Progesterone (By Mouth)

Progesterone (proe-JES-ter-one)

Helps prevent changes in the uterus in women who are taking estrogen after menopause. Also treats unusual stoppage of periods in women who are still menstruating.

Brand Name(s):

Prometrium
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to peanuts or progesterone, if you may be pregnant, or if you have blood-clotting problems, severe liver disease, certain types of cancer, or unusual vaginal bleeding that has not been checked by your doctor, or if you have had an incomplete miscarriage.

How to Use This Medicine:

Capsule

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• This medicine is usually taken for 10 to 12 days for each 28-day cycle. It is best to take the medicine in the evening. Be sure you understand your personal dosing schedule.
• Never share your medicine with anyone.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
• Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine at room temperature in a closed container, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are breastfeeding, or if you have heart, liver, or kidney disease, epilepsy, migraine headaches, asthma, diabetes, or a history of depression.
• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
• Breast lumps
• Decrease in how much or how often you urinate
• Numbness or weakness in an arm or leg
• Pain in the chest or leg (calf)
• Seizures, tremors, or severe headache
• Shortness of breath, coughing up blood
• Slurred speech
• Stomach pain, bloating, or tenderness
• Sudden vision changes
• Unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Breast pain or tenderness
• Depression, irritability, emotional changes
• Muscle or joint pain
• Nausea
• Tiredness

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.