Estradiol and Norgestimate Overview

(es tra DYE ole & nor JES ti mate)

Prefest™

Estrogen and Progestin Combination

• Estrogens, when used in females after menopause, may increase the risk of uterine cancer. Progestins may decrease this risk. A warning sign for cancer of the uterus is unusual vaginal bleeding. Report any unusual vaginal bleeding to healthcare provider.

• Do not take estrogens to prevent heart disease or dementia. Using estrogens may increase your chances of having a heart attack, a stroke, breast cancer, or a blood clot.

• This medicine does not mix well with some medicines. Serious reactions may occur. Check all medicines with healthcare provider.

• If you have an allergy to estradiol, norgestimate, or any other part of this medicine.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.

• If you have any of the following conditions: Blood clots, breast cancer, diseased arteries in the brain, disease of a heart valve with complications, endometrial cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney failure, liver disease, liver tumor, poor adrenal function, severe headache, tumor where estrogen makes it grow, or unexplained vaginal bleeding.

• If you are a heavy smoker (more than 15 cigarettes per day) and older than 35 years of age.

• If you turned yellow during pregnancy or with estrogen-based or hormone contraceptive use.

• If you do not have a uterus and are using this medicine to treat symptoms of menopause or to prevent osteoporosis.

• When the body no longer produces estrogen, this medicine is used as an estrogen replacement.

• Norgestimate is a progesterone used to reduce endometrial cell changes and the risk of endometrial cancer.

• Take this medicine at a similar time of day.

• This medicine works best when used with calcium/vitamin D supplements and weight-bearing exercises like walking or physical therapy.

• Follow diet plan and exercise program as recommended by healthcare provider.

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible and return to your regular schedule.

• Missed dosing information can be found in the package insert or call healthcare provider for instructions.

• Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.

• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?

• If you are taking a blood thinner, check blood work (prothrombin time/INR). Talk with healthcare provider.

• Check blood pressure regularly. Talk with healthcare provider.

• If you are diabetic, you will need to monitor blood sugars closely.

• Check blood work (cholesterol panel). Talk with healthcare provider.

• Have a yearly eye exam.

• Bone density test.

• Periodic breast (monthly self-exam) and yearly gynecologic exams are important.

• Follow up with healthcare provider yearly.

• Store at room temperature.

• Protect from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.

• If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.

• Most medicines can be thrown away in household trash after mixing with coffee grounds or kitty litter and sealing in a plastic bag.

• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).

• Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or in Canada to Health Canada's Canada Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.

• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.

• Read the package insert for more details.

Created: 2006-10-13 12:21:55.0

Modified: 2010-04-07 10:24:54.0

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