Medications and Drugs
GENERIC NAME: conjugated estrogens, synthetic
BRAND NAME: Cenestin
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.
Reference: FDA Prescribing Information
Last Editorial Review: 5/31/2004
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
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.
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