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IMPORTANT
NOTE: The following information is intended
to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and
judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare
professional. It should not be construed to indicate
that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective
for you. Consult your healthcare professional before
using this drug.
ESTROGENS - ORAL (ESS-trow-jens, conjugated)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Cenestin,
Estinyl, Estrace, Menest, Ogen, Premarin, Tace
WARNING: This drug
has been reported to increase the chance of womb (endometrial)
cancer in women who have been through menopause. This
risk appears to depend on the length of time this
drug is used and the amount of estrogen per dose.
If you use this drug for an extended period, you should
be evaluated at least every 6 months. If you experience
abnormal vaginal bleeding, notify your doctor promptly.
This medication is not effective in preventing or
treating a tendency toward miscarriages (natural habitual
abortion) nor the threat of miscarriage. This drug
must not be used during pregnancy because its use
may result in birth defects or cancer later in the
child's life. If you become pregnant or think you
may be pregnant, consult your doctor immediately to
discuss the risk to the fetus.
USES: This medication
is a hormone and is given to women who no longer produce
the proper amount. It is used to reduce menopause
symptoms (e.g., hot flashes), for brittle bones (osteoporosis),
and treats certain cancers in both men and women.
HOW TO USE: May be taken with food or immediately
after a meal to prevent stomach upset. Take this medication
as prescribed. Follow the dosing schedule carefully.
Be sure to ask your doctor if you have any questions.
SIDE EFFECTS: May
cause dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, stomach
upset, bloating, or nausea. These effects should disappear
as your body adjusts to the medication. Notify your
doctor if you experience: severe depression, calf
pain, sudden severe headache, chest pain, shortness
of breath, lumps in the breast, weakness or tingling
in the arms or legs, yellowing of the eyes or skin,
changes in vaginal bleeding (spotting, breakthrough
bleeding, prolonged or complete stoppage of bleeding),
stomach pain, skin rash. If you notice other effects
not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Before
you take this medication, tell your doctor your entire
medical history, including: family medical history
(especially breast lumps and cancer), high blood pressure,
diabetes, asthma, epilepsy (seizures), migraine headaches,
liver disease, heart disease, kidney disease, depression,
toxemia (high blood pressure during pregnancy), jaundice
(yellowing skin/eyes) during pregnancy, excessive
weight gain and fluid retention (bloating) during
menstrual cycle, uterine fibroid tumor, abnormal vaginal
bleeding, blood clots or stroke, cholesterol or lipid
problems, gallbladder disease. Before having surgery,
tell the doctor that you take this drug. Depending
on strength, this drug may cause a patchy, darkening
of the skin on the face (melasma). Higher strengths
are more likely to cause melasma. Sunlight may intensify
this darkening and you may need to avoid prolonged
sun exposure and sunlamps. Consult your doctor regarding
use of sunscreens and protective clothing. Cigarette
smoking can increase the chance of blood-clots while
taking this medication (especially in women past the
age of 35). This drug should not be used during pregnancy.
If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant,
inform your doctor immediately. This drug may be excreted
into breast milk and its use is not recommended while
breast-feeding. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell
your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription
drugs you may use, especially of: hydantoins (e.g.,
phenytoin), barbiturates (e.g., phenobarbital), corticosteroids
(e.g., prednisone). This product can affect the results
of certain lab tests. Make sure laboratory personnel
and your doctors know you use this drug. Do not start
or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist
approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose
is suspected, contact your local poison control center
or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose
may include nausea/vomiting or stoppage of periods.
NOTES: Do not share
this medication with others.
MISSED DOSE: If you
miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take
if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip
the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.
Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at
room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between
15 and 30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight.
Do not store in the bathroom.
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