Estrogens, Conjugated (Monograph)
Brand names: Cenestin, Enjuvia, Premarin
Drug class: Estrogens
ATC class: G03CA57
VA class: HS300
Warning
-
Estrogens increase the risk of endometrial cancer in postmenopausal women. (See Endometrial Cancer under Cautions.)
-
Do not use estrogens with or without progestins for prevention of cardiovascular disease (see Cardiovascular Risk Reduction under Uses and Cardiovascular Disorders under Cautions) or dementia (see Alzheimer’s Disease under Uses).
-
The Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) study of estrogen alone reported increased risks of stroke and DVT in postmenopausal women receiving approximately 7 years of therapy with conjugated estrogens 0.625 mg daily.
-
The WHI study of estrogen plus progestin reported increased risks of MI, stroke, invasive breast cancer, pulmonary embolism, and DVT in postmenopausal women receiving ≥5 years of therapy with conjugated estrogens 0.625 mg in conjunction with medroxyprogesterone acetate 2.5 mg daily.
-
The WHI Memory Study (WHIMS) reported increased risk of developing probable dementia in postmenopausal women ≥65 years of age receiving long-term therapy (4–5 years) with conjugated estrogens in conjunction with medroxyprogesterone acetate or conjugated estrogens alone. Not known whether this finding also applies to younger postmenopausal women.
-
Other dosages of conjugated estrogens with medroxyprogesterone and other combinations or dosage forms of estrogens with progestin not studied in WHI trials; in the absence of comparable data, assume risks are similar.
-
Prescribe estrogens (with or without progestins) at the lowest effective dose and for the shortest duration consistent with treatment goals and risks for the individual woman.
Introduction
Mixture of estrogens available either as preparations that meet current official USP standards (i.e., conjugated estrogens USP) or as nonofficial preparations (i.e., synthetic conjugated estrogens A and synthetic conjugated estrogens B, which are prepared synthetically from plant sources).
Uses for Estrogens, Conjugated
Use of estrogens alone in postmenopausal women generally is referred to as estrogen replacement therapy (ERT); use of estrogens in combination with progestins usually is referred to as hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or postmenopausal hormone therapy. Another therapeutic option involves use of estrogens in combination with an estrogen agonist-antagonist; this combination referred to as a tissue-selective estrogen complex (TSEC).
ERT
Management of moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause.
Management of severe vaginal dryness, pain with sexual intercourse, and vulvar and vaginal atrophy associated with menopause. If used solely for this indication, consider use of topical vaginal preparations.
Osteoporosis
Prevention of osteoporosis. Used adjunctively with other measures (e.g., diet, calcium, vitamin D, weight-bearing exercise, physical therapy) to retard further bone loss and progression of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.
Estrogens are effective for prevention of osteoporosis but are associated with a number of adverse effects. If prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis is the sole indication for therapy, consider alternative therapy (e.g., alendronate, raloxifene, risedronate).
Has been effective in the treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Formerly recommended as first-line therapy; however, recommendations on appropriate use of HRT have been revised based on WHI study findings. (See Boxed Warning.) Evaluate risks and benefits of long-term HRT use in the management of osteoporosis, taking into account the increased risk of breast cancer and cardiovascular disease, availability of other pharmacologic modalities (e.g., alendronate, calcitonin, calcium, raloxifene, risedronate, vitamin D), and life-style factors that can be modified.
Has been used in a limited number of anorexic women with chronic amenorrhea to reduce calcium loss† [off-label] and, thereby, reduce risk of osteoporosis.
Corticosteroid-induced Osteoporosis
Has been used to prevent bone loss in postmenopausal women receiving low- to moderate-dose corticosteroid therapy† [off-label].
Hypoestrogenism
Treatment of hypoestrogenism secondary to hypogonadism, castration, or primary ovarian failure. Used for induction of puberty in adolescents with pubertal delay due to hypogonadism.
Metastatic Breast Carcinoma
Palliative treatment of metastatic breast cancer in selected women and men. One of several second-line agents.
Prostate Carcinoma
Palliative treatment of advanced androgen-dependent prostate carcinoma.
Abnormal Uterine Bleeding
Treatment of abnormal uterine bleeding due to hormonal imbalance in the absence of organic pathology.
