Frequently Asked Questions about Prempro

Q: What is Prempro®?

A: Prempro® is a combined hormone therapy drug containing estrogen and progestin. Prempro® is prescribed to women who are experiencing symptoms of menopause and is given to reduce or eliminate hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and night sweats and to reduce development of osteoporosis.

Q: What do I need to know about Prempro® before talking to my doctor?

A: If you are a post-menopausal woman who is entering menopause naturally (versus via hysterectomy or as a result of other surgical or induced conditions) and you are experiencing severe symptoms, there are some things you should be prepared to discuss with your physician prior to taking Prempro®. These items include your family’s history of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, heart disease, stroke, blood clots and osteoporosis.

Q: Are there women who should not take Prempro®?

A: Women who are currently or may be pregnant or who are breastfeeding should not take Prempro®. Prempro® also should not be taken by women who have unusual vaginal bleeding, currently have or have had cancer of the breast or uterus, had a stroke or heart attack in the past year, currently have or have had blood clots, or who currently have or have had liver problems.

Q : Are there any known risks to taking Prempro®?

A: Research studies have shown that possible side effects may include breast cancer, uterine cancer, stroke, heart attack, dementia, headaches, blood clots, ovarian cancer, gallbladder disease, nausea and vomiting, liver problems and high blood pressure, vaginal bleeding and hair loss.

Less common side effects include sharp chest or lower leg (calf) pain, breast lumps, severe headache, shortness of breath, coughing up blood, severe stomach pain or swelling, abnormal vaginal bleeding, mild dizziness, nausea and fluid retention.

Q: Are there any risks that were found to be lower in women taking Prempro®?

A: The results of a recent five-year study showed that of every 10,000 women per year taking Prempro®, there would be: 6 fewer cases of colon cancer; and 5 fewer cases of hip fracture.

Q: Has the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) made any statements regarding Prempro®?

A: According to the FDA, Prempro®, as well as other combined hormone replacement therapy (HRT) medications, remain the most effective products available to treat hot flashes and other symptoms of menopause; however, research findings have concluded that:

Prempro® is not an effective medication to prevent heart disease or stroke
HRTs containing the combined hormones estrogen and progestin may be at greater risk for heart attack, stroke, blood clots, uterine cancer and breast cancer
Prempro® should not be prescribed to prevent osteoporosis
Prempro® should be used at the lowest dose for the shortest duration and should only be used by women who are experiencing severe symptoms of natural menopause

Q: Is there anything I can do to reduce my risk of developing negative side-effects from taking Prempro®?

A: If you have taken or are currently taking Prempro®, it is important that you see your doctor immediately if you experience vaginal bleeding, dizziness or fainting, changes in speech, severe headaches, chest pain, shortness of breath, changes in vision or yellowing of the skin or nails.

If you believe that you or a loved one has suffered harm as a result of taking Prempro®, you should also consider contacting an experienced product liability attorney at our firm to discuss potential legal claims, which might entitle you to recover for your injuries.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Prempro

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