Conjugated Estrogens+medroxyprogesterone Acetate
About Conjugated Estrogens+medroxyprogesterone Acetate
Conjugated Estrogens+medroxyprogesterone Acetate belongs to the class of medicines called hormones used to treat vasomotor symptoms, vulvar and vaginal atrophy due to menopause and postmenopausal osteoporosis. Menopause is a biological process in which women stop getting their menstrual cycle. Generally, it can occur in women at age between 45-55 years old. At this stage, women's estrogen levels are decreased.
Conjugated Estrogens+medroxyprogesterone Acetate contains conjugated estrogens and medroxyprogesterone. Conjugated estrogens work by replacing the estrogen levels; they mimic the natural hormone cycle to manage menopausal symptoms. Medroxyprogesterone acetate protects the uterine lining from potential cancerous growth caused by estrogen alone.
Conjugated Estrogens+medroxyprogesterone Acetate may cause side effects such as stomach or abdominal cramps, breast pain, bloating, fluid retention, hair loss, headache, irregular vaginal bleeding or spotting, nausea, vaginal yeast infection, and vomiting. However, these effects may resolve over time. However, consult a doctor if any of the symptoms persist or worsen.
Do not take Conjugated Estrogens+medroxyprogesterone Acetate if you are allergic to any of its components or have had a hysterectomy (removal of uterus/womb). Conjugated Estrogens+medroxyprogesterone Acetate is not recommended during pregnancy and in children. Consult the doctor if you are breastfeeding. Keep the doctor informed about your health condition and medications to prevent any interactions/side effects.
Uses of Conjugated Estrogens+medroxyprogesterone Acetate
Medicinal Benefits
Conjugated Estrogens+medroxyprogesterone Acetate belongs to the class of hormones used to treat vasomotor symptoms, vulvar and vaginal atrophy due to menopause and postmenopausal osteoporosis. It contains conjugated estrogens and medroxyprogesterone, which work by mimicking the natural hormonal cycle. Thereby, Conjugated Estrogens+medroxyprogesterone Acetate helps in reducing moderate to severe hot flashes and treating menopausal changes in and around the vagina. Conjugated Estrogens+medroxyprogesterone Acetate helps treat osteoporosis by preventing bone resorption. It increases bone mineral density and protects bone structure.
Directions for Use
- Conjugated Estrogens+medroxyprogesterone Acetate can be taken with or without food or as advised by your doctor.
- Conjugated Estrogens+medroxyprogesterone Acetate is usually taken once a day, or as prescribed by your doctor.
- Swallow Conjugated Estrogens+medroxyprogesterone Acetate as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not chew, crush or break it.
Storage
Side Effects of Conjugated Estrogens+medroxyprogesterone Acetate
- Stomach or abdominal cramps
- Breast pain
- Bloating
- Fluid retention
- Hair loss
- Headache
- Irregular vaginal bleeding or spotting
- Nausea
- Vaginal yeast infection
- Vomiting
Drug Warnings
Do not use Conjugated Estrogens+medroxyprogesterone Acetate if you are allergic to any of its ingredients, if you have undergone a hysterectomy (surgical removal of the uterus), or if you have unusual vaginal bleeding, had certain cancers, have stroke or heart attack, blood clots, liver problems, bleeding disorders, or if you are pregnant. Inform your doctor if you have asthma, epilepsy (seizures), diabetes, migraine, endometriosis, lupus, thyroid or kidney problems, high calcium levels, or any other medical conditions. Also, tell the doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements, to avoid potential interactions. Let the doctor know if you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or are overweight or if you use tobacco, as you might have a higher chance of getting heart problems. Conjugated Estrogens+medroxyprogesterone Acetate may increase the risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, invasive breast cancer, pulmonary emboli, and deep vein thrombosis in postmenopausal women; therefore, consult the doctor if you experience symptoms of heart attack (chest pain, shortness of breath), stroke (sudden numbness/weakness, sudden severe headache, slurred speech, or vision/balance problems), a blood clot (pain or warmth, vision changes, sweating), breast cancer (lump in the breast), or high calcium levels (nausea, vomiting, increased thirst or urination, constipation, muscle weakness, bone pain, lack of energy).
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Inform the doctor if you are taking anticonvulsant (topiramate, lamotrigine), hormone (levothyroxine), antidiabetic (glipizide), antifungal (fluconazole), or calcium channel blocker (diltiazem).
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid grapefruit or its juice while using this medicine to reduce the risk of side effects.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have unusual vaginal bleeding, cancer, stroke or heart attack, blood clot issues, bleeding disorder, asthma, epilepsy (seizures), diabetes, migraine, endometriosis, lupus, thyroid/liver/kidney problems, or high calcium levels.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorIt is unknown whether alcohol interferes with Conjugated Estrogens+medroxyprogesterone Acetate. Consult a doctor if you have any concerns.
