Stroke
In the WHI estrogen-alone substudy, a statistically significant increased risk of stroke was reported in women 50 to 79 years of age receiving daily CE (0.625 mg) -alone compared to women in the same age group receiving placebo (45 versus 33 per 10,000 women-years). The increase in risk was demonstrated in year 1 and persisted [see Clinical Studies (14.2)]. Should a stroke occur or be suspected, estrogen-alone therapy should be discontinued immediately.
Subgroup analyses of women 50 to 59 years of age suggest no increased risk of stroke for those women receiving CE (0.625 mg) -alone versus those receiving placebo (18 versus 21 per 10,000 women-years).1
In the WHI estrogen plus progestin substudy, a statistically significant increased risk of stroke was reported in women 50 to 79 years of age receiving daily CE (0.625 mg) plus MPA (2.5 mg) compared to women in the same age group receiving placebo (33 versus 25 per 10,000 women-years) [see Clinical Studies (14.2)]. The increase in risk was demonstrated after the first year and persisted.1 Should a stroke occur or be suspected, estrogen plus progestin therapy should be discontinued immediately.
Coronary Heart Disease
In the WHI estrogen-alone substudy, no overall effect on coronary heart disease (CHD) events (defined as nonfatal MI, silent MI, or CHD death) was reported in women receiving estrogen-alone compared to placebo2 [see Clinical Studies (14.2)].
Subgroup analyses of women 50 to 59 years of age suggest a statistically non-significant reduction in CHD events (CE [0.625 mg]-alone compared to placebo) in women with less than 10 years since menopause (8 versus 16 per 10,000 women-years).1
In the WHI estrogen plus progestin substudy, there was a statistically non-significant increased risk of CHD events reported in women receiving daily CE (0.625 mg) plus MPA (2.5 mg) compared to women receiving placebo (41 versus 34 per 10,000 women-years).1 An increase in relative risk was demonstrated in year 1, and a trend toward decreasing relative risk was reported in years 2 through 5 [see Clinical Studies (14.2)].
In postmenopausal women with documented heart disease (n = 2,763), average 66.7 years of age, in a controlled clinical trial of secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease (Heart and Estrogen/Progestin Replacement Study [HERS]), treatment with daily CE (0.625 mg) plus MPA (2.5 mg) demonstrated no cardiovascular benefit. During an average follow-up of 4.1 years, treatment with CE plus MPA did not reduce the overall rate of CHD events in postmenopausal women with established coronary heart disease. There were more CHD events in the CE plus MPA-treated group than in the placebo group in year 1, but not during subsequent years. Two thousand, three hundred and twenty-one (2,321) women from the original HERS trial agreed to participate in an open label extension of HERS, HERS II. Average follow-up in HERS II was an additional 2.7 years, for a total of 6.8 years overall. Rates of CHD events were comparable among women in the CE plus MPA group and the placebo group in HERS, HERS II, and overall.
Venous Thromboembolism
In the WHI estrogen-alone substudy, the risk of VTE (DVT and PE) was increased for women receiving daily CE (0.625 mg) -alone compared to placebo (30 versus 22 per 10,000 women-years), although only the increased risk of DVT reached statistical significance (23 versus 15 per 10,000 women-years). The increase in VTE risk was demonstrated during the first 2 years3 [see Clinical Studies (14.2)]. Should a VTE occur or be suspected, estrogen-alone therapy should be discontinued immediately.
In the WHI estrogen plus progestin substudy, a statistically significant 2-fold greater rate of VTE was reported in women receiving daily CE (0.625 mg) plus MPA (2.5 mg) compared to women receiving placebo (35 versus 17 per 10,000 women-years). Statistically significant increases in risk for both DVT (26 versus 13 per 10,000 women-years) and PE (18 versus 8 per 10,000 women-years) were also demonstrated. The increase in VTE risk was observed during the first year and persisted4 [see Clinical Studies (14.2)]. Should a VTE occur or be suspected, estrogen plus progestin therapy should be discontinued immediately.
If feasible, estrogens should be discontinued at least 4 to 6 weeks before surgery of the type associated with an increased risk of thromboembolism, or during periods of prolonged immobilization.
