Prescription Drug Index

Premarin is an estrogen replacement drug. The tablets are used to reduce symptoms of menopause including feelings of warmth in the face neck and chest and the sudden intense episodes of heat and sweating known as hot flashes. Cenestin tablets containing a synthetic form of conjugated estrogens may also be prescribed for these symptoms.

In addition to the symptoms of menopause Premarin tablets are prescribed for teenagers who fail to mature at the usual rate and to relieve the symptoms of certain types of cancer including some forms of breast and prostate cancer.

In addition either the tablets or Premarin vaginal cream can be used for other conditions caused by lack of estrogen such as dry itchy external genitals and vaginal irritation.

Along with diet calcium supplements and exercise Premarin tablets are also prescribed to prevent osteoporosis a condition in which the bones become brittle and easily broken. Recently the use of estrogen in osteoporosis has been challenged due to superior therapies with fewer side effects.

The addition of progesterone to estrogen-replacement therapy has been shown to reduce the risk of uterine cancer. Prempro combines estrogen and progesterone in a single tablet taken once daily. Premphase is a 28-day supply of tablets. The first 14 contain only estrogen. The second 14 supply both estrogen and progesterone. Both Prempro and Premphase are prescribed to reduce the symptoms of menopause including vaginal problems and to prevent osteoporosis.

Your doctor may start therapy with this medication at a low dose. He or she will want to check you periodically at 3- to 6-month intervals to determine the need for continued therapy.

PREMARIN TABLETS

Hot Flashes Associated with Menopause

The usual dosage is 0.3 to 1.25 milligrams daily. If you are still having periods the doctor may start the Premarin on the fifth day of your cycle have you take it for 3 weeks then give you 1 week off.

Tissue Degeneration in the Vagina

The usual dosage is 0.3 to 1.25 milligrams or more daily. The drug is taken cyclically (3 weeks on and 1 week off).

Ovary Removal or Ovarian Failure

The usual dosage is 1.25 milligrams daily cyclically (3 weeks on and 1 week off). Your doctor will adjust the dosage according to the severity of your symptoms and your response to treatment.

Prevention of Osteoporosis (Loss of Bone Mass)

The usual dosage is 0.625 milligram daily taken cyclically (3 weeks on and 1 week off).

Advanced Androgen-Dependent Cancer of the Prostate for Relief of Symptoms Only

The usual dosage is 1.25 to 2.5 milligrams 3 times daily.

Breast Cancer (for Relief of Symptoms Only) in Appropriately Selected Women and Men with Metastatic Disease

The suggested dosage is 10 milligrams 3 times daily for a period of at least 3 months. Tell your doctor if you have any unusual bleeding.

PREMARIN VAGINAL CREAM

Given cyclically for short-term use only.

Degeneration of Genital Tissue or Severe Itching in the Genital Area

The recommended dosage is one-half to 2 grams daily inserted into the vagina depending on the severity of the condition. You will use the cream for 3 weeks then stop for 1 week. Tell your doctor if you notice any unusual bleeding.

PREMPHASE TABLETS

Follow a 28-day cycle. Take 1 maroon Premarin tablet every day for the first 14 days; on the 15th day begin taking 1 light-blue tablet daily.

PREMPRO TABLETS

The usual starting dose is one 0.625-milligram/2.5-milligram tablet once a day. If this dose proves insufficient your doctor may increase the dose to one 0.625-milligram/5-milligram tablet once a day.

CENESTIN TABLETS

The usual starting dose is 0.625 milligrams a day. If this proves insufficient the doctor may gradually increase the dose up to a maximum of 1.25 milligrams daily.

Note:

The content in this section is provided for informational purposes only. This information regarding the following Canadian drugs is not intended to replace or act as a substitute for information or advice provided by your physician. You should always consult a physician before beginning a new medication. Moreover, prescription drugs should only be obtained with a doctor's prescription.

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