What is progesterone?
Progesterone is a female hormone important for the regulation of ovulation and
menstruation.
Progesterone is used to cause menstrual periods in women who have not yet reached
menopause but are not having periods due to a lack of progesterone in the body. Progesterone is
also used to prevent overgrowth in the lining of the uterus in postmenopausal women who are
receiving estrogen hormone replacement therapy.
Progesterone may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking progesterone?
Some forms of this medication may contain peanut oil. Do not use progesterone
without telling your doctor if you have a peanut allergy.
Do not use progesterone if you have:
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a history of stroke or blood clot;
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circulation problems;
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a hormone-related cancer such as breast or uterine cancer;
-
abnormal vaginal bleeding;
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severe liver disease;
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if you are pregnant; or
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if you have recently had an incomplete or "missed"
abortion.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have any of the
following conditions. You may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use
progesterone.
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high blood pressure, heart disease, congestive heart failure;
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migraines,
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asthma;
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kidney disease;
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seizures or epilepsy;
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a history of depression; or
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diabetes.
Do not use progesterone without your doctor's consent if you are
pregnant. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment. Use an effective form of
birth control while you are using this medication.
Progesterone can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this
medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take progesterone?
Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use larger amounts, or
use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription
label.
Progesterone is sometimes given for only a short period of time, such as 6 to 12 days at a
time during each menstrual cycle. Following your dosing schedule is very important for this
medication to be effective. Try not to miss any doses.
This medication comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these
directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Take the pill form of progesterone with a full glass of water.
Apply progesterone cream to the skin as directed by your doctor.
Progesterone injection is given as a shot into a muscle. Your doctor, nurse, or other
healthcare provider will give you this injection. You may be given instructions on how to use
your injections at home. Do not use this medicine at home if you do not fully understand how to
give the injection and properly dispose of needles and syringes used in giving the medicine.
This medication can cause you to have unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any
doctor who treats you that you are using progesterone.
Your doctor will need to see you on a regular basis while you are using this medication.
Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
Store progesterone at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
What happens if I miss a dose of progesterone?
Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose,
skip the missed dose and use the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time.
Do not
use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Call your doctor if you miss more than one dose of this medication.
Where can I get more information about progesterone?
Your pharmacist has information about progesterone written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of progesterone?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these
signs of an allergic
reaction:
hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have any of these
serious side effects:
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sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body;
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sudden headache, confusion, pain behind the eyes,
problems with vision, speech, or balance;
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chest pain, pounding heartbeats;
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migraine headache;
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nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark
urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
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swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet;
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fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
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a breast lump; or
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symptoms of depression (sleep problems, weakness, mood
changes).
Less serious side effects may include:
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mild nausea, diarrhea, bloating, stomach cramps;
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dizziness;
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mild headache;
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muscle pain;
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breast pain or tenderness;
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cough;
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acne or increased hair growth;
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changes in weight;
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vaginal itching, dryness, or discharge; or
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feeling irritable.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell
your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about progesterone?
Do not
use this medication without telling your doctor if you are
pregnant. It could cause harm to the unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control, and tell
your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.
Some forms of this medication may contain peanut oil. Do not use progesterone
without telling your doctor if you have a peanut allergy.
Using progesterone can increase your risk of blood clots, stroke, heart attack, or
breast cancer.
Do not use this medication if you have any of the following conditions: a history of
stroke or blood clot, circulation problems, severe liver disease, a hormone-related cancer such as
breast or uterine cancer, abnormal vaginal bleeding, or if you have recently had an incomplete or
"missed" abortion.
Progesterone is sometimes given for only a short period of time, such as 6 to 12 days at a
time during each menstrual cycle. Following your dosing schedule is very important for this
medication to be effective. Try not to miss any doses.
Progesterone can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be
careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
What should I avoid while taking progesterone?
Progesterone can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be
careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
What other drugs will affect progesterone?
There may be other drugs that can interact with progesterone. Tell your doctor about all
the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals,
herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication
without telling your doctor.
What happens if I have an overdose of progesterone?