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CONJUGATED ESTROGENS (CON ju gate ed ESS troe jenz) relieves the symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes or vaginal dryness. It may also be used to treat low estrogen levels. It can be used to prevent osteoporosis. It is also used to reduce the symptoms of breast or prostate cancer. It works by increasing levels of the hormone estrogen in the body. It is an estrogen hormone.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
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Take this medication by mouth with water. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.
A patient package insert for the product will be given with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time. The sheet may change often.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
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Do not take this medication with any of the following:
-Aromatase inhibitors, such as aminoglutethimide, anastrozole, exemestane, letrozole, testolactone
-Metyrapone
This medication may also interact with the following:
-Barbiturates, such as phenobarbital
-Carbamazepine
-Clarithromycin
-Erythromycin
-Grapefruit juice
-Medications for fungal infections, such as ketoconazole and itraconazole
-Phenytoin
-Rifampin
-Ritonavir
-St. John's Wort
-Thyroid hormones
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
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Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. Talk to your care team often to see if you still need to take this medication.
You will need pelvic exams, breast exams, and mammograms on a regular schedule while you are taking this medication.
Talk to your care team about your risk of cancer. This medication can increase the risk of getting certain types of cancer, such as breast or uterine cancer. If you have a uterus, talk to your care team about whether you should also be taking a progestin. This may reduce your risk of uterine cancer. They can help you decide what is best for you. Talk to your care team right away if you have vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, or unusual vaginal discharge.
Talk to your care team if you use tobacco products. Changes to your treatment plan may be needed. Tobacco increases the risk of getting a blood clot or having a stroke while you are taking this medication. This risk is higher if you are 35 years or older.
If you are going to need surgery or a procedure, tell your care team that you are taking this medication.
This medication may cause your eyes to feel dry or irritated. If you wear contact lenses, you may feel some discomfort. Lubricating eye drops may help. Talk to your care team if your symptoms do not go away or are severe.
The tablet shell for some brands of this medication does not dissolve. This is normal. The tablet shell may appear whole in the stool. This is not a cause for concern. Talk to your care team if this occurs.
Talk to your care team if you may be pregnant. Serious fetal side effects can occur if you take this medication during pregnancy.
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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.
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Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
-Allergic reactions or angioedema—skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, arms, or legs, trouble swallowing or breathing
-Blood clot—pain, swelling, or warmth in the leg, shortness of breath, chest pain
-Breast tissue changes, new lumps, redness, pain, or discharge from the nipple
-Gallbladder problems—severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever
-Heart attack—pain or tightness in the chest, shoulders, arms, or jaw, nausea, shortness of breath, cold or clammy skin, feeling faint or lightheaded
-Heavy vaginal bleeding
-Increase in blood pressure
-Stroke—sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, trouble speaking, confusion, trouble walking, loss of balance or coordination, dizziness, severe headache, change in vision
-Sudden eye pain or change in vision such as blurry vision, seeing halos around lights, vision loss
-Unusual vaginal discharge, itching, or odor
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
-Bloating
-Breast pain or tenderness
-Dark patches of skin on the face or other sun-exposed areas
-Hair loss
-Irregular menstrual cycles or spotting
-Nausea
-Stomach pain
-Swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.
To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or expired:
-Take the medication to a take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
-If you cannot return the medication, empty it out of the container. Mix it with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or another unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
DISCLAIMER: This drug information content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Patients should always consult their physician with any questions regarding a medical condition and to obtain medical advice and treatment. Drug information is sourced from GSDD (Gold Standard Drug Database ) provided by Elsevier.