Prempro

What is Prempro? Prempro is a dangerous drug that contains medroxyprogesterone and a combination of conjugated estrogens (a mixture of estrogen hormones). Estrogen is a female sex hormone created by the ovaries that is essential for a number of bodily functions. Medroxyprogesterone—typically called “progesterone”-- is another female hormone crucial for the regulation of menstruation and ovulation. Prempro is widely used to treat the symptoms associated with menopause, including vaginal dryness, hot flashes and irritation. Moreover, Prempro is used to prevent osteoporosis (thinning of the bones). Prempro should not be administered to prevent dementia or heart disease; the drug should not be taken as a treatment for these conditions because it will adversely increase the patient’s probability of developing said conditions. Prempro: What you must know It is crucial that you do not take Prempro if you have any of the following conditions: stroke, history of heart problems, liver disease, blood clots (particularly in your lower body or lungs), abnormal vaginal bleeding or hormone-related cancer, such as uterine or breast cancers. Prempro may also adversely affect unborn babies or increase the probability of infant fatalities; do not use Prempro if you are pregnant. Long-term use of Prempro may significantly increase your risk of heart attack, stroke or breast cancer. If you are using Prempro, you must consult with a doctor regarding the individual risks. Consultations with a medical professional are necessary if you are overweight or smoke while using Prempro. Your doctor should check your progress every 3 to 6 months to determine whether you should continue Prempro treatment. To ensure proper administration, you should have regular physical exams; you should also perform self-examinations on your breasts (check for lumps) at least once a month. Again, Prempro should never be used to treat dementia or heart disease, because the medication may actually increase your risk of developing said conditions. What to do before taking Prempro: Remember, you should not use Prempro if you experience any of the following conditions: • Liver disease • Abnormal vaginal bleeding that has not been checked by a medical professional • History of heart attacks, strokes or blood clots—particularly those in your lower body or lungs • Any form of uterine, hormone-dependent or breast cancer If you have developed any of these conditions, you should undergo special tests to ensure that you can safely ingest Prempro. Moreover, if you have any of the below conditions, you must seek professional help to gauge your ability to handle Prempro: • Heart disease, high blood pressure or circulation difficulties • Endometriosis • Kidney or liver disease • Asthma • Seizure disorders (epilepsy) • Diabetes • High Cholesterol (triglycerdies) • High or low levels of calcium in the blood • System Lupus Erythematosus • Gallbadder ailments and/or diseases • If you have ever had your uterus removed (hysterectomy) Conjugated estrogens may increase your risk of developing endometrial hyperplasia—a medical condition that increases the risk of developing cancer in the uterus. Ingesting progestins while taking conjugated estrogens may decrease this risk. If you have not undergone a hysterectomy, your doctor may opt to prescribe a progestin for you to take while on Prempro. Long-term conjugated estrogen medications may increase your risk of developing blood clots or strokes. It is important to talk with your doctor concerning your individual risks before undertaking long-term conjugated estrogen treatment. This need intensifies if you are overweight or are a smoker. Again, your medical professional must check your progress on a regular basis (typically every 3 to 6 months) to determine whether you should halt or continue treatment with Prempro. In addition to the aforementioned side effects, Prempro may also cause significant birth defects. Because of this, it is essential that you do not take Prempro if you are pregnant. Before prescribing or suggesting Prempro, you must immediately notify your doctor that you are pregnant. If you are already on Prempro and become pregnant you must tell your doctor right away. To avoid this scenario, you should use an effective form of birth control (or a combination of birth controls) while using Prempro. Birth defects caused by Prempro occur because conjugated estrogens and medroxyprogesterone pass into breast milk and disrupt nursing babies. Prempro may also impede your ability to produce breast milk. Because of these side effects, it is a necessity that you do not use Prempro if you are breast-feeding a child. Also, it is strongly suggested that you do not give Prempro to any individual under the age of 18 years old without first consulting with a medical professional. How do I take Prempro? You must take Prempro exactly as it was prescribed by your doctor. It is strongly suggested that you do not take Prempro in larger or smaller amounts or use it longer than as it is recommended by your doctor. It is necessary to follow the directions on your prescription label. You may consume Prempro with or without food. You should try and take the medication at the same time each day. It is suggested that you take Prempro regularly to achieve the best results. If you miss a dose, skip it, and take your Prempro at the next regularly scheduled time. Never take an extra dose if you missed a cycle of Prempro. It is also important to avoid smoking when using Prempro. Smoking will increase your risk of developing blood clots, strokes or heart attacks. If you overdose on Prempro you must seek emergency medical attention or contact the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.