disease;
- uterine fibroids; or
- had a hysterectomy (uterus removed).
- You may not be able to take conjugated estrogen and medroxyprogesterone combinations, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
- The Women's Health Initiative (WHI) study found an increased risk of breast cancer, heart disease, nonfatal heart attacks, and blood clots in women taking estrogen and medroxyprogesterone combinations long-term. You should contact your doctor or healthcare provider to discuss your individual risks and benefits before taking a conjugated estrogen and medroxyprogesterone combination long-term. You should also talk to your doctor or healthcare provider on a regular basis (for example, every 3-6 months) about whether you should continue this treatment.
- Conjugated estrogen and medroxyprogesterone combinations are in the FDA pregnancy category X. This means that these medications are known cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Do not take conjugated estrogen and medroxyprogesterone combinations if you are pregnant or if you could become pregnant during treatment.
- Conjugated estrogen and medroxyprogesterone combinations pass into breast milk, and the effects on a nursing infant are unknown. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take conjugated estrogen and medroxyprogesterone combinations?
- Take conjugated estrogen and medroxyprogesterone combinations exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
- Take each dose with a full glass of water.
- Take conjugated estrogen and medroxyprogesterone combinations with food or milk to lessen stomach upset. Try to take doses at the same time each day. You may be taking the medication on a cycle, such as every day for 3 weeks with 1 week off each month to mimic the body's natural cycle. Follow the directions on the prescription label.
- Have yearly physical exams and examine your breasts for lumps on a monthly basis while taking a conjugated estrogen and medroxyprogesterone combination. •
- It is important to take conjugated estrogen and medroxyprogesterone combinations regularly to get the most benefit.
- Your doctor may want you to have blood tests or other medical evaluations during treatment with a conjugated estrogen and medroxyprogesterone combination to monitor progress and side effects.
- Store conjugated estrogen and medroxyprogesterone combinations at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
- Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
What happens if I overdose?
- An overdose of a conjugated estrogen and medroxyprogesterone combination is unlikely to threaten life. Call an emergency room or poison control left for advice if an overdose is suspected.
- Symptoms of a conjugated estrogen and medroxyprogesterone combination overdose might include nausea, vomiting, and vaginal bleeding.
What should I avoid while taking conjugated estrogen and medroxyprogesterone combinations?
- There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while taking a conjugated estrogen and medroxyprogesterone combination unless your doctor directs otherwise.
Please see the end of this document for relevant limitations, full details of our medication information supplier, and revision date or version number.