(Bloomberg) — Hormone replacement therapies used to treat menopause symptoms no longer need to carry strict warnings about potential side effects, including cancer and heart disease, the US Food and Drug Administration announced Monday.

Commissioner Marty Makary said the agency is asking drugmakers to remove the strict black box warnings, with the goal of encouraging more women to take them. Labels on the medicines currently list potential side effects including cardiovascular disease, blood clots, breast cancer and dementia.

The agency also approved a generic version of Pfizer Inc.’s Premarin, once the biggest-selling drug in the US. Hormone replacement therapy eases menopause symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats and vaginal dryness, while boosting energy and strengthening bone. But

See Full Page