Why is Prempro prescribed?

Prempro (Conjugated Estrogen/Medroxyprogesterone) contains 2 female hormones: an estrogen (such as conjugated estrogen) and a progestin (such as Medroxyprogesterone). It is used by women to help reduce symptoms of menopause including hot flashes and vaginal dryness/itchiness. These symptoms are caused by the body making less estrogen. The progestin in this medication helps to reduce the risk of cancer of the uterus which can be caused by using estrogen. Women who have had their uterus removed do not need the progestin and therefore should not use this combination medication.

If you are using this medication to treat symptoms only in and around (physical symptoms) the vagina, products applied directly inside the vagina should be considered before medications that are taken orally.

This medication may also be used by women after menopause to prevent bone loss. However, there are other medications (such as Raloxifene) that are also effective in preventing bone loss and may be safer. These medications should be considered for use before estrogen/progestin treatment. 

Prempro is available for purchase in the strength of 0.3mg/1.5mg.

What is the most effective way to take Prempro?

Take Prempro exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger amounts or for longer than recommended.

• Usually taken once a day, orally 
• Take the medicine at the same time each day
• Prempro may increase your risk of developing a condition that may lead to uterine cancer. Your doctor may prescribe a progestin to take while you are using this medicine, to help lower this risk. Report any unusual vaginal bleeding right away.
• Read all patient information, medication guides, and instruction sheets provided to you. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• Your doctor should check your progress on a regular basis to determine whether you should continue this treatment. Self-examine your breasts for lumps on a monthly basis, and have regular mammograms.
• If you need major surgery or will be on long-term bed rest, you may need to stop using this medicine for a short time. Any doctor or surgeon who treats you should know that you are using Prempro.
• Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light

Before taking Prempro,

• tell your doctor if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other drug allergies. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
• tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: vaginal bleeding of unknown cause, certain cancers (such as breast cancer, cancer of the uterus/ovaries), blood clots, stroke, any heart/kidney/liver disease, family medical history (especially breast lumps, blood clots), family or personal history of a certain swelling disorder (angioedema), blood clotting disorders (such as protein C or protein S deficiency), diabetes, lupus underactive thyroid, mineral imbalance (low or high level of calcium in the blood), uterus problems, gallbladder disease, asthma, seizures, porphyria, mental/mood disorders
• Do not smoke or use tobacco. Estrogens combined with smoking further increases your risk of stroke, blood clots, high blood pressure, and heart attack, especially in women older than 35.
• Tell your doctor if you just had or will be having surgery, or if you will be confined to a chair or bed for a long time (such as a long plane flight). These conditions increase your risk of getting blood clots, especially if you are using an Estrogen product. You may need to stop this medication for a time or take special precautions.
• This medication may cause blotchy, dark areas on your face and skin (melasma). Sunlight may worsen this effect. Limit your time in the sun and take precautions when you are outdoors. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. 
• If you are nearsighted or wear contacts, you may develop vision problems or trouble wearing your contact. Contact your eye doctor if these problems occur.

Pregnancy warning:

• This medication must not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor right away.
• This medication passes into breast milk. It may reduce the quality and amount of breast milk produced. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Common Prempro side effects include but are not limited to:

• nausea, gas, stomach pain
• headache
• back pain 
• breast pain
• weakness
• depression
• itching, thinning scalp hair
• vaginal itching or discharge or changes in your menstrual periods

• Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Prempro: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• heart attack symptoms - chest pain or pressure, pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, sweating;
• signs of a stroke - sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body), sudden severe headache, slurred speech, problems with vision or balance;
• signs of a blood clot - sudden vision loss, coughing up blood, stabbing chest pain, feeling short of breath, pain or warmth in one or both legs
• swelling or tenderness in your stomach
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
• memory problems, confusion, unusual behavior
• unusual vaginal bleeding or pelvic pain
• a lump in your breast
• high levels of calcium in your blood - nausea, constipation, vomiting, increased thirst or urination, muscle weakness, bone pain, lack of energy.

Why is Prempro prescribed?

Prempro is used by women to help reduce uncomfortable symptoms of menopause.

What should I avoid while on Prempro?

• Avoid smoking. It can greatly increase your risk of blood clots, stroke, or heart attack while using this medicine.
• Avoid the use of any grapefruit products

How should I store this medication?

Store Prempro at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light

What do I do if I forget a dose of Prempro?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra Prempro to make up the missed dose.