Prempro is similar to Premphase and Premarin; each drug works to relieve symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes and night sweats. While Premarin is an estrogen-only medication, Prempro and Premphase contain progestin as well. When estrogen and progestin are used in combination, there is a decreased risk of endometrial cancer, which estrogen-only medications have been linked to.
What are some important things I should know about Prempro?
Prempro is marketed as a “natural” estrogen, meaning it is not synthetic. Prempro is made from urine collected from pregnant horses.
Labeling for Prempro 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, Prempro should be used for the shortest duration of time possible. Also, if Prempro is used only to prevent osteoporosis, other medications should be considered as an alternative.
Prempro is for women who want to treat symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal symptoms and the risk of osteoporosis.
Prempro should not be used for pregnant women, as it can cause injury to an unborn baby. Prempro also causes changes in amounts and quality of breast milk, so it should not be used for women who are breastfeeding.
Prempro 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 Prempro.
Prempro can increase the risk of certain types of cancer, especially uterine and breast cancer. Prempro 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