Dr. Ogbru received his Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy in 1995. He completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of Arizona/University Medical Center in 1996. He was a Professor of Pharmacy Practice and a Regional Clerkship Coordinator for the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy from 1996-99.
Jay W. Marks, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
GENERIC NAME: conjugated equine estrogens and medroxyprogesterone acetate
BRAND NAME: Prempro, Premphase
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Prempro and Premphase are combinations of conjugated estrogens (Premarin) and medroxyprogesterone (Provera). For more information please see the conjugated estrogens and medroxyprogesterone acetate articles.
PRESCRIPTION: Yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: No
PREPARATIONS: Prempro: tablets 0.3 mg/1.5 mg, 0.45 mg/1.5 mg, 0.625 mg/2.5 mg, 0.625 mg/5 mg (conjugated estrogen/medroxyprogesterone). Premphase: tablets, 28 day pack containing 14 tablets of 0.625 mg conjugated estrogens and 14 tablets of 0.625 mg/5 mg (conjugated estrogen/medroxyprogesterone).
STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 15-30°C (59-8677°F).
PRESCRIBED FOR: Prempro and Premphase are prescribed for women with a uterus who are experiencing hot flashes, vaginal dryness, vaginal atrophy, uterine bleeding and other symptoms associated with menopause. They also are approved for treating osteoporosis; however, other drugs usually are prescribed for this purpose.
DOSING: One tablet of Prempro should be taken daily. The lowest effective dose should be used. For either hot flashes or osteoporosis, patients are most often started at a dose of 0.3 mg/1.5 mg. For women with hot flashes, the dose is adjusted depending on the response of the hot flashes. Patients should take one tablet of Premphase daily starting with the 0.625 mg conjugated estrogen tablets for 14 days followed by one tablet daily of the 0.625/5 mg conjugated estrogen/medroxyprogesterone tablets for 14 days.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Please see the conjugated estrogens and medroxyprogesterone acetate articles.
PREGNANCY: Prempro and Premphase should not be given to pregnant women due to the risk of harm to the fetus.
NURSING MOTHERS: Estrogens are secreted in breast milk and cause unpredictable effects in the infant. They should not be taken by women who are breast-feeding.
Cholesterol is naturally produced by the body, and is a building block for cell membranes and hormones. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is the "bad" cholesterol, conversely, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is the "good" cholesterol. High cholesterol treatment includes lifestyle changes (diet and exercise), and medications such as statins, bile acid resins, and fibric acid derivatives.
Menopause is the time in a woman's life when menstrual periods permanently stop, also called the “change of life." Menopause symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, irregular vaginal bleeding, vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, urinary incontinence, weight gain, and emotional symptoms such as mood swings. Treatment of menopausal symptoms varies, and should be discussed with your physician.
Learn about osteoporosis, a condition characterized by the loss of bone density, which leads to an increased risk of bone fracture. Unless one experiences a fracture, a person may have osteoporosis for decades without knowing it. Treatment for osteoporosis may involve medications that stop bone loss and increase bone strength and bone formation, as well as quitting smoking, regular exercise, cutting back on alcohol intake, and eating a calcium- and vitamin D-rich balanced diet.
Vaginal dryness and vaginal atrophy occurs in women during perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause. With vaginal atrophy, the lining of the vaginal wall becomes thinner, drier, less elastic, and light pink to bluish in color. Symptoms of vaginal atrophy include vaginal dryness, itching, irritation, and/or pain during intercourse. Treatment options for vaginal dryness and vaginal atrophy include hormone treatment and over-the-counter vaginal lubricating and moisturizing products.
Premature menopause is when a woman goes through menopause before the age of 40 because of genetics, illness, or a medical procedure. Symptoms of premature menopause include irregular or missed periods, mood swings, hot flashes, periods that are heavier or lighter than usual, vaginal dryness, bladder irritability, incontinence, dry skin, eyes or mouth, sleeplessness, and decreased sex drive. Though premature menopause cannot be reversed, the symptoms can be managed with methods similar to those used for natural menopause.
Sexual health information including birth control, impotence, herpes, sexually transmitted diseases, staying healthy, women's sexual health concerns, and men's sexual health concerns. Learn about the most common sexual conditions affecting men and women.
Vaginal atrophy is the medical term that refers to the thinning of the wall
of the vagina that occurs during menopause (the time when menstrual periods have
ceased) in women. Prior to menopause, the vaginal lining appears plump, bright
red, and moist. As estrogen levels decline, the lining of the vagina becomes
thinner, drier, light pink to bluish in color, and less elastic. This is a
normal change that is noticed by many perimenopausal and postmenopausal women.
Estrogen levels begin to fall as the menopause approaches. Estrogens are
mainly produced by the ovaries. Estrogens control the development of female body
characteristics such as the breasts, body shape, and body hair. Estrogens also
play a significant role in the regulation of the
menstrual cycle and pregnancy.
Most women reach menopause between the ages of 45 and 55, but it can occur
earlier or later in life. The average age of me...
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