Endometrial Cancer
An increased risk of endometrial cancer has been reported with the use of unopposed estrogen therapy in a woman with a uterus. The reported endometrial cancer risk among unopposed estrogen users is about 2 to 12 times greater than in non-users, and appears dependent on duration of treatment and on estrogen dose. Most studies show no significant increased risk associated with use of estrogens for less than 1 year. The greatest risk appears to be associated with prolonged use, with increased risks of 15- to 24-fold for 5 to 10 years or more, and this risk has been shown to persist for at least 8 to 15 years after estrogen therapy is discontinued.
Clinical surveillance of all women using estrogen-alone or estrogen plus progestin therapy is important. Adequate diagnostic measures, including directed or random endometrial sampling when indicated, should be undertaken to rule out malignancy in postmenopausal women with undiagnosed persistent or recurring abnormal genital bleeding.
There is no evidence that the use of natural estrogens results in a different endometrial risk profile than synthetic estrogens of equivalent estrogen dose. Adding a progestin to postmenopausal estrogen therapy has been shown to reduce the risk of endometrial hyperplasia, which may be a precursor to endometrial cancer.
In a 52-week clinical trial using PREMARIN Vaginal Cream alone (0.5 g inserted twice weekly or daily for 21 days, then off for 7 days), there was no evidence of endometrial hyperplasia or endometrial carcinoma.
Breast Cancer
The most important randomized clinical trial providing information about breast cancer in estrogen-alone users is the WHI substudy of daily CE (0.625 mg) -alone. In the WHI estrogen-alone substudy, after an average follow-up of 7.1 years, daily CE-alone was not associated with an increased risk of invasive breast cancer [relative risk (RR) 0.80]5 [see Clinical Studies (14.2)].
The most important randomized clinical trial providing information about breast cancer in estrogen plus progestin users is the WHI substudy of daily CE (0.625 mg) plus MPA (2.5 mg). After a mean follow-up of 5.6 years, the estrogen plus progestin substudy reported an increased risk of invasive breast cancer in women who took daily CE plus MPA. In this substudy, prior use of estrogen-alone or estrogen plus progestin therapy was reported by 26 percent of the women. The relative risk of invasive breast cancer was 1.24, and the absolute risk was 41 versus 33 cases per 10,000 women-years, for CE plus MPA compared with placebo. Among women who reported prior use of hormone therapy, the relative risk of invasive breast cancer was 1.86, and the absolute risk was 46 versus 25 cases per 10,000 women-years, for CE plus MPA compared with placebo. Among women who reported no prior use of hormone therapy, the relative risk of invasive breast cancer was 1.09, and the absolute risk was 40 versus 36 cases per 10,000 women-years for CE plus MPA compared with placebo. In the same substudy, invasive breast cancers were larger, were more likely to be node positive, and were diagnosed at a more advanced stage in the CE (0.625 mg) plus MPA (2.5 mg) group compared with the placebo group. Metastatic disease was rare, with no apparent difference between the two groups. Other prognostic factors, such as histologic subtype, grade and hormone receptor status did not differ between the groups6 [see Clinical Studies (14.2)].
Consistent with the WHI clinical trial, observational studies have also reported an increased risk of breast cancer for estrogen plus progestin therapy, and a smaller increased risk for estrogen-alone therapy, after several years of use. The risk increased with duration of use, and appeared to return to baseline over about 5 years after stopping treatment (only the observational studies have substantial data on risk after stopping). Observational studies also suggest that the risk of breast cancer was greater, and became apparent earlier, with estrogen plus progestin therapy as compared to estrogen-alone therapy. However, these studies have not generally found significant variation in the risk of breast cancer among different estrogen plus progestin combinations, doses, or routes of administration.
The use of estrogen-alone and estrogen plus progestin therapy has been reported to result in an increase in abnormal mammograms, requiring further evaluation.
All women should receive yearly breast examinations by a healthcare provider and perform monthly breast self-examinations. In addition, mammography examinations should be scheduled based on patient age, risk factors, and prior mammogram results.
