is it safe to take the hormone medicine cenestin?!
Question:
I was just told to take this medicine. Not sure how I feel about it or how it will make me feel.
Answers:
The FDA has determined that Cenestin is safe for short-term use in the treatment of vasomotor symptoms based on a 3-month clinical trial in 120 healthy menopausal women and on extensive data from the published scientific literature on estrogens and conjugated estrogens. No serious adverse events were reported during the 3-month study. Cenestin carries the same warning statements as all non-contraceptive estrogen drug products. Cenestin has not been approved for long-term use, such as the prevention of osteoporosis. No long-term clinical trial has been completed for Cenestin.Cenestin’s labeling states that patients, in consultation with their health care practitioners, should reassess their use of the product every 3 to 6 months.
Other Answers:
Do research on the medication. After you have gathered all of your information, then discuss your decision with your Dr. Recent studies have gone back and forth on hormone replacement. I don't know that I would take it either. Good luck!
Cenestin is a synthetic conjugated estrogen product, made from 9 synthetic estrogen components. It was approved in March of 1999 by the FDA as short term estrogen replacement therapy to treat vasomotor symptoms (i.e., hot flashes and sweats). The maker is Duramed Pharmaceuticals, a subsidiary of Barr.
In January 2006, Duramed was sent a warning letter by the FDA's Division of Drug Marketing, Advertising & Communications concerning an advertisement for Cenestin, on the grounds that the ad was "false or misleading because it omits material risk information, minimizes risks associated with Cenestin therapy, and presents unsubstantiated implied superiority claims." You can read the entire letter here:
http://www.pharmcast.com/warningletters/Yr2006/Jan2006/Duramed0106.htm
The dangers of conjugated estrogens include:
- an increased risk of developing endometrial hyperplasia, which may lead to cancer of the lining of the uterus. Taking progestins with conjugated estrogens lowers the risk of developing this condition. Therefore, if your uterus has not been removed, your doctor may prescribe a progestin for you to take together with the estrogen. Visit your doctor regularly and report any unusual vaginal bleeding right away.
- increased risk of heart attack, stroke, breast cancer, and blood clots in the lungs or legs. Because of these risks, conjugated estrogens should be prescribed at the lowest effective dose, for the shortest amount of time necessary.
Side effects include:
loss of appetite, nausea, or vomiting
swollen or tender breasts
acne or skin color changes
decreased sex drive
migraine headaches or dizziness
water retention (swollen hands, feet, or ankles)
problems with wearing contact lenses
depression
changes in menstrual cycle or breakthrough bleeding
In some cases, allergic reactions have been noted to Cenestin. Any difficulty breathing, swelling of the lips, tongue, or face or breakout of hives should be reported to your doctor immediately. In addition, the following concerns should be immediately brought to your doctor's attention:
shortness or breath or pain in the chest
painful, red, or swollen leg
abnormal vaginal bleeding
pain, swelling, or tenderness in the abdomen
severe headache or vomiting, dizziness, faintness or changes in vision or speech
yellowing of the skin or eyes
a lump in a breast
Hope that helps.
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