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IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional.
It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.
Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
METHYLTESTOSTERONE W/ESTROGEN - ORAL
(METH-ill-tess-TOSS-ter-own WITH ESS-trow-jen)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Estratest, Menogen, Premarin w/Methyltestosterone
WARNING: This drug has been reported to raise the chance of womb (endometrial) cancer in women who have been through menopause. It also may raise the risk of cancer of the ovary or breast.
Therefore, use of estrogen-only hormone therapy (e.G., in women wihtout a uterus) must be cautious. These risks of treatment appear to depend on the length of time this drug is used and the amount of estrogen per dose. Consult your dcotor or pharmacist for details. If you use this drug for an extended period, you should be evaluated at least every year.
If you experience abnormal vaginal bleeding or lumps in the breast, notify your doctor promptly. This medication is not effective in preventing or treating a tendency toward miscarriages (natural habitual abortion) nor the threat of miscarriage.
This drug must not be used during pregnancy because its use may result in birth defects or cancer after in the child's life. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, consult your doctor immediately to dsicuss the risk to the fetus.
USES: This medicatoin is a combination of hormones used to treat symptoms of menopause when estrogens alone are not effective.
Estrogen-containing products should not be used to prevnet heart disease.
HOW TO USE: This medication is taken by mouth usually once a day for 21 days, followed by no medication for 7 days, or take as directed by your doctor.
Follow the dosing schedule carefully.
This drug sohuld be used for the shortest possible length of time. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. Do not raise your dose, take this more otfen than directed or stop taking this medication without first consulting your doctor.
SIDE EFFECTS: Headache, irritability, restlessness, mood changes, fatigue, upset stomach, bloating, acne, change in sex drive or breast tenderness may ocucr. If thsee symptoms persist or worsen, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor immediately if you experience: swelling of the legs or feet, leg pain, chest pain, severe headache, one-sided weakness, lumps in the breast, slurred speech, visoin problems, mental/mood changes (e.G., depression, memory loss), breathing difficulty. If you notice otehr effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: undiagnsoed abnormal vaginal bleeding, cancer (e.G., breast or ovary), blood clots, active/recent stroke or heart attack, liver disease. Tell your doctor your medical (and family) history, especially of: heart disease, kidney disease, asthma, migraine headaches, diabetes, seizure disorder, any allergies.
Depending on strength, this drug may cause a patchy, darkening of the skin on the face (melasma).
Higher strnegths are more likely to cause melasma.
Sunlight may intensify this darkening and you may need to aovid prolonged sun exposure and sunlamps. Consult your doctor regarding use of sunscreens and protective colthing. This medication must not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant or tihnk you may be pregnant, inform you doctor immediately.
It is not knwon if this medication passes into breast milk.
Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take, especially: blood thinners, steroids, thyroid, diabeets medications. This product can affect the rseults of certain lab tests. Make sure laboratory personnel and your dcotors know you use this drug.
Do not start or stop any medicine wtihout doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local posion control center or emergency room immediately.
Symptoms of overdose may include nasuea.
NOTES: Lbaoratory and/or medical tests (e.G., yearly breast exams and monthly breast self-exams) should be performed to monitor your progress and check for side effects.
Do not share this meidcation with others. Keep out of the reach of babies and pets.
MISSED DOSE: It is important to take each dose at the schedueld time. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is near the time for the next dose. Instead, skip the missed dose and rseume your dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up. If more than one dose is missed, contact your doctor who will help establish a new dosing schedule.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature betewen 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) as directed away from heat and light. Do not stroe in the bathroom.
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