Cardiovascular Risk Reduction† [off-label]
ERT or HRT does not decrease the incidence of cardiovascular disease. AHA, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, FDA, and manufacturers recommend that hormone therapy not be used to prevent heart disease in healthy women (primary prevention) or to protect women with preexisting heart disease (secondary prevention).
Alzheimer’s Disease
Prior use of HRT, but not current HRT unless such use exceeds 10 years, associated with reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease† [off-label]. Estrogens have not been shown to prevent progression of Alzheimer’s disease; American Academy of Neurology recommends that estrogens not be used for treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.
Initiation of ERT or HRT in women ≥65 years of age not associated with an improvement in cognitive function. Some women receiving ERT or HRT experience detrimental effects. Incidence of probable dementia in women receiving ERT or HRT was higher than that in women receiving placebo. (See Boxed Warning.) Use of ERT or HRT to prevent dementia or cognitive decline in women ≥65 years of age is not recommended.
Postpartum Breast Engorgement
Used in the past for prevention of postpartum breast engorgement† [off-label]; FDA has withdrawn approval of estrogen-containing drugs for this indication, since estrogens have not been shown to be safe for this use. (See Lactation under Cautions.)
Pregnancy
Not effective for any purpose during pregnancy; use contraindicated in pregnant women. (See Pregnancy under Cautions.)
Estrogens, Conjugated Dosage and Administration
General
-
A progestin generally is added to estrogen therapy (HRT) in women with an intact uterus. Addition of a progestin for ≥10 days per cycle of estrogen or daily with estrogen reduces incidence of endometrial hyperplasia and attendant risk of endometrial carcinoma in women with an intact uterus.
-
As an alternative to progestin, use of bazedoxifene (an estrogen agonist-antagonist) in fixed combination with conjugated estrogens reduces risk of endometrial hyperplasia.
-
ERT is appropriate in women who have undergone a hysterectomy (to avoid unnecessary exposure to progestins).
Administration
Conjugated estrogens USP usually administered orally; may also administer intravaginally or by deep IM or slow IV injection.
Administer synthetic conjugated estrogens A and synthetic conjugated estrogens B orally.
Estrogen therapy generally is administered in a continuous daily dosage regimen or, alternatively, in a cyclic regimen. When administered cyclically, estrogen usually is given once daily for 3 weeks followed by 1 week without the drug or once daily for 25 days followed by 5 days off; regimen is repeated as necessary.
When parenteral administration of conjugated estrogens USP is required, IV injection is preferred because of the more rapid response compared with IM injection.
Oral Administration
Oral preparations containing medroxyprogesterone acetate in combination with conjugated estrogens USP as monophasic or biphasic regimens are commercially available in a mnemonic dispensing package to aid user in complying with the prescribed dosage schedule.
Oral preparation containing bazedoxifene acetate in fixed combination with conjugated estrogens is commercially available in a 30-day package including 2 blister packs of 15 tablets each.
IV Administration
For solution and drug compatibility information, see Compatibility under Stability.
Administer by direct IV injection.
Reconstitution
Reconstitute vial containing 25 mg of conjugated estrogens USP with 5 mL of sterile water for injection. Do not shake vigorously. Administer immediately after reconstitution.
Rate of Administration
Administer slowly (to avoid flushing reaction).
IM Administration
Administer by deep IM injection.
Reconstitution
Reconstitute vial containing 25 mg of conjugated estrogens USP with 5 mL of sterile water for injection. Do not shake vigorously. Administer immediately after reconstitution.
Vaginal Administration
Administer intravaginally as a vaginal cream.
Dosage
Individualize dosage according to the condition being treated and the tolerance and therapeutic response of the patient.
To minimize risk of adverse effects, use the lowest possible effective dosage. Because of the potential increased risk of cardiovascular events, breast cancer, and venous thromboembolic events, limit estrogen, estrogen/progestin, or conjugated estrogens in fixed combination with bazedoxifene to the lowest effective doses and shortest duration of therapy consistent with treatment goals and risks for the individual woman.
Periodically reevaluate use of estrogen, estrogen/progestin, or conjugated estrogens in fixed combination with bazedoxifene (i.e., at 3- to 6-month intervals).
Pediatric Patients
Hypoestrogenism
Oral
Conjugated estrogens USP: 0.15 mg daily may induce breast development. Increase dosage at 6- to 12-month intervals to achieve appropriate bone age advancement and epiphyseal closure.
