Conjugated Estrogens/Medroxyprogesterone (By Mouth)

Conjugated Estrogens (KON-joo-gated ES-troe-jenz), Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (me-DROKS-ee-proe-JES-te-rone AS-a-tate)

Treats lack of estrogen and progestin in your body caused by menopause or removal of the ovaries. Also helps prevent osteoporosis (weak and brittle bones). This medicine is a combination of hormones.

Brand Name(s):

Prempro, Premphase, Prempro Low Dose
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to estrogen or progestin, or if you have had a hysterectomy. You should not use this medicine if you have any unusual vaginal bleeding, blood clots, circulation problems, liver disease, cancer of the breast or uterus, or if you have had a stroke. Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, asthma, migraine headaches, seizures, heart failure, or depression, or gall bladder, kidney, or liver disease.
• Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.
• Long-term use of large doses of estrogens may increase your risk of some kinds of cancer, including breast cancer. Your doctor should examine your breasts for lumps and other changes on a regular schedule. Examine your breasts at home every month. If you have questions about cancer risks or breast self-examination, talk with your doctor.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding
• Lump in your breast
• Pain in your chest or lower leg (calf)
• Severe headache
• Severe stomach pain or swelling
• Shortness of breath, coughing up blood
• Sudden vision changes
• Weakness or numbness in an arm or leg
• Yellowing of skin or eyes

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Bloated feeling, weight gain, swelling in hands, feet, or ankles
• Breast tenderness or swelling
• Changes in sexual desire
• Depression, dizziness
• Mild nausea or vomiting

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.