Ovarian Cancer
The WHI estrogen plus progestin substudy reported a statistically non-significant increased risk of ovarian cancer. After an average follow-up of 5.6 years, the relative risk for ovarian cancer for CE plus MPA versus placebo was 1.58 (95 percent CI, 0.77–3.24). The absolute risk for CE plus MPA versus placebo was 4 versus 3 cases per 10,000 women-years.7
A meta-analysis of 17 prospective and 35 retrospective epidemiology studies found that women who used hormonal therapy for menopausal symptoms had an increased risk for ovarian cancer. The primary analysis, using case-control comparisons, included 12,110 cancer cases from the 17 prospective studies. The relative risks associated with current use of hormonal therapy was 1.41 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.32 to 1.50); there was no difference in the risk estimates by duration of the exposure (less than 5 years [median of 3 years] vs. greater than 5 years [median of 10 years] of use before the cancer diagnosis). The relative risk associated with combined current and recent use (discontinued use within 5 years before cancer diagnosis) was 1.37 (95% CI 1.27–1.48), and the elevated risk was significant for both estrogen-alone and estrogen plus progestin products. The exact duration of hormone therapy use associated with an increased risk of ovarian cancer, however, is unknown.
The Women's Health Initiative Studies
In the WHI estrogen-alone substudy (daily CE [0.625 mg]-alone versus placebo), there was a higher relative risk of stroke in women greater than 65 years of age [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2), and Clinical Studies (14.2)].
In the WHI estrogen plus progestin substudy (daily CE [0.625 mg] plus MPA [2.5 mg] versus placebo), there was a higher relative risk of nonfatal stroke and invasive breast cancer in women greater than 65 years of age [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2, 5.3), and Clinical Studies (14.2)].
The Women's Health Initiative Memory Study
In the WHIMS ancillary studies of postmenopausal women 65 to 79 years of age, there was an increased risk of developing probable dementia in women receiving estrogen-alone or estrogen plus progestin when compared to placebo [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4), and Clinical Studies (14.3)].
Since both ancillary studies were conducted in women 65 to 79 years of age, it is unknown whether these findings apply to younger postmenopausal women8 [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4), and Clinical Studies (14.3)].
Absorption
Conjugated estrogens are water soluble and are well-absorbed through the skin, mucous membranes, and the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The vaginal delivery of estrogens circumvents first-pass metabolism.
A bioavailability study was conducted in 24 postmenopausal women with atrophic vaginitis. The mean (SD) pharmacokinetic parameters for unconjugated estrone, unconjugated estradiol, total estrone, total estradiol and total equilin following 7 once-daily doses of PREMARIN Vaginal Cream 0.5 g is shown in Table 2.
Table 2: Mean ± SD Pharmacokinetic Parameters of PREMARIN Following Daily Administration (7 Days) of PREMARIN Vaginal Cream 0.5 g in 24 Postmenopausal WomenPharmacokinetic Profiles of Unconjugated Estrogens PREMARIN Vaginal Cream 0.5 g |
PK Parameters Arithmetic Mean ± SD | Cmax (pg/mL) | Tmax (hr) | AUCss (pg•hr/mL) |
| Estrone | 42.0 ± 13.9 | 7.4 ± 6.2 | 826 ± 295 |
| Baseline-adjusted estrone | 21.9 ± 13.1 | 7.4 ± 6.2 | 365 ± 255 |
| Estradiol | 12.8 ± 16.6 | 8.5 ± 6.2 | 231 ± 285 |
| Baseline-adjusted estradiol | 9.14 ± 14.7 | 8.5 ± 6.2 | 161 ± 252 |
Pharmacokinetic Profiles of Conjugated Estrogens PREMARIN Vaginal Cream 0.5 g |
PK Parameters Arithmetic Mean ± SD | Cmax (ng/mL) | Tmax (hr) | AUCss (ng•hr/mL) |
| Total estrone | 0.60 ± 0.32 | 6.0 ± 4.0 | 9.75 ± 4.99 |
| Baseline-adjusted total estrone | 0.40 ± 0.28 | 6.0 ± 4.0 | 5.79 ± 3.7 |
| Total estradiol | 0.04 ± 0.04 | 7.7 ± 5.9 | 0.70 ± 0.42 |
| Baseline-adjusted total estradiol | 0.04 ± 0.04 | 7.7 ± 6.0 | 0.49 ± 0.38 |
| Total equilin | 0.12 ± 0.15 | 6.1 ± 4.7 | 3.09 ± 1.37 |
Distribution
The distribution of exogenous estrogens is similar to that of endogenous estrogens. Estrogens are widely distributed in the body and are generally found in higher concentration in the sex hormone target organs. Estrogens circulate in the blood largely bound to SHBG and albumin.