Conjugated estrogens USP: 0.625 mg daily (with progestins) sufficient to induce artificial cyclic menses and to maintain bone mineral density (BMD) after skeletal maturity.
Adults
Estrogen Replacement Therapy
Vasomotor Symptoms
OralConjugated estrogens USP: Initially, 0.3 mg daily continuously or in cyclic regimen (25 days on, 5 days off). Adjust dosage based on patient response.
Synthetic conjugated estrogens A: Initially, 0.45 mg daily. May increase dosage up to 1.25 mg daily.
Synthetic conjugated estrogens B: Initially, 0.3 mg daily. May increase dosage up to 1.25 mg daily. Adjust dosage based on patient response.
Conjugated estrogens USP in fixed combination with medroxyprogesterone acetate (Prempro), monophasic regimen: Initially, conjugated estrogens USP 0.3 mg with medroxyprogesterone acetate 1.5 mg daily. Alternatively, conjugated estrogens USP 0.45 mg with medroxyprogesterone acetate 1.5 mg daily, conjugated estrogens USP 0.625 mg with medroxyprogesterone acetate 2.5 mg daily, or conjugated estrogens USP 0.625 mg with medroxyprogesterone acetate 5 mg daily.
Conjugated estrogens USP with medroxyprogesterone acetate (Premphase), biphasic regimen: Conjugated estrogens USP 0.625 mg daily; medroxyprogesterone acetate 5 mg daily on days 15–28 of the cycle.
Conjugated estrogens in fixed combination with bazedoxifene acetate: Conjugated estrogens 0.45 mg with bazedoxifene 20 mg once daily.
Vulvar and Vaginal Atrophy
OralConjugated estrogens USP: Initially, 0.3 mg daily continuously or in cyclic regimen (25 days on, 5 days off). Adjust dosage based on patient response.
Synthetic conjugated estrogens A: 0.3 mg daily.
Synthetic conjugated estrogens B: 0.3 mg daily.
Conjugated estrogens USP in fixed combination with medroxyprogesterone acetate (Prempro), monophasic regimen: Initially, conjugated estrogens USP 0.3 mg with medroxyprogesterone acetate 1.5 mg daily. Alternatively, conjugated estrogens USP 0.45 mg with medroxyprogesterone acetate 1.5 mg daily, conjugated estrogens USP 0.625 mg with medroxyprogesterone acetate 2.5 mg daily, or conjugated estrogens USP 0.625 mg with medroxyprogesterone acetate 5 mg daily.
Conjugated estrogens USP with medroxyprogesterone acetate (Premphase), biphasic regimen: Conjugated estrogens USP 0.625 mg daily; medroxyprogesterone acetate 5 mg daily on days 15–28 of the cycle.
Vaginal
Conjugated estrogens USP: 0.5–2 g daily in cyclic regimen (3 weeks on, 1 week off).
Osteoporosis
Prevention in Postmenopausal Women
OralConjugated estrogens USP: Initially, 0.3 mg daily continuously or in cyclic regimen (25 days on, 5 days off). Adjust dosage based on clinical and BMD response.
Conjugated estrogens USP in fixed combination with medroxyprogesterone acetate (Prempro), monophasic regimen: Initially, conjugated estrogens USP 0.3 mg with medroxyprogesterone acetate 1.5 mg daily. Alternatively, conjugated estrogens USP 0.45 mg with medroxyprogesterone acetate 1.5 mg daily, conjugated estrogens USP 0.625 mg with medroxyprogesterone acetate 2.5 mg daily, or conjugated estrogens USP 0.625 mg with medroxyprogesterone acetate 5 mg daily. Adjust dosage based on clinical and BMD response.
Conjugated estrogens USP with medroxyprogesterone acetate (Premphase), biphasic regimen: Conjugated estrogens USP 0.625 mg daily; medroxyprogesterone acetate 5 mg daily on days 15–28 of the cycle.
Conjugated estrogens in fixed combination with bazedoxifene acetate: Conjugated estrogens 0.45 mg with bazedoxifene 20 mg once daily.
Hypoestrogenism
Female Hypogonadism
OralConjugated estrogens USP: 0.3–0.625 mg daily in a cyclic regimen (3 weeks on, 1 week off). Adjust dosage based on symptom severity and endometrial responsiveness.
