• Premarin contains conjugated oestrogens
• The oestrogens in the tablet help to replace the falling levels of oestrogen associated with the menopause
• Premarin is available in three strengths
• The tablets are usually prescribed to treat symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats and vaginal dryness
• Premarin does not contain the other female sex hormone, progesterone, and is therefore not suitable for all women
• It is important to read the patient leaflet for a full list of side effects and cautions.

Premarin contains a form of oestrogen. During the menopause, oestrogen levels fall, and using Premarin helps to restore the levels to treat the symptoms of the menopause such as vaginal dryness, hot flushes, and night sweats. 

As Premarin does not contain a drug that mimics progesterone, it is usually only prescribed for women who have had their womb (uterus) removed (a procedure called a hysterectomy). If you still have a womb, you can take Premarin, but you must also take an additional HRT medication that contains progesterone for part of each month.

Premarin tablets should be swallowed whole with some water. They can be taken with or without food.

If you still have a womb (uterus), your doctor should also prescribe a progesterone containing medication which should be taken for 12 to 14 days of each cycle. This prevents any unhealthy changes occurring to your uterus. 

If you are not taking another form of HRT, or are switching from a continuous combined HRT product, you can start taking Premarin on any day to suit you. If you are switching from a sequential HRT product, you should start taking Premarin the day following completion of the prior HRT cycle.

Premarin is available in three different strength tablets, 0.3mg, 0.625mg and 1.25mg. 

It is best to take the lowest dose that manages the symptoms of the menopause effectively.  Your doctor will be able to advise you on the correct dose. One tablet is taken each day. If you forget to take a tablet, take it as soon as you remember unless it is more than 12 hours later than usual. If more than 12 hours have passed, miss that dose and take the next pill at the usual time.

Like all medications, Premarin can have some side effects. The most common side effects include:

• Depression
• Hair loss
• Aches and pains
• Breakthrough bleeding or spotting
• Breast pain, tenderness, or enlargement
• Vaginal discharge
• Weight gain or loss
• Increased cholesterol levels on blood testing.

These side effects are likely to settle down, but if they persist or become troublesome you should speak to your doctor for further advice.

Using HRT can cause a slight increase in the risk of some cancers including breast and uterine cancer. The risk increases when using a higher strength preparation for a long period. It is important that the benefits of using Premarin outweigh the potential risks.

Serious allergic reactions happen very rarely. If you have a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) including breathlessness, lip swelling or tongue swelling, call 999 immediately.

Premarin may not be suitable for everyone. You should tell your prescriber if you:

• Have ever had breast cancer (or suspected breast cancer)
• Have endometrial (or another oestrogen dependent) cancer
• Have undiagnosed vaginal or genital bleeding
• Have endometrial hyperplasia, fibroids, or endometriosis
• Have, or have ever had, a PE (pulmonary embolism) or DVT (deep vein thrombosis) – a blood clot to the lungs or leg
• Have a thrombophilic disorder (blood clotting disorders)
• Have angina or have had a heart attack (myocardial infarction), or any other form of arterial blood clot
• Have had a stroke
• Have liver disease
• Have gallstones
• Have porphyria
• Have hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Have diabetes
• Have migraine or severe headaches
• Have systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or lupus)
• Have epilepsy
• Have asthma
• Have otosclerosis.

Your prescriber can then advise whether Premarin is a suitable medication for you.

If you become pregnant whilst taking Premarin, the tablets must be stopped immediately. Premarin is not suitable for use when breastfeeding.

Some medications can interact with Premarin. You may be advised that Premarin will not suit you if you already take:

• Phenytoin, phenobarbital, or carbamazepine for seizures or fits
• Rifampicin
• Rifabutin
• Nevirapine
• Efavirenz
• Dexamethasone
• Some antibiotics and antifungal medications
• St John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum).

It is best to avoid drinking grapefruit juice when taking Premarin, as this may increase the risk of side effects.

Because Premarin may not suit everyone, we will complete a Consultation with you including a health questionnaire. This will ensure that the medication will be suitable for you.

A qualified prescriber will review your current medications, including any herbal remedies or supplements, to ensure that Premarin will not interact with them. 

Once prescribed, Premarin will be ordered on your behalf via electronic prescription. Premarin will then be conveniently dispatched from one of our partner pharmacies.

Can I buy Premarin online?

You can safely buy Premarin online at EU Meds. You will first need to have an online consultation with a pharmacist independent prescriber before your order will be supplied. The online consultation will ensure that Premarin is the right medication for your medical condition.

Do I need a prescription for Premarin?

Yes, in order to purchase Premarin you will need a valid prescription. Please note, all requests for supply of prescription medications are subject to an online clinical consultation and the decision to prescribe will be made by a doctor.