Metabolism
Exogenous estrogens are metabolized in the same manner as endogenous estrogens. Circulating estrogens exist in a dynamic equilibrium of metabolic interconversions. These transformations take place mainly in the liver. Estradiol is converted reversibly to estrone, and both can be converted to estriol, which is a major urinary metabolite. Estrogens also undergo enterohepatic recirculation via sulfate and glucuronide conjugation in the liver, biliary secretion of conjugates into the intestine, and hydrolysis in the intestine followed by reabsorption. In postmenopausal women, a significant portion of the circulating estrogens exists as sulfate conjugates, especially estrone sulfate, which serves as a circulating reservoir for the formation of more active estrogens.
Excretion
Estradiol, estrone, and estriol are excreted in the urine along with glucuronide and sulfate conjugates.
Use in Specific Populations
No pharmacokinetic studies were conducted in specific populations, including patients with renal or hepatic impairment.
WHI Estrogen-Alone Substudy
The WHI estrogen-alone substudy was stopped early because an increased risk of stroke was observed, and it was deemed that no further information would be obtained regarding the risks and benefits of estrogen--alone in predetermined primary endpoints.
Results of the estrogen-alone substudy, which included 10,739 women (average 63 years of age, range 50 to 79; 75.3 percent White, 15.1 percent Black, 6.1 percent Hispanic, 3.6 percent Other) after an average follow-up of 7.1 years, are presented in Table 4.
Table 4: Relative and Absolute Risk Seen in the Estrogen-Alone Substudy of WHIAdapted from numerous WHI publications. WHI publications can be viewed at www.nhlbi.nih.gov/whi.
| Event | Relative Risk CE vs. Placebo (95% nCINominal confidence intervals unadjusted for multiple looks and multiple comparisons. ) | CE n = 5,310 | Placebo n = 5,429 |
|---|
| Absolute Risk per 10,000 Women-Years |
|---|
| CHD events Results are based on centrally adjudicated data for an average follow-up of 7.1 years. | 0.95 (0.78–1.16) | 54 | 57 |
| Non-fatal MI | 0.91 (0.73–1.14) | 40 | 43 |
| CHD death | 1.01 (0.71–1.43) | 16 | 16 |
| All Strokes | 1.33 (1.05–1.68) | 45 | 33 |
| Ischemic stroke | 1.55 (1.19–2.01) | 38 | 25 |
| Deep vein thrombosis, Not included in "global index." | 1.47 (1.06–2.06) | 23 | 15 |
| Pulmonary embolism | 1.37 (0.90–2.07) | 14 | 10 |
| Invasive breast cancer | 0.80 (0.62–1.04) | 28 | 34 |
| Colorectal cancer Results are based on an average follow-up of 6.8 years. | 1.08 (0.75–1.55) | 17 | 16 |
| Hip fracture | 0.65 (0.45–0.94) | 12 | 19 |
| Vertebral fractures, | 0.64 (0.44–0.93) | 11 | 18 |
| Lower arm/wrist fractures, | 0.58 (0.47–0.72) | 35 | 59 |
| Total fractures, | 0.71 (0.64–0.80) | 144 | 197 |
| Death due to other causes, All deaths, except from breast or colorectal cancer, definite or probable CHD, PE or cerebrovascular disease. | 1.08 (0.88–1.32) | 53 | 50 |
| Overall mortality, | 1.04 (0.88–1.22) | 79 | 75 |
| Global Index A subset of the events was combined in a “global index” defined as the earliest occurrence of CHD events, invasive breast cancer, stroke, pulmonary embolism, colorectal cancer, hip fracture, or death due to other causes. | 1.02 (0.92–1.13) | 206 | 201 |
For those outcomes included in the WHI "global index" that reached statistical significance, the absolute excess risk per 10,000 women-years in the group treated with CE-alone was 12 more strokes while the absolute risk reduction per 10,000 women-years was 7 fewer hip fractures.9 The absolute excess risk of events included in the "global index" was a non-significant 5 events per 10,000 women-years. There was no difference between the groups in terms of all-cause mortality.