Pregnancy
unsafeThis medicine is not recommended for use in pregnancy. Hence, if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, inform your doctor. Your doctor may prescribe an alternative based on your medical condition.
Breast Feeding
cautionPlease consult the doctor if you are breastfeeding. Caution is recommended while administering Conjugated Estrogens+medroxyprogesterone Acetate to a nursing woman.
Driving
consult your doctorIt is unknown whether Conjugated Estrogens+medroxyprogesterone Acetate affects your ability to drive. Drive only if you are alert.
Liver
unsafeConjugated Estrogens+medroxyprogesterone Acetate should not be used in patients with liver diseases. Hence, inform your doctor if you have/had liver disease before starting treatment with this medicine.
Kidney
consult your doctorIf you have a pre-existing or a history of kidney disease, inform your doctor before taking Conjugated Estrogens+medroxyprogesterone Acetate.
Children
unsafeConjugated Estrogens+medroxyprogesterone Acetate is not recommended for use in children.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Wear loose, layered clothing during the nighttime, especially in warm weather. This prevents hot flushes.
- Manage your weight. Lose excess weight by exercising regularly if you are obese or overweight.
- Talk to a psychologist if you feel low, sad, isolated, or have any sleeping issues.
- Apply moisturizers to prevent skin dryness.
- Limit alcohol intake and quit smoking.
- Try to eat foods that are rich in iron and vitamin C, including red meat, shellfish, eggs, beans, and leafy green vegetables.
Special Advise
- You may need to stop taking Conjugated Estrogens+medroxyprogesterone Acetate if you are undergoing any surgery or will be on bed rest. Therefore, please consult a doctor if you are due to undergo any surgery.
- A breast exam and mammogram (breast X-ray) are recommended every year unless advised otherwise by the doctor.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Menopause: Menopause is a condition in which a woman has not had a period for 12 months or more. It generally occurs between 45-55 years; however, some women may also experience menopause before 45 years or after 55 years. It occurs due to decreased production of estrogen hormone. It causes symptoms such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, insomnia (sleeplessness), weight gain, reduced sexual desire, sore breasts, hair loss, unwanted hair growth, headache, and urinary tract infections.
Postmenopausal osteoporosis: It occurs in women after menopause when the bones become weaker, more fragile, and likely to break after a fall or strain. Postmenopausal women are more likely to develop osteoporosis than men because, at menopause, women's ovaries stop producing oestrogen (a female hormone) that is essential to keep bones healthy. Following menopause, bone loss occurs, weakening bones and making them more likely to break. Signs and symptoms include back pain caused by a fractured or collapsed vertebra, loss of height over time, a stooped posture, and bones that break much more easily than expected.
Vulvar and Vaginal atrophy: It is a condition that causes thinning, drying, and inflammation of vaginal and vulvar tissues due to low estrogen. It may be caused due to menopause, ageing, hysterectomy, breast cancer treatment, and autoimmune disorders. You may observe symptoms like vaginal dryness, painful sex, itching, discharge, urinary issues, and vulvar discomfort in this condition.
FAQs
Conjugated Estrogens+medroxyprogesterone Acetate is used to treat vasomotor symptoms, vulvar and vaginal atrophy due to menopause and postmenopausal osteoporosis.
Conjugated Estrogens+medroxyprogesterone Acetate works by mimicking the natural hormonal cycle. Thereby, Conjugated Estrogens+medroxyprogesterone Acetate helps in reducing moderate to severe hot flashes, treating menopausal changes in and around the vagina, and helps to keep your bone strong and healthy.
Your doctor decides the dose of Conjugated Estrogens+medroxyprogesterone Acetate based on your health condition. It is advised not to take more than the recommended dose.
You are not recommended to stop taking Conjugated Estrogens+medroxyprogesterone Acetate without consulting your doctor. Therefore, take Conjugated Estrogens+medroxyprogesterone Acetate for as long as your doctor has prescribed it, and if you experience any difficulty while taking Conjugated Estrogens+medroxyprogesterone Acetate, please consult your doctor.
Conjugated Estrogens+medroxyprogesterone Acetate is not recommended for women who have had a hysterectomy (surgical removal of the uterus) as it contains progestin that helps prevent uterine cancer, which is not necessary for people without a uterus.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it's almost time for your next dose. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip it and take your next dose at the regular time. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
The common side effects of Conjugated Estrogens+medroxyprogesterone Acetate may include stomach or abdominal cramps, breast pain, bloating, fluid retention, hair loss, headache, irregular vaginal bleeding or spotting, nausea, vaginal yeast infection, and vomiting. Consult a doctor if any of the symptoms persist or worsen.