What is Premarin Vaginal Cream?
Premarin cream is a topical vaginal hormone treatment containing conjugated estrogens.
This conjugated estrogen vaginal cream is used to treat vaginal and vulvar atrophies, as well as kraurosis vulvae (itching, burning, dryness in or around the vagina, difficulting or burning while urinating) that’s associated with menopause.
Premarin cream is also used to treat dyspareunia (pain during intercourse) associated with menopause.
For more resources, including a full list of the risks and benefits of Premarin cream, please review the product monograph.
How does Premarin Vaginal Cream work?
Estrogens are a naturally producing female hormone that either lowers, or stops being produced entirely, during the menopause and postmenopause life stages.
Premarin cream contains estrogen that can replace this hormone as the body begins producing less naturally.
In turn, this helps reduce some of the side effects that are associated with menopause.
What is Premarin Vaginal Cream used to treat?
Premarin cream has two primary uses:
The first is as a treatment for vaginal and vulvar atrophies, as well as kraurosis vulvae. This treats symptoms such as:
- Itching
- Burning
- Dryness in or around the vagina
- Difficulty urinating
- A sensation of burning while urinating
The second use is as a treatment for dyspareunia, which means pain during intercourse.
How do you take Premarin Vaginal Cream?
There are six steps to follow in order to take your dose of Premarin cream:
- Remove cap
- Screw nozzle end of applicator onto the tube
- Gently squeeze the tube to force sufficient cream into the barrel to provide your prescribed dose
- Unscrew applicator from the tube
- Place the applicator into the vaginal opening
- To release medication, press plunger downward
The Premarin cream dosage is managed by using the barrel to measure the proper amount. Always follow the dosing instructions exactly as instructed by your healthcare practitioner.
Never take a higher dose or use Premarin cream more often than prescribed, or it could lead to negative side effects.
How long does Premarin Vaginal Cream last after you take it?
What are the common side effects of Premarin Vaginal Cream?
Some of the side effects that could occur from using Premarin cream include:
- Breast pain
- Lactation (leaking of milk from the nipple)
- Vaginal inflammation, itching, and/or discharge
- Breakthrough bleeding, spotting, changes in menstrual flow, or painful periods
- Joint or leg pain
- Hair loss
- Changes in weight (either increasing or decreasing)
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Bloating
- Abdominal pain
- Dizziness
- Headaches or migraines
- Changes in libido
- Mood changes or irritability
- Itching, rashes, hives, or tender red nodules on the shins or legs
- Acne
If any of these side effects become severe, be sure to talk to your healthcare practitioner at Felix. They may be able to suggest an alternative dosage or medication that may work better for you.
Who shouldn't take Premarin Vaginal Cream?
There are certain people that should avoid using Premarin cream, such as:
- People with known, suspected, or a history of breast cancer
- People with known or suspected hormone-dependent cancer
- People with unexpected or unusual vaginal bleeding
- People who have or have had blood clotting disorders
- People with serious liver disease
- People with active or a history of heart disease, heart attacks, or strokes
- People that are pregnant, or suspect that they may be pregnant
- People who have vision issues due to blood vessel disease of the eye
- People with an overgrowth of the lining of the uterus
- People who have known abnormality of the blood clotting system that increases their risks of clots (i.e., protein C, protein S, or antithrombin deficiency)
- People who experience migraines with or without aura
- People who are allergic to any of the ingredients in Premarin cream
In addition to these people, there are others who should be extra cautious when taking Premarin cream. Be sure to talk to your healthcare practitioner if you:
- Have a history of allergies or intolerances to any medications or substances
- Have a history of breast disease, breast biopsies, and/or a family history of breast cancer
- Have experienced any unusual or undiagnosed vaginal bleeding
- Have a history of uterine fibroids or endometriosis
- Have a history of liver disease or jaundice, or itching related to estrogen use during pregnancy
- Have a history of migraines
- Have a history of high blood pressure
- Have a history of kidney disease, asthma, or epilepsy
- Have a history of bone disease
- Have been diagnosed with diabetes
- Have been diagnosed with a blood pigment disease (porphyria)
- Have a history of high cholesterol or triglycerides
- Have had a hysterectomy
- Are pregnant or may be pregnant
- Have been diagnosed with hearing loss, due to bone problems in your ear (otosclerosis)
- Smoke
- Have been told you have a condition called hereditary angioedema, or have ever had episodes of rapid swelling of the hands, feet, face, lips, eyes, tongue, throat, or digestive tract
- Have been diagnosed with lupus
Your practitioner may be able to suggest an alternative dosage or medication that will work best for you, based on your current health needs and medical history.
It’s important to note that Premarin Vaginal Cream may weaken and contribute to the failure of condoms, diaphragms, or cervical caps made of latex or rubber.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medications, including:
- Prescription medications
- Over-the-counter medications
- Vitamins or herbal products (such as St. John’s wort)
Some medications (such as medications for high blood pressure, diabetes, blood clots, sleeping, anxiety, seizures, pain-relief and tuberculosis) may affect how Premarin Vaginal Cream works. Premarin Vaginal Cream may also affect how other medicines work.
Further reading
