What is Premarin? - Equine Voices Rescue & Sanctuary™ @ Jumpin' Jack Ranch, Green Valley, Arizona

The hormone replacement therapy PREMARIN (PREgnant MARes urINe) and other products such as PremPro and PremPhase are taken by millions of women every day. With recent news that these drugs have been medically proven to cause cancer, blood clots, and other harmful medical conditions in women, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals has cut production of Premarin by 50%. Although in the long run this is good news, currently there are 20,000 stallions, mares and foals without homes. Some are being rescued by individuals, some by non-profit groups, but the majority are sent to slaughter for human consumption.

Premarin production

For those pregnant PMU mares who still have their jobs, their days of suffering are far from over. They live each day in cramped stalls too small to even lie down, they are denied free access to water, standing for up to six months in a “pee-line” with rubber collection cups hooked tightly around their urethras. Once they have their foals, they are immediately impregnated and brought back to the “pee-line”. The foals are sent to auction, ultimately to slaughter, since they are a “by-product” of the industry. When the mares are too old to bear any more foals, they are then sent to auction, and like the foals, sent to the slaughter house.

The Effect the HRT drug Premarin has on women

Over nine million women take Premarin, or some form of Premarin every day. For over 50 years, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals has been marketing Premarin which was FDA approved in 1942. This “miracle drug” Premarin, produced by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, earns over $1 billion dollars every year, all at the expense of thousands of mares, foals and women.

The women’s health initiative (www.whi.org) conducted a 5 year government funded study on the effects HRT has on women and the findings were astounding. The HRT drug, Premarin, has been tested and proven to cause serious health problems in women. Blood clots, diabetes, ovarian cancer, dementia and alzheimers are only some of the problems women who have taken Premarin are facing today.

Our goal at Equine Voices Rescue & Sanctuary™ is to be a voice for the horses that need us, and also a voice for women who are faced with the difficult decision of whether to take Premarin or an equivalent HRT drug. I ask you to please take a serious look at the effects the Premarin industry has on women and look deeper into the issues surrounding the production of Premarin and comparable drugs. I hope you will take this information and consult with your doctor about cruelty free, plant based or synthetic alternatives to Premarin.

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Alternatives to Hormone Replacement Therapy
by Cheryl Hoard

I am frequently asked questions about alternatives to Hormone Replacement Therapy. The use of herbs, essential oils and hydrosols gives more options to adapt to changes during menopause. Herbalism is most effective when used in a holistic approach, which is integration of the body, mind and spirit. Changes during menopause happen not only to the body, but to the mind and spirit as well. Herbs and essential oils can have a positive impact on all these parts of a woman’s life. These same herbs are successfully used to ease discomforts of the female cycle, PMS, menarche and other times when hormonal balancing is desired.

It is unclear as to exactly how these herbs work to balance the hormones. Some books say that they contain estrogenic properties or activities. Other authors state that true female sex hormones are not found in higher plants, but some herbs apparently contain compounds that influence the production of hormones by the body. It is explained by some that certain herbs are considered precursors to estrogen or progesterone and the action of these herbs are just generally balancing on the endocrine system to help it normalize itself to the point of reduction of uncomfortable symptoms. Sometimes one herb influences more than one gland. For example it has been reported that Ginseng effects the pituitary, hypothalamus & adrenal glands. It so happens that this set of interacting glands has been recognized for centuries by the Chinese as a functional unit influencing stress, aging, sexual function & overall vitality.

This information is not intended to replace necessary care by a qualified physician. It is important to work with your doctor to achieve your health goals in the safest and most efficient manner. Past history or current appearance of cancer is extremely important when considering use of agents that effect levels of the female hormone, estrogen. Just because something is natural doesn’t mean it is safe in every situation.

Because the effort here involves cycles, time is needed to give all therapies a chance to become as fully effective as possible. The point being, this is not the same as treating a cold or flu in which you probably could evaluate the success of the remedy in a week or two. Sometime the time span of several cycles is needed before any conclusions are made.

Regarding questions about using these natural remedies alongside Hormone Replacement Therapy, I can only speak for myself to say that I would integrate the two therapies. I would only do this by working together with my physician to make sure proper levels were maintained. Proper levels of hormones is an individual issue and your doctor will be your best resource. If it were me I would hope to be able to use natural agents to the point of not needing conventional medical treatment. To achieve this goal I would imagine you would have to be tested periodically to know how your levels are changing or maintaining.

