Progesterone is a type of hormone (progestin). This
medication is similar to the progesterone that your body naturally makes.
It is given to replace the hormone when your body is not making enough of
it. In women who are not pregnant and have not gone through menopause, this
medication is used to restore normal menstrual periods that have stopped
for several months (amenorrhea). It is also used to treat abnormal bleeding
from the uterus that is due to low hormone levels and not other causes
(such as fibroids, cancer of the uterus).
Progesterone must not be used to test for
pregnancy.
Progestins are not effective in preventing
miscarriages.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from
your pharmacist before you start using progesterone and each time you get a
refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
This medication is given by injection into a muscle as
directed by your doctor, usually once daily. This medication is usually
given for 6 to 8 days. Dosage is based on your medical condition and
response to treatment.
If you are giving this medication to yourself at home,
learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care
professional. Before using, check this product for particles or
discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to
store and discard medical supplies safely.
Before injecting each dose, the injection site should be
cleaned with rubbing alcohol. It is important to change the location of the
injection site daily to avoid problem areas in the muscle.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit
from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each
day.
Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets
worse.
Pain/swelling at injection site, breast tenderness,
headache, weight gain/loss, acne, nausea, increased body/facial hair, loss
of scalp hair, drowsiness, or dizziness may occur. If any of these effects
last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop
- unusual vaginal bleeding/discharge (such as breakthrough
bleeding, spotting)
- stopped menstrual periods (amenorrhea)
- breast lumps
- swelling of the ankles/feet
- mental/mood changes (such as depression, nervousness)
- dark patches on the skin/face
- frequent/painful urination
- dark urine
- yellowing eyes/skin
- stomach/abdominal pain
This medication, especially if used along with an
estrogen product, may rarely cause very serious (possibly fatal) problems
from blood clots (such as heart attack, stroke, blood clots in the lungs,
legs, or eyes). Get medical help right away if you have:
- chest/jaw/left arm pain
- weakness on one side of the body
- trouble speaking
- sudden vision changes
- confusion
- pain/swelling/warmth in the groin/calf
- shortness of breath/rapid breathing
- sudden/severe headaches
- sudden dizziness/fainting
- unusual sweating
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
- fever
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before using progesterone, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as sesame oil), which
can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for
more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- blood clots
- history of bleeding in the brain
- liver disease
- cancer (especially of the breast or other female
organs)
- vaginal bleeding of unknown cause
- a loss of pregnancy with some tissue remaining in the uterus
("missed abortion")
- migraine headaches
- seizures
- asthma
- heart disease (such as coronary artery disease, heart
failure)
- kidney disease
- depression
- diabetes
- high blood levels of cholesterol/triglycerides
This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or
marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use
machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely.
Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana
(cannabis).
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
If you have diabetes, this product may affect your blood
sugar. Check your blood sugar regularly as directed and share the results
with your doctor. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms of high
blood sugar, such as increased thirst/urination. Your doctor may need to
adjust your diabetes medication, exercise program, or diet.
This medication may cause blotchy, dark areas on your
face and skin (melasma). Sunlight may worsen this effect. Limit your time
in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and wear
protective clothing when outdoors.
This medication should not be used during pregnancy. If
you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor right
away.
This drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor
before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
This medication may interfere with certain lab tests,
possibly causing false test results. Make sure lab personnel and all your
doctors know you use this drug.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this medication with others.
Regular complete physical exams which include lab and/or
medical tests (such as blood pressure, breast exam/mammogram, pelvic exam,
Pap smear) should be done while you are using this medication. Follow your
doctor's instructions for examining your breasts, and report any lumps
right away. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for
more details.
It is important to get each dose of this medication as
scheduled. If you miss a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist right away for
a new dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Consult the product instructions and your pharmacist for
storage details. Keep all medications away from children and
pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.