Loestrin 1.5/30 and Metaproterenol Sulfate

• 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.

• Generic Name: metaproterenol
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names:

  Metaprel, Alupent

Symptomatic management of bronchospasm in patients with reversible, obstructive airway disease (e.g., asthma). Manufacturer recommends against use with other β-adrenergic bronchodilators. (See Specific Drugs under Interactions.)

Current asthma management guidelines and most clinicians recommend anti-inflammatory therapy with an orally inhaled corticosteroid as first-line therapy for long-term control of persistent asthma, supplemented by intermittent, as-needed use of a short-acting, inhaled β2-agonist.

The National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP) does not recommend nonselective β-adrenergic agonists, including metaproterenol, for treatment of asthma because of the associated potential for excessive cardiac stimulation, particularly in high doses.

Symptomatic management of reversible bronchospasm in patients with COPD, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Manufacturer recommends against use with other β-adrenergic bronchodilators. (See Specific Drugs under Interactions.)