What is conjugated estrogens and methyltestosterone?
Conjugated estrogens are female sex hormones necessary for many processes in the body.
Methyltestosterone is a naturally occurring androgen ("male" sex hormone) that is produced in
the testes in men and, in small amounts, by the ovaries and the brain in women.
The combination, conjugated estrogens and methyltestosterone, is used to treat symptoms of
menopause that have not responded to estrogen therapy alone. Most often, conjugated estrogens and
methyltestosterone is used to treat the symptoms of menopause in women who also have diminished
libido (a declining interest in sexual activity).
Conjugated estrogens and methyltestosterone 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 estrogens and methyltestosterone?
Do not take conjugated estrogens and methyltestosterone without first talking to your
doctor if you have
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a circulation, bleeding, or blood-clotting disorder;
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undiagnosed, abnormal vaginal bleeding; or
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any type of breast, uterine, or hormone-dependent cancer.
Taking conjugated estrogens and methyltestosterone may be dangerous in
some cases if you have any of the conditions listed above.
Before taking conjugated estrogens and methyltestosterone, tell your doctor if you have
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high blood pressure, angina, or heart disease;
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high levels of cholesterol or triglycerides in the blood;
-
liver disease;
-
kidney disease;
-
asthma;
-
epilepsy;
-
migraines;
-
diabetes;
-
depression;
-
gallbladder disease;
-
uterine fibroids; or
-
had a hysterectomy (uterus removed).
You may not be able to take conjugated estrogens and methyltestosterone,
or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the
conditions listed above.
Conjugated estrogens and methyltestosterone are in the FDA pregnancy category X. This
means that conjugated estrogens and methyltestosterone are known to cause birth defects in an unborn
baby.
Do not
take this medication if you are pregnant or could become pregnant.
Conjugated estrogens may pass into breast milk, decrease milk flow, and have other effects
on milk composition. It is not known whether methyltestosterone will affect a nursing baby. Do not take
conjugated estrogens and methyltestosterone without first talking to your doctor if you are
breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take conjugated estrogens and methyltestosterone?
Take this medication 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 estrogens and methyltestosterone with food or milk if you find it causes
stomach upset.
Try to take this medication at the same time each day. You may be taking it every day, or every
day for 3 weeks with 1 week off each month to mimic your body's natural cycle. Follow the directions
on your prescription label.
Have yearly physical exams and examine your breasts for lumps on a monthly basis.
Store conjugated estrogens and methyltestosterone at room temperature away from
moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose of conjugated estrogens and methyltestosterone?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the
dose you missed and take only the next regularly scheduled dose as directed. Do not take a double
dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
Where can I get more information about conjugated estrogens and methyltestosterone?
Your pharmacist has information about conjugated estrogens and methyltestosterone written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of conjugated estrogens and methyltestosterone?
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking conjugated estrogens
and methyltestosterone and seek emergency medical attention or notify your doctor immediately:
-
an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat;
swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
-
a blood clot (pain, redness, and swelling in an arm or leg;
shortness of breath; chest pain; headache; blurred vision; or confusion);
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a lump in a breast;
-
liver damage (yellowing of the skin or eyes, nausea,
abdominal pain or discomfort, unusual bleeding or bruising, severe fatigue); or
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hoarseness, deepening of the voice, male-pattern baldness,
excessive hair growth, or clitoral enlargement (these changes may be irreversible).
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to
take the medication and talk to your doctor if you experience
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decreased appetite or nausea;
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swollen breasts;
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acne or skin color changes;
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increased or decreased sex drive;
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migraine headaches or dizziness;
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water retention (swollen hands, feet, or ankles);
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intolerance to contact lenses;
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depression; or
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changes in menstrual cycle or breakthrough bleeding.
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 may lower 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.
It is unclear to what extent estrogen treatments may affect the risk of breast cancer.
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 is the most important information I should know about conjugated estrogens and methyltestosterone?
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 may lower 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.
Have yearly physical exams and examine your breasts for lumps on a monthly basis.
Notify your doctor if you experience vomiting, swelling of the arms or legs, hoarseness,
deepening of the voice, male-pattern baldness, excessive hair growth, clitoral enlargement, or yellowing
of the skin or eyes.
Do not take conjugated estrogens and methyltestosterone if you are pregnant.
What should I avoid while taking conjugated estrogens and methyltestosterone?
There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while taking conjugated estrogens and
methyltestosterone unless your doctor directs otherwise.
What other drugs will affect conjugated estrogens and methyltestosterone?
Before taking conjugated estrogens and methyltestosterone, tell your doctor if you are taking
any of the following medicines:
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an anticoagulant (blood thinner) such as warfarin (Coumadin);
-
a thyroid medication;
-
insulin or another diabetes medicine such as glipizide
(Glucotrol) or glyburide (Diabeta, Micronase);
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tamoxifen (Nolvadex);
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phenytoin (Dilantin) or ethotoin (Peganone);
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carbamazepine (Tegretol);
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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 and
methyltestosterone. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or
over-the-counter medicines.
What happens if I have an overdose of conjugated estrogens and methyltestosterone?
