Premphase (Premia Cyclical)

Product: Premphase (Premia Cyclical)
Drug Name: Conjugated Estrogens / Medroxyprogesterone Acetate
Packaging Type: Packets of 28 x 5mg tablets
Manufacturer: Wyeth

What is Premphase (Premia Cyclical) used for?

Premphase (Premia Cyclical) is used in the treatment of moderate to severe vasomotor symptom, such as hot flashes and night sweats associated with menopause, the treatment of vaginal dryness, and for the prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis.

How to take Premphase (Premia Cyclical)

Women take one tablet containing Premarin (conjugated estrogens tablets, USP) 0.625 mg alone for the first 2 weeks, followed by one tablet that contains both Premarin 0.625 mg and progestin (medroxyprogesterone acetate) 5 mg for the last 2 weeks of the 28-day cycle. Studies show that 30% of women sometimes neglect to take the progestin part in a two-tablet estrogen/progestin regimen. One-tablet Premia makes it easy for women to know when they have taken their medication.

Side effects of Premphase (Premia Cyclical)

Estrogen can increase the risk of cancer of the uterus. Progestin combined with estrogen, as in Premphase, reduces this risk. Women who have had a hysterectomy do not have this risk. Premphase contains progestin, which may have unfavorable effects on blood sugars and may worsen a diabetic condition. Side effects of Premia include blood clots, nausea, abdominal pain, breast tenderness, irregular bleeding, headache, and hair loss.

Precautions when taking Premphase (Premia Cyclical)

With Premphase, many women still experience predictable, monthly bleeding, similar to a period. This does not signal the return of fertility. You should not take Premphase if you have had any breast or uterine cancer, abnormal vaginal bleeding, abnormal blood clotting, or if you think or know you are pregnant. Pregnant women should not take Premphase because of possible risk to the fetus. You should also not take Premia if you have liver disease or have had a stroke. If you have heart disease, you and your health care provider may decide you should not take Premphase.