Get Informed: Premarin
Active Ingredient(s)
Estrogens Conjugated
What does it do?
This product is primarily used in the treatment of menopause symptoms. It is synthetic hormone replacement.
- Last Text Update:
- 2009-Nov-20 6:20 PM
- Last Data Update:
- 2009-Nov-20 6:53 PM
Other Names
- Premarin
- Cenestin
- Premarin Vaginal
- Conjugated Estrogens
- Enjuvia
- Premarin Compositum
- Estrogenon
- Estrogens Conjugated
- Estroplus
- SCE-A
How Safe Is It?
- Your Risk Rating
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- Average Risk Rating
-
- Pregnancy Category:
- X
Black Box Warning
This product has a black box warning relating to increased risk of endometrial cancers and an increased risk of blood clots, heart attacks, invasive breast cancer, and dementia.
Facts & Figures
- Date Approved
- 08 May 1942
- Est US Patients*
- 1,845,000
- Generic Available
- No
- OTC Available
- No
User Age Distribution*
< 21
21-39
40-59
60+
Age (Years)
* Estimated number of US people currently taking Premarin or its active ingredient based on population adjusted patient numbers registered with iGuard.org.
Premarin Safety Report
Learn more about iGuard's risk ratings
- Please login or register (it's free) so iGuard can check how Premarin interacts with other drugs and diseases in your profile.
What is Premarin used for?
iGuard.org is currently tracking more than 10,800 patients that use Premarin (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)). Use the table below to learn why iGuard users take this product; click on any underlined condition to get information on other medications used for treatment.
| Disease / Condition | % | Average Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Menopausal Symptoms | 85% | 
|
| Osteoporosis | 6% |
|
| Other | 12% |
|
How well does Premarin work?
iGuard.org regularly polls our more than 10,800 users taking Premarin (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)) using the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medications (TSQM) . This feedback is continuously updated in tables below for the benefit of the iGuard community. To request scores for specific patient subgroups, please contact research@iguard.org.
Average Satisfaction Score
(out of 10)
Average Effectiveness Score
(out of 10)
- 84%
- of patients are confident that the good things about Premarin outweigh the bad things.
- 6%
- of patients wish they were told more before they started taking Premarin.
Common Side Effects of Premarin
iGuard.org regularly polls our more than 10,800 users taking Premarin (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)) to monitor the development and frequency of side-effects. This feedback is continuously updated in tables and graphs below for the benefit of the iGuard community.
14% of patients experience side-effects on Premarin
1% of patients experience signifcant side-effects on Premarin
Most Common Side Effects...
-
= 10%
Less than 1%: Headache, Loss of Libido, Mood/Behavior Changes, Nausea/Vomiting
Global Patient Feedback for Premarin (Estrogens Conjugated) ( Post a comment )
Question/Comment:
I had ovarian cancer at 17 and had to have a total hysterectomy. I have been on premarin 2.5 ever since. i am now 25 years young. i have had no problems---the doctor assures me that in my case the benefits DEFINATELY out weigh the risk involved in not havinga hormone replacement.
25 year old Female
Posted: 2009-10-05 16:53:27
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
Hormone replacement is a very individualized decision between the patient and their doctor. While there are some significant benefits, there are also risks and side effects to consider. You should continue to have ongoing discussions with your doctor to determine if estrogen replacement is right for you.
Posted: 2009-11-05 13:18:44
Question/Comment:
I had been on a 0.625 dosage of premarin for 7 years following a total hysterectomy, I was 40 yrs old when the procedure was performed. In March of 2006 my dosage was was lowered to 0.35 or so in August of 2007 I developed a rash that itched intensely and caused skin loss, I developed alopecia, toenail and fingernail abnormalities,elevated blood pressure from normal to 190,vomiting,nausea,breast tenderness,mouth tenderness with swelling of my gums and permanent scars over 65% of my body. I was diagnosed with Lichen Planus Disease which abated when I stopped taking premarin during my illness,it has been almost 2 years and I still have dark spots over 50% of my body my blood pressure is back to 120 except for feeling generally tired I'm ok .Are Auto-immune diseases associated with premarin?
47 year old Female
Posted: 2009-10-01 19:12:32
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
Auto-immune diseases like Lichen Planus, are not typically associated with Premarin. It is difficult to pinpoint exactly what triggers an auto-immune disease and it may be a coincidence. Your doctor is the best person to answer this question since he or she will have your complete medical history and can determine if Premarin is related to your Lichen Planus Disease.
