Premarin
Since hormones play a very important role in the body, it is important that they stay within a normal range. Women, in particular, experience hormonal changes more often compared to their male counterparts. Premarin is a useful drug that can help replace hormones if these are not produced properly. Find out about the indications, source and side effects.
About Premarin
Premarin is the brand name of the drug of the compound drug that primarily consists of conjugated estrogens. It is isolated from mare’s urine or pregnant mare’s urine, giving it its name. The product is made by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals and is available in IV, oral and topical form. Estrone, equilin and equilenin are the major forms of estrogen in the drug. These estrogens are usually referred to as CEE or conjugated equine estrogens, since the estrogen molecules are found with hydrophilic side-groups connected like sulfate.
The major molecule in Premarin is estrone sulfate. It is easily absorbed in the blood after women take the pills. The estrone sulfate is changed into estradiol, which is an active estrogen found in most women. It is not yet certain whether equilin and other estrogens considered foreign to the human body have effects that are highly different compared to human body estrogens such as estradiol.
Indications
Premarin is a type of hormone replacement therapy. The pills are usually given to post-menopausal women who have undergone hysterectomy for the treatment of symptoms such as vaginal dryness, itching, hot flashes and burning. It can also be used together with a progestin pill for those who have not yet undergone a hysterectomy. It can be beneficial for the treatment of osteoporosis, although recommendations are not only for this condition.
Side Effects
Some of the basic side effects linked with Premarin include vaginal spotting, vaginal yeast infections, vaginal bleeding, painful menses and leg cramps. It is also recommended that Premarin be used in a short time span and in the smallest dose, so that it can relieve symptoms without boosting the risk for breast cancer, endometrial cancer, stroke, blood clots, heart attack and dementia. The cream form is only used for vaginal itching, dryness and burning.
Serious side effects include a heavy feeling or pain in the chest, radiating pain to the arm or shoulder, nausea, general ill feeling, sudden weakness or numbness on one or both sides of the body, sudden headache, vision problems, speech problems, difficulty balancing, confusion, stomach tenderness and jaundice. Less serious side effects include breast tenderness, breast pain, darkening of the facial skin, weight or appetite changes, increased hair growth and loss of hair. Patients need to report new side effects and changes to their doctor.
Some Contraindications
Premarin should not be used for patients who have a history of blood clot, stroke, liver disease, abnormal vaginal bleeding, heart attack and hormone-related cancers such as uterine or breast cancer. Unborn babies can develop birth defects with drug use, so pregnant women should not take Premarin. Doctors need to check the patient’s progress regularly or every 3 to 6 months, in order to know if the patient should stop treatment. Regular physical exams and self breast examinations are advised.
Taking Premarin
Premarin should only be taken as prescribed by the doctor. It is not supposed to be used in higher doses. The drug is taken daily or in cycles, depending on the condition. The medication should be taken with a full glass of water. Premarin can be taken with or without food. It is recommended that patients take it at the same time everyday. Blood tests are also recommended regularly, together with thyroid function. Scheduled appointments should not be missed. If the patient is going to have surgery, the doctor should know ahead of time or during assessment. Premarin should be stored away from heat and moisture, with the container closed tightly. Premarin costs about $1 per pill.
Missed Doses and Overdose
If the patient misses a dose, the drug should be taken as soon as remembered. If the next dose is almost due, the patient should just skip the previous one entirely and take the next scheduled one. Do not take an extra dose to make up for the missed one. If overdose occurs, immediately get medical support. Overdose symptoms can include vaginal bleeding, nausea and vomiting.