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Compare Premarin Vaginal Cream vs. Prempro

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Premarin vaginal cream (conjugated estrogens) and Prempro (conjugated estrogens/medroxyprogesterone) are both used to treat menopausal symptoms, but they have some key differences. Premarin vaginal cream is applied directly into the vagina and is specifically used to relieve vaginal dryness and pain during sex caused by menopause. In contrast, Prempro is an oral medication that treats vaginal symptoms, hot flashes, and night sweats and helps prevent postmenopausal osteoporosis. Prempro contains both estrogen and progestin, which helps protect the uterus, while Premarin only contains estrogen. Prempro is taken once daily, whereas Premarin vaginal cream can be applied in cycles or twice a week. Both medications are only available as brand name medications and carry risks of serious side effects like cancer and blood clots, especially with long-term use, so it's important to use them for the shortest time necessary.

  • Premarin vaginal cream
    Prempro
  • Premarin vaginal cream
    Prempro

  • Summary of Premarin Vaginal Cream vs. Prempro

    Summary for Estrogen replacement
    Prescription only

    Premarin (conjugated estrogens) vaginal cream is an estrogen hormone cream used to treat adults with vaginal symptoms due to menopause, such as vaginal dryness and pain during sex. Depending on what you're taking the vaginal cream for, the dosage can be different. You might apply it in cycles (daily for 3 weeks, then no cream for 1 week) or simply just twice a week. Common side effects include headache, pelvic pain, and breast pain.

    Summary for Estrogen replacement / Progestin
    Prescription only

    Prempro is a combination estrogen/progestin medication that relieves menopausal symptoms like vaginal dryness and hot flashes. It's also used for preventing osteoporosis after menopause. This hormone replacement therapy is an option for people with a uterus. The medication is brand only since there is no generic available. Follow your prescriber's instructions for the correct dose. Prempro is taken by mouth once a day with the same dose each day. Premphase is also taken daily but contains two types of tablets: one with estrogen and one with conjugated estrogens plus medroxyprogesterone, taken on different days. Common side effects include breast pain, headaches, and menstrual cramps.

  • Indications of Premarin Vaginal Cream vs. Prempro

    Indications for
    •Vaginal dryness and irritation
    •Pain during sex caused by menopause
    Indications for
    •Moderate-to-severe vasomotor symptoms (VMS) of menopause, like hot flashes and night sweats
    •Moderate-to-severe vaginal symptoms due to menopause, like vaginal dryness and irritation
    •Prevention of bone loss (osteoporosis) after menopause

  • Pros and Cons of Premarin Vaginal Cream vs. Prempro

    Pros and Const for Estrogen replacement
    Pros
    •Is applied directly into the vagina to relieve symptoms locally
    •Good option if for those who have trouble swallow pills
    •Smaller amounts are absorbed into the body compared to tablets or injections
    Cons
    •Applying the cream can be messy
    •Need to remember stop taking it for a week if your dosage is in cycles
    •Can take several weeks to improve symptoms
    Pros and Const for Estrogen replacement / Progestin
    Pros
    •Only need to take once a day by mouth
    •Relieves multiple menopausal symptoms
    •Includes a progestin which helps protect your uterus
    •Lowers your risk of fractures by keeping your bones healthy
    Cons
    •Raises your risk of certain cancers, blood clots, and strokes
    •Has more possible side effects than similar alternatives
    •Not safe if you have liver problems
    •Can't be used if you have a history of breast cancer

  • Common Side Effects of Premarin Vaginal Cream vs. Prempro

    Common Side Effects for
    •Breast pain (2-5%)
    •Headache (2-4%)
    •Pelvic pain (3%)
    •Vaginal discharge (2-3%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Breast pain (up to 36%)
    •Headaches (up to 19%)
    •Stomach pain (up to 17%)
    •Menstrual cramps (up to 13%)
    •Gas (up to 8%)
    •Nausea (up to 8%)
    •Depression (up to 8%)
    •More vaginal discharge than usual (up to 8%)

  • Warnings of Premarin Vaginal Cream vs. Prempro

    Common Side Effects for
    •Uterine (endometrial) cancer
    •Breast cancer
    •Blood clots and stroke
    •Heart disease and heart attacks
    •Dementia
    •Gallbladder and liver problems
    •Vision problems
    •High triglycerides
    •Low thyroid hormone levels (hypothyroidism)
    •Fluid Retention
    •Changes in calcium levels in the blood
    •Worsening of other health conditions
    Common Side Effects for
    •Risk of blood clot
    •Breast cancer
    •Uterine (endometrial) cancer
    •Dementia
    •Gallbladder and liver problems
    •Changes in calcium levels in the blood
    •Vision problems
    •High triglycerides
    •Low thyroid hormone levels (hypothyroidism)
    •Fluid Retention
    •Severe allergic reaction
    •Worsening of other medical conditions

  • Prices with our coupons for Premarin Vaginal Cream vs. Prempro

    Learn more about Premarin vaginal cream
    Learn more about Prempro

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