Conjugated Estrogens injection

What is this medication?

CONJUGATED ESTROGENS (CON ju gate ed ESS troe jenz) is a mixture of female hormones. It is used to treat abnormal bleeding from the uterus caused by a hormonal imbalance. This medicine may also be used for a short period of time to increase your body's estrogen levels.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Premarin

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

•blood vessel disease, blood clotting disorder, or suffered a stroke

•breast, cervical, endometrial, ovarian or uterine cancer

•dementia

•gallbladder disease

•heart disease

•high blood levels of calcium

•kidney disease

•liver disease

•protein C deficiency

•protein S deficiency

•vaginal bleeding

•an unusual or allergic reaction to estrogens, other hormones, medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

•pregnant or trying to get pregnant

•breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medicine is for injection into a vein, or injection into a muscle. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

A patient package insert for the product will be given with each prescription and refill. Read this sheet carefully each time. The sheet may change frequently.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

•exemestane

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

•barbiturates or benzodiazepines used for inducing sleep or treating seizures (convulsions)

•carbamazepine

•grapefruit juice

•medicines for fungal infections like ketoconazole and itraconazole

•raloxifene or tamoxifen

•rifabutin, rifampin, or rifapentine

•ritonavir

•some antibiotics used to treat infections

•St. John's Wort

•warfarin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

This medicine can make your body retain fluid, making your fingers, hands, or ankles swell. Your blood pressure can go up. Contact your doctor or health care professional if you feel you are retaining fluid.

If you have any reason to think you are pregnant, stop taking this medicine right away and contact your doctor or health care professional.

Smoking increases the risk of getting a blood clot or having a stroke while you are taking this medicine, especially if you are more than 35 years old. You are strongly advised not to smoke.

If you are going to have surgery, you may need to stop taking this medicine. Consult your health care professional for advice before you schedule the surgery.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

•allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

•breakthrough bleeding and spotting

•breast enlargement, tenderness, or abnormal production of milk

•breathing problems

•changes in vision

•chest pain

•confusion or forgetfulness

•dark urine

•general ill feeling or flu-like symptoms

•leg, arm, or groin pain

•light-colored stools

•loss of appetite, nausea

•nausea, vomiting

•right upper belly pain

•severe headaches

•stomach pain

•speech problems

•unusually weak or tired

•yellowing of the eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

•change in appetite

•mood changes, anxiety, depression, frustration, anger, or emotional outbursts

•skin acne or brown spots on the face

•weight gain

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.