No overall difference for primary CHD events (nonfatal MI, silent MI and CHD death) and invasive breast cancer incidence in women receiving CE-alone compared with placebo was reported in final centrally adjudicated results from the estrogen-alone substudy, after an average follow up of 7.1 years.
Centrally adjudicated results for stroke events from the estrogen-alone substudy, after an average follow-up of 7.1 years, reported no significant difference in distribution of stroke subtype or severity, including fatal strokes, in women receiving CE-alone compared to placebo. Estrogen-alone increased the risk for ischemic stroke, and this excess risk was present in all subgroups of women examined.10
Timing of the initiation of estrogen-alone therapy relative to the start of menopause may affect the overall risk benefit profile. The WHI estrogen-alone substudy, stratified by age, showed in women 50 to 59 years of age a non-significant trend toward reduced risk for CHD [hazard ratio (HR) 0.63 (95 percent CI, 0.36–1.09)] and overall mortality [HR 0.71 (95 percent CI, 0.46–1.11)].
WHI Estrogen Plus Progestin Substudy
The WHI estrogen plus progestin substudy was stopped early. According to the predefined stopping rule, after an average follow-up of 5.6 years of treatment, the increased risk of invasive breast cancer and cardiovascular events exceeded the specified benefits included in the "global index." The absolute excess risk of events included in the "global index" was 19 per 10,000 women-years.
For those outcomes included in the WHI "global index" that reached statistical significance after 5.6 years of follow-up, the absolute excess risks per 10,000 women-years in the group treated with CE plus MPA were 7 more CHD events, 8 more strokes, 10 more PEs, and 8 more invasive breast cancers, while the absolute risk reductions per 10,000 women-years were 6 fewer colorectal cancers and 5 fewer hip fractures.
Results of the CE plus MPA substudy, which included 16,608 women (average 63 years of age, range 50 to 79; 83.9 percent White, 6.8 percent Black, 5.4 percent Hispanic, 3.9 percent Other) are presented in Table 5. These results reflect centrally adjudicated data after an average follow-up of 5.6 years.
Table 5: Relative and Absolute Risk Seen in the Estrogen Plus Progestin Substudy of WHI at an Average of 5.6 YearsAdapted from numerous WHI publications. WHI publications can be viewed at www.nhlbi.nih.gov/whi.
,Results are based on centrally adjudicated data.
| Event | Relative Risk CE/MPA vs. Placebo (95% nCINominal confidence intervals unadjusted for multiple looks and multiple comparisons. ) | CE/MPA n = 8,506 | Placebo n = 8,102 |
|---|
| Absolute Risk per 10,000 Women-Years |
|---|
| CHD events | 1.23 (0.99–1.53) | 41 | 34 |
| Non-fatal MI | 1.28 (1.00–1.63) | 31 | 25 |
| CHD death | 1.10 (0.70–1.75) | 8 | 8 |
| All Strokes | 1.31 (1.03–1.68) | 33 | 25 |
| Ischemic stroke | 1.44 (1.09–1.90) | 26 | 18 |
| Deep vein thrombosis Not included in "global index." | 1.95 (1.43–2.67) | 26 | 13 |
| Pulmonary embolism | 2.13 (1.45–3.11) | 18 | 8 |
| Invasive breast cancer Includes metastatic and non-metastatic breast cancer, with the exception of in situ cancer. | 1.24 (1.01–1.54) | 41 | 33 |
| Colorectal cancer | 0.61 (0.42–0.87) | 10 | 16 |
| Endometrial cancer | 0.81 (0.48–1.36) | 6 | 7 |
| Cervical cancer | 1.44 (0.47–4.42) | 2 | 1 |
| Hip fracture | 0.67 (0.47–0.96) | 11 | 16 |
| Vertebral fractures | 0.65 (0.46–0.92) | 11 | 17 |
| Lower arm/wrist fractures | 0.71 (0.59–0.85) | 44 | 62 |
| Total fractures | 0.76 (0.69–0.83) | 152 | 199 |
| Overall Mortality All deaths, except from breast or colorectal cancer, definite or probable CHD, PE or cerebrovascular disease. | 1.00 (0.83–1.19) | 52 | 52 |
| Global Index A subset of the events was combined in a "global index" defined as the earliest occurrence of CHD events, invasive breast cancer, stroke, pulmonary embolism, colorectal cancer, hip fracture, or death due to other causes. | 1.13 (1.02–1.25) | 184 | 165 |
Timing of the initiation of estrogen plus progestin therapy relative to the start of menopause may affect the overall risk benefit profile. The WHI estrogen plus progestin substudy stratified by age showed in women 50 to 59 years of age, a non-significant trend toward reduced risk for overall mortality [HR 0.69 (95 percent CI, 0.44–1.07)].
