Manufactured by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals Inc., Premarin is a synthetic hormone replacement therapy (HRT) that provides relief for hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disorders and vaginal dryness associated with menopause. It also provides protection against osteoporosis. The medication poses many possible side effects, but the more dangerous ones are rare.
Side Effects Noted in Clinical Trials
In clinical trials cited by the official Premarin website, the most common side effect was headaches, which occurred in up to 32 percent of women. Other common side effects occurring in more than 10 percent but less than 18 percent of women included abdominal pain, back pain, joint pain, vaginal bleeding, accidental injury and breast pain. Side effects occurring in 5 to 10 percent of women included nervousness, leg cramps, muscle pain, weakness, gas, a white vaginal discharge and vaginitis from yeast infections or other causes. Less common side effects included nausea, vomiting, bloating, pancreatitis, colitis and gallbladder disease.
Cancer Risk
Hormone replacement therapy has received negative attention in regard to the increased risk of cancer associated with these drugs. Increased risk has been determined for endometrial, ovarian and breast cancer, but a 2007 article in Sciencebase explained that this increased risk is not high. For instance, over 5 years, ovarian cancer incidence for HRT users was 30 per 10,000, whereas the ovarian cancer rate for women who had never used HRT was 26 per 10,000.
Fluid Retention
Premarin can cause fluid retention, which in turn can cause weight gain. People who may be especially sensitive to fluid retention should take Premarin with caution. These include women with asthma, epilepsy, heart disease and kidney disorders.
Cardiovascular Side Effects
Cardiovascular side effects also have been reported, although their occurrence is rare. As with other estrogen prescriptions, including birth control pills, there is a risk of blood clots, heart attack, stroke, pulmonary embolism and an increase in blood pressure.
Gynecological Effects
Numerous gynecological side effects have been reported, with vaginal bleeding and discharge being the most common. Breakthrough bleeding and spotting, as well as heavy, cramping periods can occur. Vaginitis, yeast infections and changes in secretions also are associated with Premarin hormone replacement.
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