Premarin general information
What is Premarin used for?
Premarin 0.625mg tablets are a hormone replacement therapy (HRT) used to substitute for a lack of oestrogen production by the ovaries, such as during the menopause, and relieves symptoms of menopause caused by oestrogen deficiency, such as hot flushes, night sweats, sleeplessness, vaginal dryness, headaches, mood swings, lack of concentration and loss of energy. Premarin 0.625mg tablets are also used to help prevent postmenopausal bone loss (osteoporosis) and reduce risk of fracture. In conditions that cause a lack of natural oestrogen such as female hypogonadism, ovarian failure, or if the ovaries have been removed, Premarin 0.625mg tablets are used to restore oestrogen levels. Premarin 0.625mg tablets stimulate the development of female sexual characteristics, and are used as part of transgender hormone therapy for male to female transsexuals.
How does Premarin work?
Premarin 0.625mg tablets contain conjugated oestrogens isolated from pregnant mare urine, which is a mixture of natural oestrogens in different forms, including estrone, equilin sulphates, 17α-estradiol and 17β-estradiol. Oestrogen is a steroid hormone produced by the ovaries that binds to specific receptors inside oestrogen-responsive cells and stimulates them to make proteins involved in producing secondary sexual characteristics, such as breast development and in regulating the menstrual cycle. Oestrogen also has several other actions in various metabolic processes including maintaining bone mass and lipid (fat) metabolism.
What does Premarin contain?
The active ingredient in Premarin 0.625mg tablets is a mixture of conjugated equine oestrogens, principally of the sodium salts of water-soluble sulfate esters of oestrone, equilin, and 17 alpha-dihydroequilin, together with smaller amounts of 17 alpha-oestradiol, equilenin, and 17 alpha-dihydroequilenin, 17 beta-dihydroequilin, 17 beta-dihydroequilenin, 17 beta-oestradiol and delta 8, 9-dihydroestrone. Each tablet of Premarin 0.625mg also contains lactose, methylcellulose, magnesium stearate, shellac solution, macrogol 20000, glyceryl mono-oleate, calcium sulfate, sucrose, microcrystalline cellulose, titanium dioxide, carnauba wax, stearic acid and edible ink. The colouring agent in Premarin 0.625mg tablets is Opalux Green
Treating symptoms of menopause with Premarin
Premarin 0.625mg tablets contain a mixture of conjugated oestrogen hormones used to treat symptoms of menopause caused by lack of endogenous oestrogen (produced by the ovaries), including hot flushes, night sweats, sleeplessness, vaginal dryness, headaches, mood swings, lack of concentration and loss of energy. Premarin 0.625mg tablets are also used to treat post-menopausal osteoporosis (bone loss).
Premarin for hormone replacement therapy
Premarin 0.625mg tablets are used for hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to substitute for the lack of oestrogen produced by the ovaries. As menopause approaches, oestrogen production by the ovaries begins to slow down and then cease altogether, which causes a wide range of moderate to severe symptoms, including hot flushes, night sweats, sleeplessness, vaginal dryness, headaches, mood swings, lack of concentration, loss of energy and bone loss (osteoporosis). HRT using Premarin 0.625mg tablets can help relieve these symptoms.
Premarin for transgender treatment
Premarin 0.625mg tablets can be used as part of a gender reassignment program for male to female transsexuals, by providing a source of oestradiol, an active form of the female hormone oestrogen. Premarin 0.625mg tablets stimulate the development of female secondary sexual characteristics, such as breast development and also induce metabolic changes such as fat distribution to redefine the general body shape.
Premarin for feminising hormone therapy
Premarin 0.625mg tablets contain a mixture of conjugated oestrogen hormones, including 17β-oestradiol, which is the most feminising form of oestrogen. Premarin 0.625mg tablets can be used to help the feminisation process when used as part of a gender reassignment program for male to female transsexuals, by stimulating the development of female secondary sexual characteristics, such as breast development and also inducing metabolic changes such as fat distribution to redefine the general body shape.
What are the side effects of Premarin?
The most common side effects reported when using Premarin include: nausea, vomiting, bloating, stomach cramps breast pain, tenderness, or swelling, increased hair growth, loss of scalp hair, vaginal itching or discharge, changes in menstrual periods, decreased libido, headache, nervousness, dizziness, tired feeling, freckles or darkening of facial skin, changes in weight or appetite. More severe side effects include changes in liver function at higher doses.
What are the health risks of Premarin?
Long-term HRT with Premarin does have associated health risks, including an increased risk of breast cancer, endometrial cancer, stroke, deep vein thrombosis.
When should Premarin not be used?
You should not use Premarin if you:
- are allergic to it or any of the ingredients in Premarin tablets
- are pregnant or think you are pregnant or you are breast-feeding
- have (now or in the past) cancer of the breast or uterus or any other oestrogen dependent cancer
- have (now or in the past) painful inflammation of the veins (thrombophlebitis) or blockage of a blood vessel in the legs (deep vein thrombosis), or lungs (pulmonary embolism).
- heart disease, stroke, liver disease or severe uncontrolled high blood pressure
- abnormal unexplained genital bleeding or problems with your breasts
- are taking other medications that may interact with Premarin, such as anticonvulsants like phenytoin and carbamazepin, anti-infectives like rifampicin, rifabutin, nevirapine, efavirenz, thyroid replacement therapy or preparations containing St John's Wort.
How should Premarin be taken?
You should take Premarin 0.625mg tablets with a glass of water once a day, with or without food, preferably at the same time each day, until all 28 tablets have been taken. The dose you take depends on your condition and should be as recommended by your doctor. When you have finished each pack, start the next pack immediately. You can start taking Premarin 0.625mg tablets on any convenient day unless you are still having menstrual bleeding, in which case take the first tablet on day 5 of bleeding.
How long should you take Premarin?
Each pack of Premarin 0.625mg tablets is a calendar pack of 28 tablets. You should take Premarin 0.625mg tablets for as long as your doctor recommends.
Missed dose of Premarin
If you miss a dose of Premarin 0.625mg take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose.
How should Premarin be stored?
Store Premarin 0.625mg tablets in their calendar pack at room temperature below 30°C, keep away from direct sunlight and do not refrigerate.