LAB-0498-6.0
What is PREMARIN Vaginal Cream?
PREMARIN Vaginal Cream is a medicine that contains a mixture of estrogen hormones.
What is PREMARIN Vaginal Cream used for?
PREMARIN Vaginal Cream is used after menopause to:
- Treat menopausal changes in and around the vagina
You and your healthcare provider should talk regularly about whether you still need treatment with PREMARIN Vaginal Cream to control these problems. - Treat painful intercourse caused by menopausal changes of the vagina
Who should not use PREMARIN Vaginal Cream?
Do not start using PREMARIN Vaginal Cream if you:
- Have unusual vaginal bleeding
- Currently have or have had certain cancers
Estrogens may increase the chance of getting certain types of cancers, including cancer of the breast or uterus. If you have or have had cancer, talk with your healthcare provider about whether you should use PREMARIN Vaginal Cream. - Had a stroke or heart attack
- Currently have or have had blood clots
- Currently have or have had liver problems
- Have been diagnosed with a bleeding disorder
- Are allergic to PREMARIN Vaginal Cream or any of its ingredients
See the list of ingredients in PREMARIN Vaginal Cream at the end of this leaflet. - Think you may be pregnant
Tell your healthcare provider:
- If you have unusual vaginal bleeding
Vaginal bleeding after menopause may be a warning sign of cancer of the uterus (womb). Your healthcare provider should check any unusual vaginal bleeding to find out the cause. - About all of your medical problems
Your healthcare provider may need to check you more carefully if you have certain conditions, such as asthma (wheezing), epilepsy (seizures), diabetes, migraine, endometriosis, lupus, or problems with your heart, liver, thyroid, kidneys, or have high calcium levels in your blood. - About all the medicines you take
This includes prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Some medicines may affect how PREMARIN Vaginal Cream works. PREMARIN Vaginal Cream may also affect how your other medicines work. - If you are going to have surgery or will be on bedrest
You may need to stop using PREMARIN Vaginal Cream. - If you are breast feeding
The estrogen hormones in PREMARIN Vaginal Cream can pass into your breast milk. How should I use PREMARIN Vaginal Cream?
PREMARIN Vaginal Cream is a cream that you place in your vagina with the applicator provided with the cream.
- Take the dose recommended by your healthcare provider and talk to him or her about how well that dose is working for you
- Estrogens should be used at the lowest dose possible for your treatment only as long as needed. You and your healthcare provider should talk regularly (for example, every 3 to 6 months) about the dose you are taking and whether you still need treatment with PREMARIN Vaginal Cream
- Step 1. Remove cap from tube.
- Step 2. Screw nozzle end of applicator onto tube (Figure A).
- Step 3. Gently squeeze tube from the bottom to force sufficient cream into the barrel to provide the prescribed dose. Use the marked stopping points on the applicator to measure the correct dose, as prescribed by your healthcare provider (Figure B).
- Step 4. Unscrew applicator from tube.
- Step 5. Lie on back with knees drawn up. To deliver medication, gently insert applicator deeply into vagina and press plunger downward to its original position (Figure C).
- Step 6. TO CLEANSE: Pull plunger to remove it from barrel. Wash with mild soap and warm water (Figure D).
