DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Cenestin is a combination of
nine estrogens. Estrogens are hormones produced by the ovaries that
are necessary for the
proper development of the female reproductive system and sexual
characteristics. After menopause, there is a
decrease in the amount of estrogen that is produced by the ovaries.
This
decrease in estrogen production is responsible for hot flashes, mood
changes, sleep disturbance, decreased sexual
function and other symptoms associated with menopause. Estrogen
deficiency also has been linked to heart disease and bone loss
(osteoporosis). Cenestin is similar to conjugated estrogens
(Premarin), the other drug used for
treating hot flashes. Unlike the estrogens in Premarin which are
obtained from the urine
of pregnant horses, the estrogens in Cenestin are synthetic (man-
made) and are produced from plant
material. Therefore, the estrogens in Cenestin are different than the
estrogens found in Premarin.
GENERIC AVAILABLE: No
PRESCRIPTION: Yes
PREPARATIONS: Tablets: 0.45, 0.625, and 0.9 mg .
STORAGE: Tablets should be stored at room temperature,
15-30°C (59-86°F).
PRESCRIBED FOR: Cenestin is used for the relief of moderate
to
severe hot flashes and other symptoms of estrogen deficiency.
DOSING: The lowest effective dose should be used, starting
with
0.625 mg and gradually increasing to 1.25 mg a day.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions studies between
Cenestin
and other drugs have not been conducted. In general, rifampin,
carbamazepine (Tegretol), barbiturates, atorvastatin (Lipitor),
primidone (Mysoline) and phenytoin (Dilantin) increase the ability of
the liver to
convert estrogens into inactive compounds. Therefore, use of these
drugs with
Cenestin may decrease the effectiveness of Cenestin.
PREGNANCY: Estrogens such as Cenestin should not be used
during pregnancy
because they increase the risk of birth defects in the fetus.
NURSING MOTHERS: Estrogens
such as Cenestin may decrease the quantity and quality of breast milk and produce unpredictable effects in the
infant.
Nursing mothers should avoid taking estrogens.
SIDE EFFECTS: The most frequent side effects
associated with Cenestin are abdominal discomfort, weakness, back
pain,
headaches, abnormal heart rhythm, nausea, flatulence (excessive
production of gas), water retention, depression,
insomnia (difficulty sleeping), nervousness, dizziness, breast pain and uterine bleeding or
spotting.
Estrogens, including Cenestin, may increase the risk of
developing breast and endometrial cancer, blood clots and gallbladder disease.
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.
Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by a decrease in the density of bone, decreasing its strength and resulting in fragile bones. Osteoporosis literally leads to abnormally porous bone that is compressible, like a sponge. This disorder of the skeleton weakens the bone and results in frequent fractures (breaks) in the bones. Osteopenia is a condition of bone that is slightly less dense than normal bone but not to the degree of bone in osteoporosis.
Normal bone is composed of protein, collagen, and calcium, all of which give bone its strength. Bones that are affected by osteoporosis can break (fracture) with relatively minor injury that normally would not cause a bone to fracture. The fracture can be either in the form of cracking (as in a hip fracture) or collapsing (as in a compression fracture of the vertebrae of the spine). The spine, hips, ribs, and wrists are common areas of bone fractures from osteoporosis although osteoporosis-...
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