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Compare Premarin vs. Prempro

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

Key takeaways

Premarin (conjugated estrogens) and Prempro (conjugated estrogens/medroxyprogesterone) are both used to treat menopausal symptoms, but they have some key differences. Premarin contains only estrogen and is used for a wider range of conditions, including certain cancers in advanced stages and low estrogen levels. Prempro, on the other hand, combines estrogen with medroxyprogesterone, a progestin that helps protect the uterus from damage and cancer. Prempro is only given to people with a uterus, while Premarin can be used by those without a uterus. Premarin is available in both oral and vaginal forms, whereas Prempro is only available as an oral tablet. Additionally, Prempro and Premarin are only available as brand-name medications as they both do not have generic versions. Both medications carry risks of serious side effects like cancer, blood clots, and strokes, especially with long-term use.

  • Premarin
    Prempro
  • Premarin
    Prempro

  • Summary of Premarin vs. Prempro

    Summary for Estrogen replacement
    Prescription only

    Premarin (conjugated estrogens) is an oral estrogen hormone tablet that's used to treat various conditions in adults. Most commonly, it relieves menopausal symptoms such as vaginal dryness and hot flashes. The medication is also used for treating low estrogen levels, certain advanced stages of breast or prostate cancers, and osteoporosis after menopause. Depending on what you're using it for, the medication can be taken daily or in cycles. Side effects include headache, stomach pain, nausea, 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 vs. Prempro

    Indications for
    •Hot flashes, night sweats, and flushes caused by menopause
    •Vaginal dryness caused by menopause
    •Low estrogen levels due to certain conditions
    •Certain advanced stages of breast cancer
    •Certain advanced stages of prostate cancer
    •Prevention of bone loss (osteoporosis) after 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 vs. Prempro

    Pros and Const for Estrogen replacement
    Pros
    •Relieves multiple menopausal symptoms
    •Available in multiple strengths, allowing you to customize your dose
    •Comes as a tablet that you take by mouth
    Cons
    •Raises your risk of certain cancers, blood clots, and strokes
    •Some people might need to take it with another hormone called progestin
    •Not a first-choice medication for treating bone loss after menopause
    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 vs. Prempro

    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (13-14%)
    •Abnormal vaginal bleeding (2-13%)
    •Breast pain (7-12%)
    •Stomach pain (8-11%)
    •Passing gas (4-6%)
    •Vaginal discharge (4-5%)
    •Back pain (3-5%)
    •General pain (3-5%)
    •Nausea (3-5%)
    •Insomnia (3-5%)
    •Depression (3-5%)
    •Weakness (2-5%)
    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 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 vs. Prempro

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