Female Castration or Primary Ovarian Failure
OralConjugated estrogens USP: 1.25 mg daily in a cyclic regimen. Adjust dosage based on symptom severity and clinical response.
Metastatic Breast Carcinoma
Oral
Conjugated estrogens USP: 10 mg 3 times daily for ≥3 months.
Prostate Carcinoma
Oral
Conjugated estrogens USP: 1.25–2.5 mg 3 times daily.
Abnormal Uterine Bleeding
IV or IM
Conjugated estrogens USP: 25 mg; can repeat dose in 6–12 hours.
Cautions for Estrogens, Conjugated
Contraindications
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Undiagnosed abnormal genital bleeding.
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Known or suspected breast cancer or history of breast cancer (except when used for palliative treatment of metastatic disease in appropriately selected individuals).
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Known or suspected estrogen-dependent neoplasia.
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Active DVT or pulmonary embolism; history of DVT or pulmonary embolism.
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Active or recent (within past year) arterial thromboembolic disease (e.g., stroke, MI).
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Liver disease or impairment.
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Known protein C, protein S, or antithrombin deficiency, or other known thrombophilic disorders.
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Known or suspected pregnancy.
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Known hypersensitivity to estrogen or any ingredient in the formulation.
Warnings/Precautions
Warnings
Cardiovascular Disorders
Estrogen/progestin therapy associated with increased risk of MI, stroke, DVT, and pulmonary embolism. Estrogen therapy associated with increased risk of stroke and DVT. (See Boxed Warning.) Discontinue estrogens immediately if any of these events occur or are suspected. Use of ERT or HRT is not advised in women with a history of stroke or transient ischemic attacks. (See Contraindications under Cautions.)
Appropriately manage risk factors for cardiovascular disease (e.g., hypertension, diabetes mellitus, tobacco use, hypercholesterolemia, obesity) and/or venous thromboembolism (personal or family history of venous thromboembolism, obesity, systemic lupus erythematosus). (See Contraindications under Cautions.)
Discontinue estrogens, whenever feasible, at least 4–6 weeks prior to surgery that is associated with an increased risk of thromboembolism or during prolonged immobilization.
Endometrial Cancer
Use of unopposed estrogen therapy in women who have a uterus is associated with increased risk of endometrial cancer. Clinical surveillance and evaluation are essential. Perform diagnostic tests to rule out malignancy in women with undiagnosed, persistent or recurring abnormal vaginal bleeding.
Incidence of endometrial hyperplasia is reduced substantially when progestins are used concomitantly. Concomitant use of estrogen agonist/antagonist bazedoxifene also reduces risk of endometrial hyperplasia associated with conjugated estrogens.
Breast Cancer
HRT associated with increased risk of breast cancer or increase in abnormal mammograms requiring further evaluation.
All postmenopausal women should receive yearly breast examinations by a clinician and perform monthly self-examinations. Schedule periodic mammography based on patient age and risk factors.
Dementia
ERT or HRT in women ≥65 years of age has been associated with increased risk of developing probable dementia. Whether these findings apply to younger women is unknown. (See Alzheimer’s Disease under Uses.)
Gallbladder Disease
ERT associated with increased risk of gallbladder disease requiring surgery.
Hypercalcemia
Estrogens may cause severe hypercalcemia in patients with breast cancer and bone metastases. Discontinue the drug and initiate appropriate therapy to reduce serum calcium concentrations if hypercalcemia occurs.
Ocular Effects
Retinal thrombosis reported. Discontinue pending examination if sudden partial or complete loss of vision or sudden onset of proptosis, diplopia, or migraine occurs. Discontinue estrogens if papilledema or retinal vascular lesions noted on examination.
General Precautions
Elevated BP
Rarely, substantial increases in BP attributed to idiosyncratic reactions to estrogen. ERT generally is not associated with elevated BP. Monitor BP at regular intervals.
Hypertriglyceridemia
Estrogen therapy may be associated with increases in plasma triglyceride concentrations resulting in pancreatitis in women with increased serum lipids. Consider discontinuance of therapy if pancreatitis occurs.
Fluid Retention
Estrogens may cause some degree of fluid retention; use with caution and careful monitoring in patients with conditions that might be aggravated by fluid retention (e.g., cardiac or renal impairment).
