Premarin is a drug that uses female hormones to help women reduce the symptoms of menopause. Find out how Premarin works – and whether it’s the right choice for you – today in our review.
What is Premarin?
Premarin is an estrogen medication available throughout the United States and Canada. It’s commonly prescribed to treat the symptoms of menopause.
One of the unique things about Premarin is how it’s made: the drug consists of conjugated estrogens that have been isolated from the urine of pregnant mares. The name of the drug, if you haven’t already guessed, is a play on words of “pregnant mares’ urine” (PreMarIn).
Premarin is available in several different forms, including in oral capsules, intravenously, or vaginal creams. It’s only available via prescription.
Premarin was first launched in 1941 (in Canada) and in 1942 (in America) by pharmaceutical company Wyeth Ayerst. Wyeth has since been acquired by Pfizer.
Benefits of Premarin
Premarin is typically prescribed to treat symptoms of menopause. Doctors will often prescribe Premarin as a form of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). It’s often popular among postmenopausal women – especially those who have had a hysterectomy and are experiencing hot flashes.
The main benefits of Premarin are to reduce menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and vaginal dryness, burning, or irritation. When taking Premarin exclusively for its vaginal benefits, doctors will typically recommend that you use the topical cream – not the oral capsules.
Doctors may also prescribe Premarin to treat osteoporosis, or to treat breast cancer, in women. However, it’s not recommended solely for this use. Premarin has shown some evidence that it can increase bone density in women who are at risk of osteoporosis. After going through menopause, many women are at a higher risk of osteoporosis.
Many people are unaware that Premarin is also prescribed to men. Although rare, some men take Premarin as a treatment for prostate cancer or breast cancer.
Side Effects of Premarin
Premarin has been linked to all of the following side effects:
-Vaginal yeast infections
-Vaginal spotting or bleeding
-Painful menses
-Leg cramping
There are also some reports that taking estrogen – like the estrogen in Premarin – can increase the risk of coronary heart disease or breast cancer. However, this isn’t proven, and it’s not exclusive to Premarin.
Premarin Controversy and Lawsuits
Just like with most hormonal drugs, Premarin has faced class action lawsuits across America for various illnesses and conditions that may stem from using the drug. These lawsuits have been occurring since the 1970s.
In 1975, for example, researchers showed that using Premarin could substantially increase the risk of endometrial cancer. As a result of that research, Premarin has featured a warning about the risk of endometrial cancer since 1976.
Later research showed that using menopausal hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on a long-term basis could increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes, blood clots, and breast cancer. Premarin suffered a significant drop in sales as a result of that research.
Meanwhile, between 2002 and 2009, more than 13,000 people sued Premarin’s manufacturer, Wyeth. Wyeth won the vast majority of these cases. However, one plaintiff was awarded $1.5 million in compensatory damages in 2006.
Wyeth’s stance on the matter is that “many risk factors associated with breast cancer have been identified, but science cannot establish what role any particular risk factor or combination play in any individual woman’s breast cancer.”
To this date, HRT (not just Premarin) remains the subject of litigation across the country. However, most cases have favored the side of pharmaceutical companies, as it’s difficult to establish a direct connection between Premarin and various diseases.
Who Makes Premarin?
Premarin is owned by American pharmaceutical corporation Pfizer. Pfizer is headquartered in New York City. They’re best-known for drugs like Advil, Centrum, ChapStick, Dimetapp, Preparation H, and Robitussin.
The drug was originally manufactured by Wyeth Ayerst, which has since been acquired by Pfizer.
Should You Take Premarin?
Talk to your doctor to find out if Premarin is the right choice for you. It’s a powerful hormonal drug that comes with serious side effects. Your medical professional is qualified to decide whether Premarin is the right choice for you.
