GENERIC NAME: ESTROGEN/PROGESTINS - ORAL
Warning | Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
WARNING: Combination hormone replacement therapy (estrogen and progestin HRT) should not be used to prevent heart disease. Two-drug combination hormone replacement therapy can infrequently cause cancer of the breast, heart disease (e.g., heart attack), stroke, dementia, and blood clots in the lung (pulmonary embolism) or leg. Estrogens may also increase the risk of cancer of the ovary. These risks appear to depend on the length of time this combination is used and the amount of estrogen per dose. Therefore, two-drug HRT should be used for the shortest possible length of time at the lowest effective dose, so you obtain the benefits and minimize the chance of serious side effects from long-term treatment. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. If you use this drug for an extended period, you should be evaluated at least once a year. See Notes section.
USES: This medication is a combination of hormones (estrogen and progestin) used to treat symptoms of menopause (e.g., hot flashes, vaginal dryness) and to prevent bone loss (osteoporosis) in people at high risk. If you are only being treated for vaginal menopause symptoms, products applied locally such as vaginal creams, tablets, or rings should be considered before products taken by mouth or absorbed through the skin. There are several medications (e.g., raloxifene or bisphosphonates) that are safe and effective to prevent or treat bone loss. These medicines should be considered for use before estrogen/progestin HRT therapy for osteoporosis. If you have other medical conditions as well, and are prescribed estrogen/progestin HRT for more than one condition, consult your doctor about your treatment plan and its options.
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You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Hormone Therapy - Hormone Therapy (HT), can ease the symptoms of menopause and protect against osteoporosis.
- Menopause - Menopause symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, abnormal vaginal bleeding, vaginal itching, dryness, and pain, urinary symptoms, weight gain, acne, skin texture changes, and mood changes.
- Hormonal Methods of Birth Control - Read about hormonal birth control methods, such as oral contraceptives, the patch, birth control injection, and vaginal ring. The hormones used in hormonal birth control are estrogen and/or progesterone.
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