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 the Food and Drug Administration website.

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.