GENERIC NAME: conjugated
estrogens, synthetic
BRAND NAME: Cenestin
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Cenestin is a combination of
nine estrogens. Estrogens are hormones produced by the
ovaries that are necessary for the proper development
of the female reproductive system and sexual characteristics.
After menopause, there is a decrease in the amount of
estrogen that is produced by the ovaries. This decrease
in estrogen production is responsible for hot flashes,
mood changes, sleep disturbance, decreased sexual function
and other symptoms associated with menopause. Estrogen
deficiency also has been linked to heart disease and bone
loss (osteoporosis). Cenestin is similar to conjugated
estrogens (Premarin), the other drug used for treating
hot flashes. Unlike the estrogens in Premarin which are
obtained from the urine of pregnant horses, the estrogens
in Cenestin are synthetic (man- made) and are produced
from plant material. Therefore, the estrogens in Cenestin
are different than the estrogens found in Premarin.
GENERIC AVAILABLE: No
PRESCRIPTION: Yes
PREPARATIONS: Tablets: 0.625mg , 0.9 mg .
STORAGE: Tablets should be stored at room temperature,
15-30癈 (59-86癋).
PRESCRIBED FOR: Cenestin is used for the relief of
moderate to severe hot flashes and other symptoms of
estrogen deficiency.
DOSING: The lowest effective dose should be used, starting
with 0.625 mg and gradually increasing to 1.25 mg a
day.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions studies between
Cenestin and other drugs have not been conducted. In
general, rifampin, carbamazepine (Tegretol), barbiturates,
atorvastatin (Lipitor), primidone (Mysoline) and phenytoin
(Dilantin) increase the ability of the liver to convert
estrogens into inactive compounds. Therefore, use of
these drugs with Cenestin may decrease the effectiveness
of Cenestin.
PREGNANCY: Estrogens such as Cenestin should not be
used during pregnancy because they increase the risk
of birth defects in the fetus.
NURSING MOTHERS: Estrogens such as Cenestin may decrease
the quantity and quality of breast milk and produce
unpredictable effects in the infant. Nursing mothers
should avoid taking estrogens.
SIDE EFFECTS: The most frequent side effects associated
with Cenestin are abdominal discomfort, weakness, back
pain, headaches, abnormal heart rhythm, nausea, flatulence
(excessive production of gas), water retention, depression,
insomnia (difficulty sleeping), nervousness, dizziness,
breast pain and uterine bleeding or spotting.
Estrogens, including Cenestin, may increase the risk
of developing breast and endometrial cancer, blood clots
and gallbladder disease.
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