Hypocalcemia
Use with caution in patients with hypoparathyroidism since estrogen-induced hypocalcemia may occur.
Hereditary Angioedema
Estrogens may exacerbate symptoms of angioedema in women with hereditary angioedema.
Ovarian Cancer
Long-term estrogen therapy associated with increased incidence of ovarian cancer in some epidemiologic studies. Other studies did not show a clinically important association.
Endometriosis
Estrogens may exacerbate endometriosis.
Malignant transformation of residual endometrial implants reported rarely in women receiving unopposed estrogen following hysterectomy. Consider the addition of progestin in women with residual endometriosis following hysterectomy.
Other Conditions
Estrogens may exacerbate asthma, diabetes mellitus, epilepsy, migraine, porphyria, systemic lupus erythematosus, and hepatic hemangiomas; use with caution in patients with these conditions.
Precautions Specific to Vaginal Administration
Exposure to conjugated estrogens USP vaginal cream may weaken latex condoms. Consider the potential for the cream to weaken and contribute to protective failure of latex or rubber condoms, diaphragms, or cervical caps.
Use of Fixed Combinations
When a progestin is used in conjunction with estrogen therapy, consider the cautions, precautions, and contraindications associated with progestin therapy.
When bazedoxifene is used in combination with conjugated estrogens, consider the usual cautions, precautions, contraindications, and interactions associated with bazedoxifene. Cautionary information applicable to specific populations (e.g., pregnant or nursing women, individuals with hepatic or renal impairment, geriatric patients) should be considered for each drug in the fixed combination.
Specific Populations
Pregnancy
Category X. (See Contraindications under Cautions.)
In utero exposure of females to diethylstilbestrol (DES [no longer commercially available in US]) is associated with increased risk of vaginal adenosis, squamous cell dysplasia of the cervix, and clear-cell vaginal cancer in later life.
In utero exposure of males to DES is associated with an increased risk of genital abnormalities and possibly testicular cancer later in life.
Women who receive DES during pregnancy may be at increased risk of breast cancer; causal relationship unproven.
Lactation
Administration of estrogens to nursing women has been associated with decreased amounts and lower quality of milk. Detectable amounts of estrogens have been identified in milk of women receiving these drugs. Caution advised. Conjugated estrogens/bazedoxifene in fixed combination not recommended for use in nursing women.
Pediatric Use
Estrogen therapy has been used for induction of puberty in adolescents with some forms of pubertal delay. Safety and efficacy of estrogens in children not otherwise established.
Use estrogen therapy with caution and careful monitoring if bone growth is not yet complete, since estrogens may cause premature epiphyseal closure.
Estrogen therapy in prepubertal girls induces premature breast development and vaginal cornification and may induce vaginal bleeding. Estrogen therapy in boys may modify the normal pubertal process.
Geriatric Use
No substantial differences in safety in women ≥65 years of age compared with younger women; increased incidence of stroke and invasive breast cancer reported in women≥75 years of age compared with younger women.
Conjugated estrogens/bazedoxifene in fixed combination not recommended for use in women ≥75 years of age.
Possible increased risk of developing probable dementia in women ≥65 years of age. (See Dementia under Cautions.)
Clinical studies of estrogens alone or in combination with a progestin did not include sufficient numbers of patients ≥65 years of age to determine whether geriatric patients respond differently than younger patients.
Hepatic Impairment
Estrogens may be poorly metabolized in patients with hepatic impairment. (See Contraindications under Cautions.)
Caution advised in patients with a history of cholestatic jaundice associated with previous estrogen use or with pregnancy; discontinue if jaundice recurs.
Renal Impairment
Use with caution. (See Fluid Retention under Cautions.)
Common Adverse Effects
Abdominal pain, asthenia, flatulence, leg cramps, pruritus, vaginal hemorrhage, vaginitis, vaginal moniliasis.
Drug Interactions
Appears to be metabolized partially by CYP3A4.
Drugs Affecting Hepatic Microsomal Enzymes
CYP3A4 inhibitors: Potential pharmacokinetic interaction (increased plasma estrogen concentrations).
CYP3A4 inducers: Potential pharmacokinetic interaction (decreased plasma estrogen concentrations).
