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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

 

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Prempro

 

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Summary for Premarin

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.

Indications for Premarin

Pros and Cons for Premarin

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

Common Side Effects for Premarin

  • 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%)

Warnings for Premarin

  • 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

Summary for Prempro

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 for Prempro

Pros and Cons for Prempro

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 for Prempro

  • 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 for Prempro

  • 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

Price Card Drug Icon
Premarin30 tablets / 0.625mg
$99.00$261.48
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Price Card Drug Icon
Prempro1 package / 28 tablets of 0.3mg/1.5mg
$98.84$303.04
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