Description
Premarin Vaginal Cream Indications
Premarin (conjugated estrogens) Vaginal Cream is a prescription cream that contains a mixture of estrogenhormones and is prescribed after menopause to:
- Treatmenopausal changes in and around the vagina (thinning, drying, and inflammation of the vaginal walls, or atrophic vaginitis; atrophy and shrinkage of the vulva occurring around menopause, or kraurosis vulvae)
- Treat moderate to severe painful intercourse (or dyspareunia) caused by menopausal changes in the vagina
Premarin Vaginal Cream Uses and Dosage
Your healthcare provider will determine the appropriate dosing regimen for you.
Cyclic administration of Premarin Vaginal Cream may be prescribed as follows:
- 5 to 2 grams intravaginally (daily for 21 days, then off for 7 days) for treatment of atrophic vaginitis and kraurosis vulvae
- 5 gram intravaginally (daily for 21 days, then off for 7 days) for treatment of moderate to severe dyspareunia
- 5 gams intravaginally twice weekly (for example, Monday and Thursday) for treatment of moderate to severe dyspareunia
This medication should be used at the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration, consistent with your treatment goals and individual risks. Regular conversations between you and your doctor are important for determining the appropriate duration of treatment.
Premarin Vaginal Cream Side Effects
Common side effects associated with Premarin Vaginal Cream include:
- Headaches
- Breast pain
- Irregular vaginal bleeding or spotting
- Stomach/abdominal cramps and bloating
- Nausea and vomiting
- Hair loss
- Fluid retention
- Vaginal yeast infections
- Vaginal burning
- Irritation
- Itching
Serious, although less frequent, side effects include:
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Blood clots
- Dementia
- Breast cancer
- Cancer of the lining of the uterus
- Ovarian cancer
- High blood pressure
- High blood sugar
- Gallbladder disease
- Liver problems
- Enlargement of benign tumors of the uterus (known as fibroids)
- Severe allergic reaction
If you experience any of the following warning signs or any other unusual symptoms that concern you, contact your healthcare provider immediately:
- New breast lumps
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding
- Changes in vision or speech
- Sudden new severe headaches
- Severe pains in your chest or legs with or without shortness of breath, weakness, and fatigue
- Swelling of the lips, tongue, or face
Premarin Vaginal Cream Precautions
It is not advisable to start using Premarin Vaginal Cream if you:
- Have unusual vaginal bleeding
- Currently have or have had certain cancers
Estrogens may increase your risk of getting certain types of cancers, including cancer of the breast or uterus. If you have or have had cancer, discuss with your healthcare provider about using Premarin Vaginal Cream.
- Had a stroke or heart attack
- Currently have or have had blood clots
- Currently have or have had liver problems
- Have been diagnosed with a bleeding disorder
- Are allergic to Premarin Vaginal Cream or any of its ingredients
- Think you may be pregnant
It is also important to note that estrogens, with or without progestins, should not be used to prevent heart disease, heart attacks, strokes, or dementia. Additionally, estrogens should be used at the lowest effective dose only for as long as needed.
Premarin Vaginal Cream Form and Strength
Premarin Vaginal Cream is available in the following formulation and strength:
- Cream
- 625mg conjugated estrogens per gram
FAQs
How common are vaginal symptoms after menopause?
Up to 40% of postmenopausal women experience vaginal atrophy, and painful intercourse is a common symptom. Other symptoms of vaginal atrophy may include dryness, burning, and itching in and around the vagina.
How should I measure my dosage?
Premarin Vaginal Cream includes a convenient applicator to facilitate direct application of the cream. This applicator is specifically designed to help measure the dosage prescribed by your healthcare provider.
How should I apply Premarin Vaginal Cream?
To properly use the applicator, follow these steps:
- Remove the cap from the tube.
- Attach the nozzle end of the applicator to the tube by screwing it on.
- Squeeze the tube gently from the bottom to ensure an adequate amount of cream fills the barrel, providing the prescribed dose.
- Unscrew the applicator from the tube.
- Lie on your back with your knees drawn up. To deliver medication, carefully insert the applicator deeply into your vagina and press the plunger downward to its original position.
- Remove the plunger from the barrel and wash it with mild soap and warm water.
DO NOT BOIL THE APPLICATOR OR USE HOT WATER.
Learn more here.