Estrogens (Conjugated/Equine) and Medroxyprogesterone



Premphase®; Prempro™







Estrogens (Conjugated/Equine) and Medroxyprogesterone

(ES troe jenz KON joo gate ed/EE kwine & me DROKS ee proe JES te rone)

U.S. Brand Names
Premphase®; Prempro™
Canadian Brand Names
Premphase®; Premplus®; Prempro™
Pharmacologic Category
Estrogen and Progestin Combination
What key warnings should I know about before taking this medicine?
  • Estrogens, when used in females after menopause, may increase the risk of uterine cancer. Progestins may decrease this risk. A warning sign for cancer of the uterus is unusual vaginal bleeding. Report any unusual vaginal bleeding to healthcare provider.
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to estrogens (conjugated/equine), medroxyprogesterone, or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • If you have any of the following conditions: Blood clots, breast cancer, liver disease, stroke, tumor where estrogen makes it grow, or unexplained vaginal bleeding.
  • If you have major surgery and need bedrest.
  • If you are a heavy smoker (more than 15 cigarettes per day) and older than 35 years of age.
  • If you turned yellow during pregnancy or with estrogen-based or hormone contraceptive use.
  • If you do not have a uterus and are using this medicine to treat symptoms of menopause or to prevent osteoporosis.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to prevent osteoporosis in postmenopausal females.
  • This medicine is used to stop or reduce the symptoms of menopause.
  • This medicine is used to treat vaginal irritation and dryness caused by menopause.
How does it work?
  • When the body no longer produces estrogen, this medicine is used as an estrogen replacement.
  • Medroxyprogesterone is a progesterone used to reduce endometrial cell changes and the risk of endometrial cancer.
How is it best taken?
  • Take this medicine at a similar time of day.
  • Take this medicine with food.
  • This medicine works best when used with calcium/vitamin D supplements and weight-bearing exercises like walking or physical therapy.
  • Follow diet plan and exercise program as recommended by healthcare provider.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • There may be a higher risk of breast cancer.
  • If you are taking a blood thinner, you will require more frequent monitoring.
  • If you have any circulation problems, talk with healthcare provider.
  • If you have gallbladder disease, talk with healthcare provider.
  • If you have heart disease, talk with healthcare provider.
  • If you have high blood pressure, talk with healthcare provider.
  • If you have kidney disease, talk with healthcare provider.
  • If you have migraines, talk with healthcare provider.
  • If you have a weakened heart, talk with healthcare provider.
  • Tell dentists, surgeons, and other healthcare providers that you use this medicine.
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • Do not take St John's wort, dong quai, black cohosh, saw palmetto, red clover, or ginseng with this medicine.
  • If you are taking this medicine and have high blood pressure, talk with healthcare provider before using over-the-counter products that may increase blood pressure. These include cough or cold remedies, diet pills, stimulants, ibuprofen or like products, and certain natural products or supplements.
  • Limit alcohol intake (includes wine, beer, and liquor).
  • Avoid cigarette smoking. Persons older than 35 years of age and/or smoking more than 15 cigarettes per day are at an increased risk for heart disease.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Headache.
  • Belly pain.
  • Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.
  • Breast enlargement.
  • Change in sexual ability or desire. This is usually reversible.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • Check blood pressure regularly.
  • If you are diabetic, you will need to monitor blood sugars closely.
  • Check blood work (cholesterol panel). Talk with healthcare provider.
  • Have a yearly eye exam.
  • Bone density test.
  • Periodic breast (monthly self-exam) and yearly gynecologic exams are important.
  • Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist regularly.
  • Follow up with healthcare provider yearly.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Chest pain or pressure.
  • Difficulty breathing.
  • Change in strength on one side greater than the other, difficulty speaking or thinking, change in balance, or blurred vision.
  • Swelling or pain of leg or arm.
  • Severe headache.
  • Severe nausea or vomiting.
  • Not hungry.
  • Dark urine or yellow skin or eyes.
  • Change in contact lens tolerance.
  • Sudden change in vision, eye pain or irritation.
  • A lump in the breast or breast tenderness.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Store at room temperature.
  • Protect from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
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