MENEST

Drug Name: MENEST

MENEST DESCRIPTION:
ESTROGENS - ORAL (ESS-trow-jens, conjugated)

COMMON MENEST BRAND NAME(S):
Cenestin, Estinyl, Estrace, Menest, Ogen, Premarin, Tace

MENEST SIDE EFFECTS:
May cause dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, stomach upset, bloating, or nausea. These effects should disappear as your body adjusts to the medication. Notify your doctor if you experience: severe depression; calf pain; sudden severe headache; chest pain; shortness of breath; lumps in the breast; weakness or tingling in the arms or legs; yellowing of the eyes or skin; changes in vaginal bleeding (spotting, breakthrough bleeding, prolonged or complete stoppage of bleeding); stomach pain; skin rash. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE MENEST:
MENEST: May be taken with food or immediately after a meal to prevent stomach upset. Take MENEST as prescribed. Follow the dosing schedule carefully. Be sure to ask your doctor if you have any questions.

MENEST WARNING:
MENEST has been reported to increase the chance of womb (endometrial) cancer in women who have been through menopause. This risk appears to depend on the length of time this drug is used and the amount of estrogen per dose. If you use MENEST for an extended period, you should be evaluated at least every 6 months. If you experience abnormal vaginal bleeding, notify your doctor promptly. MENEST is not effective in preventing or treating a tendency to lose a fetus (natural habitual abortion) nor the threat of losing a fetus. MENEST must not be used during pregnancy because its use may result in birth defects or cancer later in the child's life. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, consult your doctor immediately to discuss the risk to the fetus.

MENEST USES:
MENEST is a hormone and is given to women who no longer produce the proper amount. It is used to reduce menopause symptoms (e.g., hot flashes), for brittle bones (osteoporosis), and treats certain cancers in both men and women.

MENEST PRECAUTIONS:
Before you take MENEST, tell your doctor your entire medical history, including: family medical history (especially breast lumps and cancer), high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma, epilepsy (seizures), migraine headaches, liver disease, heart disease, kidney disease, depression, toxemia (high blood pressure during pregnancy), jaundice (yellowing skin/eyes) during pregnancy, excessive weight gain and fluid retention (bloating) during menstrual cycle, uterine fibroid tumor, abnormal vaginal bleeding, blood clots or stroke, cholesterol or lipid problems, gallbladder disease. Before having surgery, tell the doctor that you take MENEST. Depending on strength, MENEST may cause a patchy, darkening of the skin on the face (melasma). Higher strengths are more likely to cause melasma. Sunlight may intensify this darkening and you may need to avoid prolonged sun exposure and sunlamps. Consult your doctor regarding use of sunscreens and protective clothing. Cigarette smoking can increase the chance of blood-clots while taking MENEST (especially in women past the age of 35). MENEST should not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. MENEST may be excreted into breast milk and its use is not recommended while breast-feeding. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

MENEST DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially of: hydantoins (e.g., phenytoin), barbiturates (e.g., phenobarbital), corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone). This product can affect the results of certain lab tests. Make sure laboratory personnel and your doctors know you use MENEST. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

MENEST OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea/vomiting or stoppage of periods.

MENEST NOTES:
Do not share MENEST with others.

MISSED MENEST DOSE:
If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

MENEST STORAGE:
Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.