Allergic Reaction to Prometrium?

I am 55 years old, have been on the birth control pill for 17 years prior to going on hormone replacement therapy in January.  We tried Angeliq for 4 months but my hair became dry and brittle and I had breakthrough bleeding that became continuous until the end of April when I stopped taking it.  At that time, my doctor put me on the Vivelle Dot - two .1 mg patches changing them 3 times a week.  This month I started using 100 mg of Prometrium inserted in my vagina (to be used for 12 days).  My doctor said that this route eliminates some of the drowsiness and other symptoms that could come from taking 200 mg Prometrium orally for 12 days.  I have no problem inserting the round pink pill, but I am experiencing some vaginal itching - more on the outside than on the inside.  

I faxed my doctor with this information and she said that if the itching continues, I need to switch to the 200 mg orally.  

Could the itching be occurring because I am allergic to the pink dye or peanut oil in the Prometrium pill?  Can Prometrium be compounded so as to eliminate the pink dye and/or the peanut oil?  I like the using the pill vaginally (missing the first pass symptoms) but I won't be able to continue if the itching continues?  Any suggestions?  Thank you!  

[Machelle Seibel, MD]

Since most people don't take Prometrium vaginally, there isn't a lot of information on that route of taking Prometrium; but it could be that you are allergic either to the dye or the oil. If you switch to oral and the itching stops, that might be the answer.

To your question about compounding, Prometrium does not come in another form. But it is quite easy to go to a compounding pharmacy and get progesterone provided as a cream, gel or a suppository that does not contain dye or peanut oil. They can make it any strength for you. You can also rub the progesterone on your skin to avoid the first pass. Either of those approaches sounds like they might be a good idea for you.
Machelle M. Seibel, MD

[janielouc]

Help...I am a 60 year old that started menopause about 3 years ago.
I have not been on any medication and am getting tired of fighting all
the symptoms.  My doctor has prescribed Vivelle and Prometrium 100mg.
There is cancer on my mom's side of the family.  Should I be concerned that this medication could help in getting the cancer?  
Do you stay on this medication for the rest of your life, even after menopause stops?