First Estrogen-Only Low Dose Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Available For Hysterectomised Women

Wyeth Pharmaceuticals has launched Premarin*0.3mg (conjugated
estrogens), the first low dose estrogen-only HRT, which contains less than
half the estrogen i.e. 0.3mg of standard Premarin* 0.625mg (conjugated
estrogens).1 This will give healthcare professionals a new option in
treating the menopausal symptoms of 1 in 5 women who undergo hysterectomy in
the UK before the age of 52.2 Until now, only unhysterectomised women
treated with combined progestogen/estrogen HRT, have had a low dose option.


HRT has been shown to be effective in relieving debilitating menopausal
symptoms such as hot flushes and night sweats.3 Current guidelines4
recommend that all women going through the menopause who are seeking
treatment should be offered a choice of HRT. Treatment with HRT should aim
to use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration and should be
reviewed on an annual basis in light of any new knowledge and changes in
women's risk factors. Because every woman is different, treatment should be
tailored to an individual's need.


"For the hysterectomised woman the availability of new low dose
Premarin 0.3mg is a welcome addition. This new low dose option gives
practitioners more flexibility in treating these women and allows us to
tailor treatment to their individual needs," said Dr John Stevenson,
Consultant Physician, Imperial College London.


When the ovaries are removed during a hysterectomy, women will experience an
immediate menopause regardless of age. If the ovaries are left intact,
there is a 50% chance of the ovaries failing within five years of a
hysterectomy resulting in menopause.1


About Wyeth


Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, a division of Wyeth (NYSE:WYE), has leading products
in the areas of women's health care, central nervous system, inflammation,
transplantation, haemophilia, oncology, vaccines and nutritional products.
Wyeth has a diverse portfolio of biopharmaceutical products. Wyeth is one of
the world's largest research-driven pharmaceutical and healthcare products
companies. It is a leader in the discovery, development, manufacturing, and
marketing of pharmaceuticals, vaccines, biotechnology products and
nonprescription medicines that improve the quality of life for people
worldwide. The Company's major divisions include Wyeth Pharmaceuticals,
Wyeth Consumer Healthcare, and Fort Dodge Animal Health.


*Premarin is a Wyeth Trademark


References


1 Premarin 0.3mg. Summary of Product Characteristics. November 2006


2 Management of the Menopause: The Handbook. 4th edition. Rees M, Purdie DW.
BMS Publications Ltd and RSM Press Ltd 2006


3 Utian H, Shoupe D, et al. Relief of vasomotor symptoms and vaginal
atrophy with lower doses of conjugated equine estrogens and
medroxyprogesterone acetate. Fertil Steril 2001;75:1065-1079


4 Consensus Conference on Hormone Replacement Therapy. Royal College of
Physicians of Edinburgh. October 2003


wyeth


View drug information on Premarin.