|
Pronunciation |
|
(es
tra DYE ole & nor JES ti
mate) |
|
|
Brand Names |
|
Ortho-Prefest® |
|
|
Therapeutic
Categories |
|
Estrogen and Progestin Combination |
|
|
What key warnings should I know
about before taking this
medicine? |
|
You should not smoke while taking this medicine. Cigarette smoking
increases the risk of serious heart and blood-related side effects. This risk
increases with age (older than 35 years of age) and with heavy smoking (15 or
more cigarettes per day). Birth control pills do not prevent the spread of
sexually-transmitted diseases. |
|
|
Reasons not to take this
medicine |
|
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, kidney disease, liver disease,
liver tumor, adrenal problems, severe headache, high blood pressure, 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 oral contraceptive use.
If you are pregnant or may be pregnant. |
|
|
What is this medicine used
for? |
|
This medicine is used to prevent osteoporosis in postmenopausal
females.
This medicine is used to stop or reduce the symptoms of
menopause. |
|
|
How does it work? |
|
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. |
|
|
How is it best taken? |
|
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. |
|
|
What do I do if I miss a
dose? |
|
Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and
return to your regular schedule.
Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare
provider. |
|
|
What are the precautions when
taking this
medicine? |
|
Do not use this medicine if you have a history of breast cancer or a
strong family history of breast cancer.
If you are taking a blood thinner, you will require more frequent
monitoring.
If you have gallbladder disease, talk with healthcare provider.
If you have heart disease, talk with healthcare provider.
If you have kidney disease, talk with healthcare provider.
If you have liver disease, talk with healthcare provider.
If you have migraines, talk with healthcare provider.
Tell dentists, surgeons, and other healthcare providers that you use
this medicine.
Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix
well with other medicines.
Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice.
Do not take St John's wort, dong quai, black cohosh, saw palmetto,
red clover, or ginseng with this medicine.
If you are taking this medicine and have high blood pressure, talk
with healthcare provider before using over-the-counter products that may
increase blood pressure. These include cough or cold remedies, diet pills,
stimulants, ibuprofen or like products, and certain natural products or
supplements.
Avoid caffeine.
Avoid cigarette smoking. Persons older than 35 years of age and/or
smoking more than 15 cigarettes per day are at an increased risk for heart
disease. |
|
|
What are the common side effects
of this
medicine? |
|
Headache. Mild pain medicine may help.
Belly pain.
Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care,
sucking hard candy, or chewing gum may help.
Breast enlargement. |
|
|
What should I monitor? |
|
Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the
same?
Check blood pressure regularly.
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. |
|
|
Reasons to call healthcare
provider
immediately |
|
If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center
immediately or dial 911.
Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest
tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of
face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Chest pain or pressure.
Difficulty breathing.
Change in strength on one side greater than the other, difficulty
speaking or thinking, change in balance, or blurred vision.
Swelling or pain of leg or arm.
Severe headache.
Severe belly pain.
Severe nausea or vomiting.
Not hungry.
Dark urine or yellow skin or eyes.
Change in contact lens tolerance.
Sudden change in vision, eye pain or irritation.
Any rash.
A lump in the breast or breast tenderness.
For females, vaginal yeast infection. Report itching or discharge.
No improvement in condition or feeling
worse. |
|
|
How should I store this
medicine? |
|
Store at room temperature.
Protect from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or
kitchen. |
|
|
General statements |
|
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.
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).
Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine,
including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
Read the package insert for more
details. |
|
Copyright © 1978-2001 Lexi-Comp Inc. All Rights Reserved
|