There is a strong link between Premarin® use and uterine cancer, as well as serious cardiovascular events. Doctors prescribe Premarin®, an estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) derived from the urine of pregnant mares, to manage the symptoms of menopause and help prevent post-menopausal osteoporosis, as well as control some hormonal deficiency effects of hysterectomies. Wyeth has marketed Premarin® for over 50 years, making Premarin® the most commonly used estrogen replacement therapy medication prescribed.

The 1970s were a heyday for Premarin®, as an estimated 30 million prescriptions for Premarin® were written per year. However, studies emerged linking ERTs with increased risk endometrial hyperplasia, a precursor of uterine cancer and Premarin® sales declined sharply.

Wyeth’s slick, aggressive marketing programs helped Premarin® climb back into popularity, and now, except in cases where the patient has no uterus, Premarin® is prescribed exclusively in conjunction with progestins. Progestins, another hormone, help lower the risk of developing endometrial hyperplasia.

The combination of Premarin® and progestins is certainly no guarantee against health threats. In 1995, the aforementioned combination of Premarin® and progestins was released in a single pill form, called Prempro, which was widely prescribed and hailed as a wonder pill for menopausal women.

However, in 2002, results of a large study of Prempro determined a significantly increased risk of breast cancer, stroke, blood clots, and heart attacks. Premarin® has seen dramatically decreased sales ever since, but millions of women still use this therapy every year. More information can be found at: http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/infopage/estrogens_progestins/default.htm.

For over 50 years, too many women have used Premarin® for protection against bone fractures and menopause symptoms, but have wound up battling much more serious health conditions. If you or a loved one has taken Premarin® and suffered adverse effects, contact the Premarin® attorneys at the Law Firm of Eisenberg, Rothweiler, Winkler, Eisenberg & Jeck, P.C. today. Our lawyers have litigated Premarin® cases in Philadelphia and surrounding areas for years, and will fight to recompense you for your suffering.