Long-term treatment with conjugated estrogens may increase your risk of breast cancer, heart attack, or stroke. Talk with your doctor about your individual risks before using conjugated estrogens long term, especially if you smoke or are overweight. Your doctor should check your progress on a regular basis (every 3 to 6 months) to determine whether you should continue this treatment.

Have regular physical exams and self-examine your breasts for lumps on a monthly basis while using conjugated estrogens.

What are conjugated estrogens?

Estrogen is a female sex hormone produced by the ovaries. Estrogen is necessary for many processes in the body.

Conjugated estrogens are a mixture of estrogen hormones used to treat symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes, and vaginal dryness, burning, and irritation. Other uses include prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women, and replacement of estrogen in women with ovarian failure or other conditions that cause a lack of natural estrogen in the body. Conjugated estrogens are sometimes used as part of cancer treatment in women and men.

Conjugated estrogens may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking conjugated estrogens?

• a history of heart attack, stroke, or blood clot (especially in your lung or your lower body);

• abnormal vaginal bleeding that a doctor has not checked;

• liver disease; or

• any type of breast, uterine, or hormone-dependent cancer.

Before using conjugated estrogens, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• high blood pressure, heart disease, or circulation problems;

• a personal or family history of stroke;

• endometriosis;

• liver or kidney disease;

• asthma;

• epilepsy or other seizure disorder;

• migraines;

• diabetes;

• underactive thyroid;

• high cholesterol or triglycerides;

• high or low levels of calcium in your blood;

• porphyria;

• systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE);

• gallbladder disease; or

• if you have had your uterus removed (hysterectomy).

Conjugated estrogens increase your risk of developing endometrial hyperplasia, a condition that may lead to cancer of the uterus. Taking progestins while using conjugated estrogens may lower this risk. If your uterus has not been removed, your doctor may prescribe a progestin for you to take while you are using conjugated estrogens.

Long-term conjugated estrogens treatment may increase your risk of stroke or blood clots. Talk with your doctor about your individual risks before using conjugated estrogens long term, especially if you smoke or are overweight. Your doctor should check your progress on a regular basis (every 3 to 6 months) to determine whether you should continue this treatment.

Do not use conjugated estrogens if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment. Use an effective form of birth control while you are using this medication. Conjugated estrogens can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. This medication may also slow breast milk production. Do not use if you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not give this medication to anyone under 18 years old without the advice of a doctor.

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