Posted: 2009-11-01 22:27:44
Question/Comment:
I am a 55 year female, and an 18 year Stage III-B breast cancer survivor. I was post-menapausal soon after my chemotherapy and bone marrow transplant in 1993. I have been experiencing vaginal atrophy, repeat vaginitis and pain during intercourse for several years and my gynocologist has recommended Premarin. She also has put me on Flomax to aid in fully emptying my bladder. I feel she is not taking my full medical history into account when prescribing these meds. She has told me the risks from Premarin are minimal, systemic and confined to the vagina and have been documented in medical studies. Should I seek another opinion?
55 year old Female
Posted: 2009-09-28 22:03:47
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
Vaginal atrophy in women with a history of cancer should be discussed with your physician and oncologist. Each case needs to be evaluated individually. Alternative therapies include vaginal moisturizers applied every 2-3 days and water-based vaginal lubricants. Discuss your concerns with your physician and with your oncologist to see if there is a common ground to best treat your conditions with your medical history.
Posted: 2009-10-29 01:49:10
Question/Comment:
In 2001 had a hysterectomy, did'nt begin having hot flashes until a year later. My doctor put me on the highest level of premairn, slowly over the the last 8 years my doctors have winned me down to the lowest dose 0.3 mg, sometimes I do have day sweats but my biggest problem is not beening able to be in the sun for a long period of time and hair loss, does anyone else have the same side effects? Please help me to make a decision
52 year old Female
Posted: 2009-09-22 13:32:14
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
Patients who have taken premarin reported scalp hair loss as a side effect during the clinical trials of the medication. If it continues to worsen you should discuss this side effect with your doctor. It is a very undesirable side effect, especially for females. Sun sensitivity is a common concern with any type of oral estrogen medication including premarin. Daily sunscreen and limiting your sun exposure are healthy and sensible solutions.
Posted: 2009-09-22 21:21:19
Question/Comment:
I just had a LSH and my doctor prescribed Premarin for the hot flashes and mood swings. I has been 3 weeks since my surgery but only on Premarin for 3 days. When will I see changes? Also will I lose my sex drive like the side effect fact sheet says?
40 year old Female
Posted: 2009-08-22 22:51:12
Answer/Reply:
I am 59 years old and I have taken HRT for approximately 27 years...Premarin for about 15 years and have had no problems. I have not had any side effects and it has not decreased my sex drive.
61 year old Female
Posted: 2009-08-24 11:53:17
Answer/Reply:
I have been on Premarin for 12 years. It takes about 4-6weeks to get into your system. You will notice a nice change. The hot and cold sweats will go away. It makes you feel great. You won't miss the monthly periods at all. It is worth taking. It did nothing to my sex drive.
53 year old Female
Posted: 2009-09-10 17:21:27
Answer/Reply:
I have been on Premarin for 2 years now and have definately not lossed my sex drive at all!!! My only warning to Premarin users is use sunscreen several times a day if you going to be out in the sun. Sun spots are my only problem
30 year old Male
Posted: 2009-09-22 09:47:00
Answer/Reply:
I was on it for three years and the side affects were bad. First the dose was too much and had embarrasing almost orgasims in public. Then not enough and had really bad hotflashes and we got to about the right amount for those side affects and in June I started getting really bad headaches and alot of dizzyness, I quit taking them without consulting my doctor and I feel great. I also heard that after 3 years alot of women get cancer. I have an appointment with my doctor and will let him know I am off of the meds. My sex drive has not really been affected as of yet. I had my ovaries removed and I do take a daily vitamin and 1500 mg. of calcium and 800 of vitamin d every day.
31 year old Male
Posted: 2009-09-26 05:11:34
Answer/Reply:
i had a complete hysterectomy in 1983 and, like you only began premarin 3 weeks later. i took 2.50 until a few years ago whenb they only made 1.25(which i now take 2 per day/7 days a weeik. if your dosage is right for you, you will immediately see changes. whoever lost their sex drive probably didn't like their husband.
66 year old Female
Posted: 2009-10-06 19:23:06
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Comments may be either questions or answers to previously posted questions. Any iGuard.org user may post questions and reply.
51
Patient Comments about
Premarin