Precautions

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure the medicine is working properly and to decide if you should continue to take it. These visits should be every 6 to 12 months or as otherwise directed by your doctor.

It is unlikely that a postmenopausal woman may become pregnant. But, you should know that using this medicine while you are pregnant could harm your unborn baby. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.

Very rarely, this medicine can cause serious side effects such as a heart attack or stroke. You are much more likely to have these side effects if you smoke cigarettes or are overweight, or if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or a high blood cholesterol. Talk with your doctor if you think you might be at risk.

Using large doses of estrogen alone over a long period of time may increase the risk of some kinds of cancer (e.g., endometrial cancer). Talk with your doctor about this risk. If you have vaginal bleeding with this medicine, call your doctor right away.

This medicine may increase the risk of getting breast cancer. It is very important that you check your breasts on a regular basis for any unusual lumps or discharge, and that you have breast x-rays every year as directed by your doctor. These exams are very important if you have a family member with a history of breast cancer. Talk with your doctor about this risk.

This medicine may increase the risk of getting dementia in elderly women (above 65 years of age). Talk with your doctor if this concerns you.

Check with your doctor right away if blurred vision, difficulty with reading, or any other change in vision occurs during or after treatment. Your doctor may want you to have your eyes checked by an ophthalmologist (eye doctor).

Using large doses of methyltestosterone over a long period of time may increase the risk of serious liver problems (e.g., peliosis hepatis or liver cancer). Talk with your doctor about this risk.

Before you have any medical tests, tell the medical doctor in charge that you are taking this medicine. The results of some tests may be affected by this medicine. Also, you may need to stop using this medicine for a few weeks before and after having surgery, or if you are inactive for a long period of time.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.