Premphase is in the same family as Premarin. Both drugs are used to treat symptoms of menopause, but whereas Premarin contains only estrogen, Premphase contains estrogen and progestin. Combining progestin with estrogen reduces the risk of developing endometrial cancer because of the medication. Premphase is prescribed to women with an intact uterus who want to treat symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes and night sweats, as well as help prevent osteoporosis.
What are some important things I should know about Premphase?
Premphase is marketed as a “natural” estrogen, meaning it is not synthetic. Premphase is made from urine collected from pregnant horses.
Labeling for Premphase includes the warning that the medication should not be used to prevent coronary heart disease, and that because of its link to an increased risk of breast cancer, heart attack and stroke, Premphase should be used for the shortest duration of time possible. Also, if Premphase is used only to prevent osteoporosis, other medications should be considered as an alternative.
Premphase is for women who want to treat symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal symptoms and the risk of osteoporosis.
Premphase should not be used for pregnant women, as it can cause injury to an unborn baby. Premphase also causes changes in amounts and quality of breast milk, so it should not be used for women who are breastfeeding.
Premphase 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 Premphase.
Premphase can increase the risk of certain types of cancer, especially uterine and breast cancer. Premphase 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