Side Effects of Using Premarin

Premarin is a prescription medication containing estrogen that is used to alleviate some of the common symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes and vaginal dryness. It can also be used to prevent osteoporosis or, in some cases, treat low estrogen levels in breast and prostate cancer patients. Depending on the condition it is treating, it can be taken orally or given intravenously. In some cases, an applicator can also be used to insert the medicine into the vagina. Premarin, like all estrogen medications, has been linked to an increased chance of developing uterine cancer, but taking a progestin along with it decreases the chance. Taking estrogen may also increase the chances of ovarian cancer, dementia, stroke and serious blood clots in the legs.

Breast Side Effects

• Some women taking Premarin may notice mild breast pain or tenderness while using the medication. This is no cause for concern. However, breast lumps or severe breast pain may indicate a problem, and should be reported to a doctor immediately.

Vaginal Side Effects

• Mild spotting or breakthrough vaginal bleeding is a normal side effect of Premarin and does not need to be reported to a doctor. However, other vaginal symptoms, including unusual vaginal odor, discharge or itching and abnormal vaginal bleeding, may indicate a potential complication that needs treatment. Report these serious but rare effects to a doctor.

Gastrointestinal Symptoms

• Gas and mild nausea and vomiting are known side effects of Premarin, but do not indicate a potential problem. More serious gastrointestinal side effects include severe nausea and vomiting and severe stomach pain or pain or tenderness in the upper abdomen and should be reported to a doctor immediately.

Other Non-Serious Side Effects

• Other known side effects of Premarin that some users may experience include headaches, hair loss and mild stomach cramps or bloating. None of these is a sign of a complication, but they should be reported to a doctor if they become bothersome.

Other Serious Side Effects

• Other serious side effects of Premarin that may indicate a problem include swelling, pain or tenderness in the calves, chest pain, speech or vision changes, fainting, mood changes, dizziness, severe headaches, sudden shortness of breath, jaundice, swelling of the hands and feet and numbness or weakness in the arms or legs. If any of these side effects are experienced while taking Premarin, stop taking it and contact a doctor.