Generic Name: CONJUGATED ESTROGENS (ESS-troe-jenz)

Drug Manufacturer: WYETH-AYERST

Common Uses: This medicine is a female hormone and is usually given to women who do not produce the proper amount. It is used to reduce menopause symptoms (such as hot flashes or vaginal dryness), to prevent bone loss (osteoporosis) in some post-menopausal women, to treat certain cancers in men and women (such as certain types of metastatic breast cancer or androgen-dependent prostate cancer), or to treat low estrogen levels caused by certain conditions. It may be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How to use this Medicine: Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. Follow the dosing schedule closely. This medicine comes with a patient information leaflet. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. THIS MEDICINE MAY BE TAKEN with food or immediately after a meal to prevent stomach upset. GRAPEFRUIT OR GRAPEFRUIT JUICE may increase the amount of this medicine in your blood and cause side effects. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while you are taking this medicine. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. Take this medicine regularly to receive the most benefit from it. Taking this medicine at the same time each day will help you to remember. CONTINUE TO TAKE THIS MEDICINE even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Cautions: DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. DO NOT EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED DOSE or take this medicine for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor. Laboratory and/or medical tests, including blood pressure measurements, triglyceride blood levels, breast and pelvic examinations, PAP tests (for cervical cancer), or mammogram may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. Follow your doctor's instructions for performing monthly breast self-examinations and report any lumps immediately. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are taking this medicine. If you take this medicine for an extended period of time, you should be evaluated regularly by your doctor to determine if you need to continue taking this medicine. This medicine may affect certain lab test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and your doctors know you take this medicine. BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL OR DENTAL TREATMENTS, EMERGENCY CARE, OR SURGERY, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking this medicine. If you will be having surgery or will be confined to a chair (such as a long plane flight) or bed for a long period of time, notify your doctor beforehand. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE DIZZINESS. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive, or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE dark skin patches on your face (melasma). Exposure to the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths may make these patches darker. Use a sunscreen or protective clothing if you must be outside for a prolonged period. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE HYPERGLYCEMIA (high blood sugar). Symptoms of hyperglycemia include thirst, increased urination, confusion, drowsiness, flushing, rapid breathing, or fruity breath odor. If these symptoms occur, TELL YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY. SMOKING WHILE USING THIS MEDICINE may increase your risk of stroke, heart attack, blood clots, high blood pressure, or other diseases of the heart and blood vessels. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. CAUTION IS ADVISED WHEN USING THIS MEDICINE IN THE ELDERLY OR IN CHILDREN because they may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine. Growth patterns in children should be monitored as this medicine may affect their growth. FOR WOMEN: DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE if you are pregnant. IF YOU SUSPECT THAT YOU COULD BE PREGNANT, contact your doctor immediately. THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. IF YOU WILL BE BREAST-FEEDING while you are taking this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby. IF YOU HAVE DIABETES, this medicine may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely and ask your doctor before adjusting the dose of your diabetes medicine.