Specific Drugs and Foods
Drug or Food |
Interaction |
Comments |
---|---|---|
Anticoagulants, oral |
Possible decreased anticoagulant action |
Monitor; increase warfarin dosage if required |
Antifungals, azoles (itraconazole, ketoconazole) |
Possible increased plasma estrogen concentrations; increased potential for adverse effects |
|
Carbamazepine |
Possible decreased plasma estrogen concentrations; potential for decrease in therapeutic effects and/or changes in uterine bleeding |
|
Corticosteroids (hydrocortisone) |
Enhanced anti-inflammatory effects in patients with chronic inflammatory skin disease |
Observe for signs of excessive corticosteroid effects; adjust corticosteroid dosage when initiating or discontinuing estrogen |
Grapefruit juice |
Possible increased plasma estrogen concentrations; increased potential for adverse effects |
|
Macrolide antibiotics (clarithromycin, erythromycin) |
Possible increased plasma estrogen concentrations; increased potential for adverse effects |
|
Medroxyprogesterone |
Interaction unlikely |
|
Phenobarbital |
Possible decreased plasma estrogen concentrations; potential for decrease in therapeutic effects and/or changes in uterine bleeding |
|
Rifampin |
Possible decreased plasma estrogen concentrations; potential for decrease in therapeutic effects and/or changes in uterine bleeding |
|
Ritonavir |
Possible increased plasma estrogen concentrations; increased potential for adverse effects |
|
St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) |
Possible decreased plasma estrogen concentrations; potential for decrease in therapeutic effects and/or changes in uterine bleeding |
|
Thyroid agents |
Increased thyroid-binding globulin concentrations |
Increased dosages of thyroid replacement agents may be needed; monitor thyroid function |
Estrogens, Conjugated Pharmacokinetics
Absorption
Bioavailability
Conjugated estrogens are well absorbed through mucous membranes and from the GI tract.
Food
Conjugated estrogens USP: High-fat meal does not affect extent of oral absorption.
Synthetic conjugated estrogens A: Effect of food unknown.
Synthetic conjugated estrogens B: Effects of food unknown.
Distribution
Extent
Widely distributed; highest concentrations found in sex hormone target organs.
Plasma Protein Binding
50–80%.
Elimination
Metabolism
Metabolized in the liver; the kidney, gonads, and muscle tissue involved to some extent. Estrogens metabolized partially by CYP3A4.
Extensive metabolic conversion takes place in the liver (e.g., estradiol converted to estrone, both converted to estriol).
Estrogens undergo enterohepatic recirculation via sulfate and glucuronide conjugation in the liver, biliary secretion of conjugates into the intestine, and hydrolysis in the gut followed by reabsorption.
Elimination Route
Estrogens and their metabolites excreted mainly in urine.
Half-life
Conjugated estrogens: 10–28 hours.
Stability
Storage
Oral
Tablets
20–25°C (may be exposed to 15–30°C).
Parenteral
Powder for Injection
2–8°C.
Vaginal
Cream
20–25°C (may be exposed to 15–30°C).
Compatibility
Parenteral
Stated to be incompatible with protein hydrolysate, ascorbic acid, or any solution with an acid pH.
Solution Compatibility104
Compatible |
---|
Dextrose solutions |
Invert sugar solutions |
Sodium chloride 0.9% |
Drug Compatibility
Compatible |
---|
Heparin sodium with hydrocortisone sodium succinate |
Potassium chloride |
Vitamin B complex with C |
Actions
-
Conjugated estrogens USP is a mixture of conjugated equine estrogens obtained from natural sources and occurring as the sodium salts of the water-soluble estrogen sulfates blended to represent the average composition of material derived from pregnant mare’s urine. It is a mixture of sodium estrone sulfate and sodium equilin sulfate that also contains 17α-dihydroequilin, 17α-estradiol, 17β-dihydroequilin, equilenin, 17α-dihydroequilenin, 17β-dihydroequilenin, δ8,9-dehydroestrone, and 17β-estradiol.
-
Synthetic conjugated estrogens A is a mixture of conjugated estrogens prepared synthetically from plant sources (i.e., soy and yams). It contains the sodium salts of water-soluble estrogen sulfates blended into a 9-component mixture of estrone sulfate and sodium equilin sulfate as well as the concomitant components 17α-dihydroequilin, 17α-estradiol, 17β-dihydroequilin, 17α-dihydroequilenin, 17β-dihydroequilenin, equilenin, and 17β-estradiol as sodium sulfate conjugates.
