Premarin is a combination of estrogens that treat symptoms associated with menopause, including hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal symptoms like burning, itching and dryness. Premarin can also help reduce women’s chances of developing osteoporosis. Women who take Premarin, however, are at risk for certain types of cancers, heart attack, stroke, gallbladder disease, excess amounts of calcium in the body, and vision abnormalities.
What are some important things I should know about Premarin?
Premarin is marketed as a “natural” estrogen, meaning it is not synthetic. Premarin is made from urine collected from pregnant horses.
New labeling for Premarin includes the warning that estrogen-only medication, used without progestin, can increase the patient’s risk of developing endometrial cancer.
Premarin is for women who want to treat symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal symptoms and the risk of osteoporosis.
Premarin should not be used for pregnant women, as it can cause injury to an unborn baby. Premarin also causes changes in amounts and quality of breast milk, so it should not be used for women who are breastfeeding.
Premarin should also not be used for women who have undiagnosed, abnormal vaginal bleeding; a history of certain types of breast cancer; a history of blood clots or strokes; or women who are allergic to the ingredients in Premarin.
Premarin can increase the risk of certain types of cancer, especially uterine and breast cancer. Premarin can also increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, blood clots and dementia. Uterine cancer symptoms include:
- unusual vaginal bleeding
- difficult or painful urination
- pain during intercourse
- pain in the pelvic area
You should contact your doctor immediately if you notice symptoms of uterine cancer, which include unusual vaginal bleeding, difficulty urinating, pain during intercourse or pain in the pelvic area. You should also contact your doctor immediately if you notice symptoms of heart attack, stroke, blood clots and dementia, which include:
- chest pain
- difficulty breathing
- loss of coordination
- severe headache
- dizziness, fainting
- seizures
- nausea, vomiting
- memory loss
- vision problems