Hormone Replacement Therapy

Hormone replacement therapy drugs have been prescribed to millions of women for the alleviation of symptoms related to menopause such as hot flashes, night sweats and vaginal dryness. They were initially marketed to women for long term use at high doses despite not being adequately tested for the adverse effects which result from such use.

In July of 2002 the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI), a publicly funded study conducted by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) , was terminated because of an increased number of breast cancers seen in the study participants associated with these drugs. The study found that the overall risks of the drugs exceeded any health benefits. Specifically, the study found that that long-term use of Prempro leads to increased risk of breast cancer, heart disease and strokes.

As a result of the WHI study and many others since , the pharmaceutical companies have been forced to change the labeling and warnings on their HRT drugs.

Commonly prescribed HRT drugs are:

Prempro, Premarin, Provera, Premphase, Estradiol, and Medroxyprogesterone;

Prempro (conjugated estrogens/medroxyprogesterone acetate) is a combination estrogen and progestin hormone replacement drug manufactured and marketed by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals Inc. The drug is prescribed to treat menopausal symptoms including hot flashes, night sweats and vaginal dryness.

Premarin is a synthetic estrogen manufactured by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals made from the urine of pregnant horses. It has been prescribed for millions of women in conjunction with Provera, manufactured by Pfizer. It is prescribed to reduce symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness and other symptoms of menopause.

To consult with a member of the firm's Hormone Replacement practice group, please submit a confidential case inquiry form.