First approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2003, Prempro is a hormone replacement therapy drug that is prescribed to treat menopause symptoms such as: hot flashes, night sweats, anxiety, vaginal symptoms, and osteoporosis. Prempro comes in various strengths and it is comprised of progestin medroxyprogesterone acetate and conjugated equine estrogens.
Prempro is an effective hormone replacement therapy (HRT) medication; however, it has been found to cause a range of severe and debilitating side effects, ranging from breast and uterine cancers to blood clots, heart attack, and stroke. In fact, in July 2002, the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) announced that it was terminating a massive clinical study on the effects of HRT due to findings that women taking HRT had:
- a 26 percent increased risk of developing breast cancer
- a 100 percent increased risk of developing blood clots
- a 41 percent increased of stroke
Women with a history of blood clots, heart attack, stroke, or smoking will have the highest risk of developing devastating Prempro side effects, and they should consult their doctor to find out if there is a safer alternative medication. Women starting a course of Prempro should be aware of the serious Prempro side effects so they know when to seek life-saving medical attention.
Prempro Blood Clots
Although about half of all blood clots have no symptoms, when symptoms do arise, they may include swelling, pain, redness, or warmth in the affected area. Prempro blood clots tend to start forming in the body’s deep veins and are treated by use of blood-thinning medications and compression stockings. When left undiagnosed, Prempro blood clots can make their way to one of the body’s major organs, causing potentially fatal complications, including heart attack and stroke.
Prempro Heart Attack
When blood clots block circulation to the heart, a woman will suffer a heart attack. Symptoms of Prempro heart attacks include:
- abdominal pain
- arm, back, shoulder or jaw pain
- clamminess
- chest pain
- dizziness
- fatigue
- heartburn
- nausea and vomiting
- shortness of breath
- sweating
Prempro heart attacks will require immediate medical attention for the best chances of survival.
Prempro Stroke
Prempro strokes occur when dislodged blood clots make their way to the brain. Symptoms may include:
- difficulty walking, seeing, talking, or understanding
- paralysis on one side of the body
- severe headache
- vomiting.
Women who suffered from Prempro blood clots, heart attack or stroke may have a legal case against Wyeth Pharmaceuticals (the division of Pfizer that makes Prempro), and they may be entitled to a settlement for their injuries, losses, pain, and suffering. Injured parties can learn more about their legal rights and receive a professional evaluation of their case by attending a free initial consult with an experienced defective drug lawyer.
If you or a loved one used Prempro and suffered blood clots, heart attack or stroke you should contact us immediately for a free and confidential case review. You may be entitled to compensation and we can help.
