G. Advantages of drug class for treatment of disease Oral estrogen is the drug of choice for alleviation of menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes, vaginal dryness and urogenital atrophy. It also prevents postmenopausal steoporosis andcardiovascularr disease. The addition of progestogen prevents the development of endometrial hyperplasia. H. Disadvantages of drug class for treatment of disease Estrogen given alone to a patient with an intact uterus increases the risk of endometrial cancer 6-fold. The association with breast cancer is still being investigated.
Studies show increased risk, decreased risk and no difference from controls.
J. Disadvantages of using prototype drug within drug class K. Monitoring parameters for prototype drug 1. Annual pelvic exam and PAP smear 2. Annual mammogram 3. Investigation of any abnormal bleeding L. Significant drug interactions 1. All patients must have at least annual pelvic exam, PAP smear and mammogram and possibly endometrial biopsy.