One of the most effective tools for maintaining comfort during menopause is diet. Nutritional needs vary greatly for each individual so I’m not going to attempt to make any broad or specific statements about diet. You will know first hand which foods contribute to your well-being and which foods cause you more discomfort. Professional dietary advice is easily available as well. For myself, I am more comfortable with other means besides synthetic hormones to maintain healthy bones. I would rather make enough effort with diet and exercise to avoid osteoporosis. I understand this could be considerable effort needed on my part but that is my choice.

The best advice I have ever seen is a book by Christiane Northrup called Women’s Bodies Women’s Wisdom New York: Bantam Books. 1998. Northrup covers nearly all women’s unique health problems with an all encompassing holistic health perspective. Very few books bring the inclusion of the whole person, (mind, body and soul) into each and every aspect of a condition’s various symptoms as Northrup does. Because she is a practicing MD drawing from her experiences and case histories, makes the profoundness of her findings so outstanding. This book has changed the lives of many. Should be required reading for men, women and doctors. She has recently published a new book specifically about menopause.

Menopause is a time of life highly respected in many cultures where women of this age are given roles or positions of honor and dignity. This is not always the case in our society but I think women need to remember that change can be made into opportunity. Menopause presents an opportunity to consider again your purpose in life which can lead to liberation and new fulfillment. Change can be good! Change can be positive! I firmly believe our thoughts and attitudes greatly influence our physical body so if women approach this time of life without fear of discomfort or fear of unhappiness they are more likely to breeze right through this time with minimal discomfort.

Contains: Lavender and Geranium Essential Oils in extract of Wild Yam Root and Aloe Gel. Applied externally.

Contains: Dong Quai Root, Black Cohosh Root, Licorice Root, False Unicorn Root, Raspberry Leaf, Saw Palmetto Berry, Squaw Vine Herb, Sarsaparilla Root, Blessed Thistle Herb, Damiana Leaf

I know many ladies who like to spray this refreshing hydrosol on their skin to ease hot flashes. A gentle mist on the face, neck and arms can be refreshing and cooling in almost any situation. Contains: Rose Geranium Hydrosol Pelargonium graveolens

Avoid during pregnancy. High doses (more then 5.0 grams per cup of tea) may irritate the stomach and cause vomiting. Allergic reactions to this and other composites are possible.

Avoid during pregnancy. Sparing use is recommended for individuals with history of digestive system sensitivity.

Avoid during pregnancy, nursing, diabetes, hypertension, liver disorders, severe kidney insufficiency, and hypokalemia. Not for prolonged use (over 4 - 6 weeks) or in high doses except under supervision of a qualified health practitioner. May potentiate potassium depletion of thiazide diuretics and stimulant laxatives, as well as the action of cardiac glycosides and cortisol. May cause reversible potassium depletion and sodium retention, resulting in such symptoms as hypertension, edema, headache, and vertigo when consumed in therapeutic dosages over a prolonged period.

Safe to consume when used appropriately. Some authorities warn it leads to gastric irritation and temporary kidney impairment and advise of potential drug interactions with hypnotics, digitalis glycosides, and bismuth.

Safe to consume when used appropriately. Regular consultation with a physician is advised when using this herb for treatment of enlarged prostate.

Safe to consume when used appropriately. Large doses of the tincture can produce vomiting.

Blumenthal, Mark., et al Ed. The Complete German Commission E Monographs. Austin: American Botanical Council. 1998.

Hoffmann, David. The Complete Illustrated Holistic Herbal. Shaftsbury, Dorsett: Element Books. 1996.

McGuffin, Michael, et al Ed. American Herbal Products Association’s Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton: CRC Press. 1997.

Mowrey, Daniel B. Herbal Tonic Therapies. New Canaan: Keats Publishing Co. 1993.

Mowrey, Daniel B. The Scientific Validation of Herbal Medicine. New Canaan, CT: Keats Publishing, Inc. 1986.

Northrup, Christiane. Women’s Bodies Women’s Wisdom. New York: Bantam Books. 1998.

Weiner, Michael A. and Janet A. Weiner. Herbs That Heal. Mill Valley: Quantum Books. 1994.

