Conjugated Estrogens tablets
Conjugated Estrogens tablets
What is this medicine?
CONJUGATED ESTROGENS (CON ju gate ed ESS troe jenz) is an estrogen. It is used as hormone replacement in menopausal women. It helps to treat hot flashes and prevent osteoporosis. It is also used to treat women with low hormone levels or in those who have had their ovaries removed.
How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your medicine at regular intervals, at the same time each day. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
A patient package insert for the product will be given with each prescription and refill. Read this sheet carefully each time.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. This medicine is not approved for use in children.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
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
breast tissue changes or discharge
changes in vision
chest pain
confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
dark urine
general ill feeling or flu-like symptoms
light-colored stools
nausea, vomiting
pain, swelling, warmth in the leg
right upper belly pain
severe headaches
shortness of breath
sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg
trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
unusual vaginal bleeding
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):
hair loss
increased hunger or thirst
increased urination
symptoms of vaginal infection like itching, irritation or unusual discharge
unusually weak or tired
What may interact with this medicine?
Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
aromatase inhibitors like aminoglutethimide, anastrozole, exemestane, letrozole, testolactone
metyrapone
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
barbiturates, such as phenobarbital
carbamazepine
clarithromycin
erythromycin
grapefruit juice
medicines for fungal infections like ketoconazole and itraconazole
phenytoin
rifampin
ritonavir
St. John's Wort
thyroid hormones
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
Where should I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
abnormal vaginal bleeding
blood vessel disease or blood clots
breast, cervical, endometrial, ovarian, liver, or uterine cancer
dementia
diabetes
endometriosis
fibroids
gallbladder disease
heart disease or recent heart attack
high blood pressure
high cholesterol
high level of calcium in the blood
kidney disease
liver disease
mental depression
migraine headaches
protein C deficiency
protein S deficiency
stroke
tobacco smoker
an unusual or allergic reaction to estrogens, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Visit your health care professional for regular checks on your progress. You will need a regular breast and pelvic exam and Pap smear while on this medicine. You should also discuss the need for regular mammograms with your health care professional, and follow his or her guidelines for these tests.
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 at once 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 wear contact lenses and notice visual changes, or if the lenses begin to feel uncomfortable, consult your eye care specialist.
The tablet shell for some brands of this medicine does not dissolve. The tablet shell may appear whole in the stool. This is not a cause for concern. If you see something that resembles a tablet in your stool, talk to your healthcare provider.
This medicine can increase the risk of developing a condition (endometrial hyperplasia) that may lead to cancer of the lining of the uterus. Taking progestins, another hormone drug, with this medicine lowers the risk of developing this condition. Therefore, if your uterus has not been removed (by a hysterectomy), your doctor may prescribe a progestin for you to take together with your estrogen. You should know, however, that taking estrogens with progestins may have additional health risks. You should discuss the use of estrogens and progestins with your health care professional to determine the benefits and risks for you.
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.
Updated:  
July 17, 2018