-
Synthetic conjugated estrogens B is a mixture of conjugated estrogens prepared synthetically from plant sources. It contains the sodium salts of water-soluble estrogen sulfates blended into a 10-component mixture of estrone sulfate and sodium equilin sulfate as well as the concomitant components 17α-dihydroequilin, 17α-estradiol, 17β-dihydroequilin, 17α-dihydroequilenin, 17β-dihydroequilenin, equilenin, 17β-estradiol, and δ8,9-dehydroestrone as sodium sulfate conjugates. This mixture contains the 10 estrogenic substances present in currently available commercial preparations of conjugated estrogens USP.
-
Exogenous estrogens elicit, to varying degrees, all the pharmacologic responses usually produced by endogenous estrogens.
Advice to Patients
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Importance of providing patient a copy of the manufacturer’s patient information.
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Risk of cancer of the uterus in postmenopausal women. Importance of reporting any unusual vaginal bleeding to clinicians.
-
Risk of MI, stroke, breast cancer, and venous thromboembolism. Importance of not using estrogens to prevent heart disease, MI, or strokes.
-
Importance of women informing clinicians if they are or plan to become pregnant or plan to breast-feed.
-
Importance of informing clinicians of existing or contemplated concomitant therapy, including prescription and OTC drugs and herbal supplements, as well as concomitant illnesses.
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Importance of informing patients of other important precautionary information. (See Cautions.)
Preparations
Excipients in commercially available drug preparations may have clinically important effects in some individuals; consult specific product labeling for details.
Please refer to the ASHP Drug Shortages Resource Center for information on shortages of one or more of these preparations.
Routes |
Dosage Forms |
Strengths |
Brand Names |
Manufacturer |
---|---|---|---|---|
Oral |
Tablets |
0.3 mg |
Premarin |
Pfizer |
0.45 mg |
Premarin |
Pfizer |
||
0.625 mg |
Premarin |
Pfizer |
||
0.9 mg |
Premarin |
Pfizer |
||
1.25 mg |
Premarin |
Pfizer |
||
Parenteral |
For injection |
25 mg |
Premarin Intravenous |
Pfizer |
Vaginal |
Cream |
0.0625% |
Premarin |
Pfizer |
Routes |
Dosage Forms |
Strengths |
Brand Names |
Manufacturer |
---|---|---|---|---|
Oral |
Tablets |
0.45 mg with Bazedoxifene Acetate 20 mg (of bazedoxifene) |
Duavee |
Pfizer |
Tablets, monophasic regimen |
0.3 mg with Medroxyprogesterone acetate 1.5 mg (28 tablets) |
Prempro |
Pfizer |
|
0.45 mg with Medroxyprogesterone acetate 1.5 mg (28 tablets) |
Prempro |
Pfizer |
||
0.625 mg with Medroxyprogesterone Acetate 2.5 mg (28 tablets) |
Prempro |
Pfizer |
||
0.625 mg with Medroxyprogesterone Acetate 5 mg (28 tablets) |
Prempro |
Pfizer |
||
Tablets, biphasic regimen |
0.625 mg (14 tablets Premarin) and 0.625 mg with Medroxyprogesterone Acetate 5 mg (14 tablets) |
Premphase |
Pfizer |
Routes |
Dosage Forms |
Strengths |
Brand Names |
Manufacturer |
---|---|---|---|---|
Oral |
Tablets, film-coated |
0.3 mg |
Cenestin |
Teva |
0.45 mg |
Cenestin |
Teva |
||
0.625 mg |
Cenestin |
Teva |
||
0.9 mg |
Cenestin |
Teva |
||
1.25 mg |
Cenestin |
Teva |
Routes |
Dosage Forms |
Strengths |
Brand Names |
Manufacturer |
---|---|---|---|---|
Oral |
Tablets, film-coated |
0.3 mg |
Enjuvia |
Teva |
0.45 mg |
Enjuvia |
Teva |
||
0.625 mg |
Enjuvia |
Teva |
||
0.9 mg |
Enjuvia |
Teva |
||
1.25 mg |
Enjuvia |
Teva |
AHFS DI Essentials™. © Copyright 2025, Selected Revisions September 18, 2017. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 4500 East-West Highway, Suite 900, Bethesda, Maryland 20814.
† Off-label: Use is not currently included in the labeling approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.