White, Linda B., Foster, Steven and the staff of Herbs for Health. The Herbal Drugstore. Emmaus, Pennsylvania: Rodale Press. 2000

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Jury finds Wyeth drug caused cancer

Wyeth's Prempro menopause pill helped cause an Arkansas woman's breast cancer, and she deserves $1.5 million in damages, jurors found Monday in the company's second trial loss over its hormone replacement drugs.

A state court jury in Philadelphia deliberated about nine hours over two days before finding that Wyeth's conduct was "malicious, wanton, willful or oppressive," allowing plaintiff Mary Daniel to seek punitive damages. The jury will return today to consider awarding further damages.

The lawsuit is one of about 5,000 against Madison, N.J.-based Wyeth over its hormone replacement drugs, including Prempro and Premarin. Daniel was among as many as 6 million women who took the pills before a 2002 study highlighted links to cancer. Daniel, 60, took Prempro for about 16 months starting in December 1999. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in July 2001.

The jurors found that Prempro was a "factual cause" of Daniel's cancer. The panel also agreed that Wyeth failed to provide proper warnings about Prempro's cancer risk.

Wyeth lawyer Peter Grossi said the company would ask Philadelphia Common Pleas Court Judge Myrna Field to throw out the award.

Wyeth shares fell 35 cents, or 0.7%, to $50.60. _________________________________________________________________________________________
By Jon Hurdle Wed Oct 4, 5:28 PM ET

PHILADELPHIA (Reuters) - A jury on Wednesday awarded a woman $1 million and her husband $500,000 in compensatory damages after finding that Wyeth's hormone replacement drug Prempro was a cause of her breast cancer.

The trial in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas now moves into a second phase to begin on October 12, in which the jury will decide whether Wyeth failed to warn of the dangers of Prempro.

The jury of five men and three women may award additional punitive damages if it finds Wyeth failed to warn. However, if it finds that the company adequately warned of the drug's risks no damages will be payable, including the compensatory damages awarded by the jury on Wednesday.

"The plaintiff has the burden of proof that the defendant's conduct is negligent, and that it failed to adequately warn of the dangers," Judge Norman Ackerman instructed the jurors.

The lawsuit charged that Wyeth was negligent in the testing, manufacture and marketing of its hormone replacement therapy drugs.

"We disagree that there is any scientific basis to support the jury's finding of a causal link between hormone replacement therapy and the plaintiff's breast cancer," Wyeth spokesman Chris Garland said.

"This is one jury's verdict and cannot be used to predict the outcome of future cases," he added.

In the first federal Prempro trial, a jury last month in Little Rock, Arkansas found Wyeth was not negligent and had adequately warned patients and doctors of the cancer risk associated with the drug.

Wyeth is facing some 5,000 lawsuits involving its hormone replacement drugs.

"Lawyers all around the country are watching what happens in these cases to get a sense of whether Prempro plaintiffs have a chance of winning," said Howard Erichson, professor of law at Seton Hall Law School in Newark, New Jersey.

Deutsche Bank analyst Barbara Ryan predicted that few Prempro plaintiffs will win punitive damages because Wyeth immediately changed the drug's label to reflect an increased cancer risk after a federally sponsored trial showed long-term use of the drug in combination with the female hormone replacement estrogen caused a 26 percent higher risk of breast cancer in women aged 50 to 79 who had not undergone hysterectomies.

"Right away they appropriately relabeled the drug, which resulted in a 60 percent decline in the number of prescriptions" for Prempro, Ryan said. "So the company has very strong defenses against punitive damages."

The plaintiff, Jennie Nelson, 67, of Dayton, Ohio, took Prempro for about six years and blamed it for her breast cancer. As a result of the cancer, she underwent a mastectomy and chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

The jury deliberated for about 33 hours over six days before reaching its verdict.

It had appeared to be deadlocked by the second day, but was urged to continue its deliberations by the judge. About three hours before the verdict was announced, the judge replaced one male juror with an alternate.

Nelson's attorneys declined to comment on the reason for the juror replacement, but said the deliberation time reflected a jury that had taken a careful approach to its task.

The market shrugged off the news and Wyeth shares finished off their earlier highs but still up 26 cents at $51.18 on the New York Stock Exchange.