What is conjugated estrogens and medroxyprogesterone?
Conjugated estrogens are a mixture of estrogen hormones. Estrogen is a female sex hormone
produced by the ovaries that is necessary for many processes in the body.
Medroxyprogesterone is also a female hormone, usually called "progesterone." It is important
for the regulation of ovulation and menstruation.
Together, conjugated estrogens and medroxyprogesterone are used to treat the symptoms of
menopause such as hot flashes, and vaginal dryness, burning, and irritation, and to prevent thinning of
the bones (osteoporosis).
Conjugated estrogens and medroxyprogesterone should not be used to prevent heart
disease or dementia, because this medication may actually increase your risk of developing these
conditions.
Conjugated estrogens and medroxyprogesterone may also be used for other purposes not listed
in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking conjugated estrogens and medroxyprogesterone?
Do not use this medication if you have:
-
a history of heart attack, stroke, or blood clot (especially in your
lung or your lower body);
-
abnormal vaginal bleeding that a doctor has not checked;
-
liver disease; or
-
any type of breast, uterine, or hormone-dependent cancer.
If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment
or special tests to safely take this medication:
-
high blood pressure, heart disease, or circulation problems;
-
a personal or family history of stroke;
-
endometriosis;
-
liver or kidney disease;
-
asthma;
-
epilepsy or other seizure disorder;
-
migraines;
-
diabetes;
-
underactive thyroid;
-
high cholesterol or triglycerides;
-
high or low levels of calcium in your blood;
-
porphyria;
-
systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE);
-
gallbladder disease; or
-
if you have had your uterus removed (hysterectomy).
Conjugated estrogens increase your risk of developing endometrial
hyperplasia, a condition that may lead to cancer of the uterus. Taking progestins while using conjugated
estrogens may lower this risk. If your uterus has not been removed, your doctor may prescribe a
progestin for you to take while you are using conjugated estrogens and medroxyprogesterone.
Long-term conjugated estrogens treatment may increase your risk of stroke or blood clots. Talk
with your doctor about your individual risks before using conjugated estrogens long term, especially if
you smoke or are overweight. Your doctor should check your progress on a regular basis (every 3 to 6
months) to determine whether you should continue this treatment.
FDA pregnancy category X. This medication can cause birth defects.
Do not use
conjugated estrogens and medroxyprogesterone if you are pregnant.
Tell your doctor
right away if you become pregnant during treatment. Use an effective form of birth control while you
are using this medication.
Conjugated estrogens and medroxyprogesterone can pass into breast milk and may harm a
nursing baby. This medication may also slow breast milk production. Do not use if you are
breast-feeding a baby.
Do not give this medication to anyone under 18 years old without the advice of a doctor.
How should I take conjugated estrogens and medroxyprogesterone?
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger
amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your
prescription label.
Take this medication with a full glass of water.
This medication comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these
directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
The 28-day Premphase treatment consists of two differently colored pills, 14 of each color.
Carefully follow the patient instructions about which pills to take on days 1 through 14 and which pills
to take on days 15 through 28.
You may take this medication with or without food. Try to take the medicine at the same time
each day.
Have regular physical exams and self-examine your breasts for lumps on a monthly basis while
using conjugated estrogens and medroxyprogesterone.
It is important to take this medication regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription
refilled before you run out of medicine completely.
If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are taking
conjugated estrogens and medroxyprogesterone. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short
time.
This medication can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you
that you are using conjugated estrogens and medroxyprogesterone.
Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the
medicine container tightly closed.
What happens if I miss a dose of conjugated estrogens and medroxyprogesterone?
Take the medication as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the
missed dose and take your medicine at the next regularly scheduled time.
Do not
take
extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Where can I get more information about conjugated estrogens and medroxyprogesterone?
Your pharmacist has information about conjugated estrogens and medroxyprogesterone written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of conjugated estrogens and medroxyprogesterone?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these
signs of an allergic
reaction:
hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop taking this medication and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious
side effects:
-
chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder,
nausea, sweating, general ill feeling;
-
sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the
body;
-
sudden headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech,
or balance;
-
pain or swelling in your lower leg;
-
abnormal vaginal bleeding;
-
migraine headache;
-
pain, swelling, or tenderness in your stomach;
-
confusion, problems with memory or concentration;
-
jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
-
swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet; or
-
a breast lump.
Less serious side effects may include:
-
mild nausea, vomiting, bloating, stomach pain;
-
breast pain, tenderness, or swelling;
-
freckles or darkening of facial skin;
-
acne, increased hair growth, loss of scalp hair;
-
changes in weight or appetite;
-
problems with contact lenses;
-
vaginal itching or discharge;
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changes in your menstrual periods, decreased sex drive; or
-
headache, nervousness, dizziness, tired feeling.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your
doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at
1-800-FDA-1088. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about conjugated estrogens and medroxyprogesterone?
Do not use this medication if you have any of the following conditions: a history of heart
attack, stroke, or blood clot (especially in your lung or your lower body), liver disease, abnormal
vaginal bleeding, or a hormone-related cancer such as breast or uterine cancer.
This medication can cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Do not use
conjugated estrogens and medroxyprogesterone if you are pregnant.
Long-term treatment with conjugated estrogens and medroxyprogesterone may increase your
risk of breast cancer, heart attack, or stroke. Talk with your doctor about your individual risks before
using this medication long term, especially if you smoke or are overweight. Your doctor should check
your progress on a regular basis (every 3 to 6 months) to determine whether you should continue this
treatment.
Have regular physical exams and self-examine your breasts for lumps on a monthly basis while
using conjugated estrogens and medroxyprogesterone.
Conjugated estrogens and medroxyprogesterone should not be used to prevent heart
disease or dementia, because this medication may actually increase your risk of developing these
conditions.
What should I avoid while taking conjugated estrogens and medroxyprogesterone?
Do not smoke while using this medication. Smoking can increase your risk of blood clots,
stroke, or heart attack caused by conjugated estrogens and medroxyprogesterone.
What other drugs will affect conjugated estrogens and medroxyprogesterone?
Before taking conjugated estrogens and medroxyprogesterone, tell your doctor if you are taking
any of the following medicines:
-
St. John's wort;
-
carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol)
-
phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton);
-
rifampin (Rifadin, Rifater, Rifamate, Rimactane);
-
ritonavir (Norvir);
-
ketoconazole (Nizoral) or itraconazole (Sporanox); or
-
an antibiotic such as clarithromycin (Biaxin), erythromycin
(E.E.S., Ery-Tab, Erythrocin, E-Mycin), itraconazole (Sporanox) or ketoconazole (Nizoral).
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with
conjugated estrogens and medroxyprogesterone. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and
over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs
prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.
What happens if I have an overdose of conjugated estrogens and medroxyprogesterone?
