May 31, 2002—The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) abruptly
halted a clinical trial assessing the long term effects of Prempro after determining the side effects
were so severe that they could not continue to give Prempro to the participants.
The NHLBI study, conducted under the guidance of the federal government, consisted of more than
16,000 women between the ages of 50 and 79. The Data and Safety Monitoring Board made the decision
to terminate the clinical trial based on concerns of increased risk of breast cancer and heart problems.
According to the NHLBI, women who were given Prempro were more likely to develop serious problems
compared to those in the placebo group.
- 26% increase in breast cancer
- 41% increase in strokes
- 100% increase in blood clots
- 22% increase in incidents of cardiovascular disease.
Additional Prempro side effects include ovarian cancer, lupus and gall bladder cancer. A study released
in May 2003 by the American Medical Association also noted increased risk of Alzheimer's disease
and other forms of dementia. |