- DO NOT BOIL OR USE HOT WATER.
What are the possible side effects of PREMARIN Vaginal Cream?
PREMARIN Vaginal Cream is only used in and around the vagina; however, the risks associated with oral estrogens should be taken into account.
Side effects are grouped by how serious they are and how often they happen when you are treated.
Serious, but less common side effects include:
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Blood clots
- Dementia
- Breast cancer
- Cancer of the lining of the uterus (womb)
- Cancer of the ovary
- High blood pressure
- High blood sugar
- Gallbladder disease
- Liver problems
- Enlargement of benign tumors of the uterus ("fibroids")
- Severe allergic reaction
Call your healthcare provider right away if you get any of the following warning signs or any other unusual symptoms that concern you:
- New breast lumps
- Unusual vaginal bleeding
- Changes in vision or speech
- Sudden new severe headaches
- Severe pains in your chest or legs with or without shortness of breath, weakness and fatigue
- Swollen lips, tongue or face
- Less serious, but common side effects include:
- Headache
- Breast pain
- Irregular vaginal bleeding or spotting
- Stomach or abdominal cramps, bloating
- Nausea and vomiting
- Hair loss
- Fluid retention
- Vaginal yeast infection
- Reactions from inserting PREMARIN Vaginal Cream, such as vaginal burning, irritation, and itching
These are not all the possible side effects of PREMARIN Vaginal Cream. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Pfizer Inc. at 1-800-438-1985 or to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What can I do to lower my chances of getting a serious side effect with PREMARIN Vaginal Cream?
- Talk with your healthcare provider regularly about whether you should continue using PREMARIN Vaginal Cream
- If you have a uterus, talk with your healthcare provider about whether the addition of a progestin is right for you
The addition of a progestin is generally recommended for a woman with a uterus to reduce the chance of getting cancer of the uterus. See your healthcare provider right away if you get vaginal bleeding while using PREMARIN Vaginal Cream. - Have a pelvic exam, breast exam and mammogram (breast X-ray) every year unless your healthcare provider tells you something else
If members of your family have had breast cancer or if you have ever had breast lumps or an abnormal mammogram, you may need to have breast exams more often. - If you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol (fat in the blood), diabetes, are overweight, or if you use tobacco, you may have higher chances for getting heart disease
Ask your healthcare provider for ways to lower your chances for getting heart disease. General information about the safe and effective use of PREMARIN Vaginal Cream
Medicines are sometimes prescribed for conditions that are not mentioned in patient information leaflets. Do not use PREMARIN Vaginal Cream for conditions for which it was not prescribed. Do not give PREMARIN Vaginal Cream to other people, even if they have the same symptoms you have. It may harm them.
Keep PREMARIN Vaginal Cream out of the reach of children.
Latex or rubber condoms, diaphragms and cervical caps may be weakened and fail when they come into contact with PREMARIN Vaginal Cream.
This leaflet provides a summary of the most important information about PREMARIN Vaginal Cream. If you would like more information, talk with your healthcare provider or pharmacist. You can ask for information about PREMARIN Vaginal Cream that is written for health professionals.
What are the ingredients in PREMARIN Vaginal Cream?
PREMARIN Vaginal Cream contains a mixture of conjugated estrogens, which are a mixture of sodium estrone sulfate and sodium equilin sulfate and other components, including sodium sulfate conjugates: 17 α-dihydroequilin, 17 α-estradiol, and 17 β-dihydroequilin. PREMARIN Vaginal Cream also contains cetyl esters wax, cetyl alcohol, white wax, glyceryl monostearate, propylene glycol monostearate, methyl stearate, benzyl alcohol, sodium lauryl sulfate, glycerin, and mineral oil.
PREMARIN (conjugated estrogens) Vaginal Cream—Each gram contains 0.625 mg conjugated estrogens, USP.
Combination package: Each contains a net wt. of 1.06 oz (30 g) tube with plastic applicator(s) calibrated in 0.5 g increments to a maximum of 2 g (NDC 0046-0872-21).
Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F); excursions permitted to 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].
This product's label may have been updated. For current full prescribing information, please visit www.pfizer.com.
LAB-0519-5.0
Rev 11/2017