Amantadine and Loestrin 1.5/30

• Generic Name: amantadine
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Gocovri, Osmolex ER, Symmetrel

Amantadine is an antiviral medicine that blocks the actions of viruses in your body.

Amantadine is used to treat or prevent influenza A in adults and children. Amantadine may not be effective during every flu season because certain strains of the virus may be resistant to amantadine. Amantadine should not be used in place of getting a yearly flu shot. The Centers for Disease Control recommends an annual flu shot to help protect you each year from new strains of influenza virus.

Amantadine is also used to treat Parkinson's disease and "Parkinson-like" symptoms such as stiffness or tremors, shaking, and repetitive uncontrolled muscle movements that may be caused by the use of certain drugs.

Amantadine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

• Generic Name: conjugated estrogens / medroxyprogesterone
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Premphase, Prempro

Estrogens and progestins are female hormones. They are produced by the body and are necessary for the normal sexual development of the female and for the regulation of the menstrual cycle during the childbearing years.

The ovaries begin to produce less estrogen after menopause (the change of life). This medicine is prescribed to make up for the lower amount of estrogen. Estrogens help relieve signs of menopause, such as hot flashes and unusual sweating, chills, faintness, or dizziness. Progestins help to regulate the effects of estrogens.

Estrogens are prescribed for several reasons:

• to provide additional hormone when the body does not produce enough of its own, such as during menopause. They can also help to relieve a genital skin condition called vaginal or vulvar atrophy.
• to help prevent weakening of bones (osteoporosis) in women past menopause.

Estrogens may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

There is no medical evidence to support the belief that the use of estrogens will keep the patient feeling young, keep the skin soft, or delay the appearance of wrinkles. Nor has it been proven that the use of estrogens during menopause will relieve emotional and nervous symptoms, unless these symptoms are caused by other menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes or hot flushes.

Estrogens and progestins are available only with your doctor's prescription.