What is Progesterone?
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 should not be used to prevent heart disease or dementia, because this medication may actually increase your risk of developing these conditions.
Progesterone may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Progesterone Vaginal
Progesterone is a female hormone important for ovulation and menstruation. Progesterone causes changes in the lining of your uterus, making it easier for a fertilized egg to attach to the uterus at the beginning of pregnancy. Progesterone then helps your body maintain the pregnancy.
Progesterone vaginal is used in fertility treatment as part of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) for women unable to get pregnant due to a lack of natural progesterone in the body.
Progesterone vaginal is also 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.
This medication also prevents overgrowth in the lining of the uterus in postmenopausal women who are receiving estrogen hormone replacement therapy.
Progesterone vaginal may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about Progesterone?
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 breast cancer, abnormal vaginal bleeding, liver disease, if you are pregnant, or if you have had a stroke, heart attack, or blood clot within the past year.
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 may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.
Progesterone should not be used to prevent heart disease or dementia, because this medication may actually increase your risk of developing these conditions.
Progesterone Vaginal
Do not use progesterone vaginal without your doctor’s consent if you are pregnant, unless you are using the medication as part of your fertility treatment. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment. If you are not being treated for infertility, use an effective form of birth control while you are using this medication.
Some forms of this medication may contain plant-based oils. Do not use progesterone vaginal without telling your doctor if you have any type of food allergy.
Using progesterone vaginal can increase your risk of blood clots, stroke, heart attack, or breast cancer.
You should not use this medication if you have: 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 a tubal pregnancy or an incomplete abortion.
Progesterone vaginal is sometimes given for only 6 to 12 days at a time. When used as part of fertility treatment, progesterone vaginal may be given for up to 12 weeks into a pregnancy. 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.
Progesterone vaginal 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 discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Progesterone?
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:
- a history of breast cancer
- abnormal vaginal bleeding that a doctor has not checked
- liver disease
- if you are pregnant; or
- if you have had a stroke, heart attack, or blood clot within the past year
If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use progesterone:
- heart disease, circulation problems
- risk factors for coronary artery disease (such as smoking, being overweight, and having high blood pressure or high cholesterol)
- migraines,
- asthma
- kidney disease
- seizures or epilepsy
- a history of depression; or
- 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.
Progesterone Vaginal
Some forms of this medication may contain plant-based oils. Do not use progesterone vaginal without telling your doctor if you have any type of food allergy.
You should not use progesterone vaginal if you have ever had an allergic reaction to it, or if you have:
- a history of stroke, blood clot, or circulation problems
- breast or uterine cancer
- abnormal vaginal bleeding
- liver disease; or
- if you have recently had a tubal pregnancy or 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:
- high blood pressure, heart disease, congestive heart failure
- migraines,
- asthma
- kidney disease
- seizures or epilepsy
- diabetes; or
- a history of depression
Do not use progesterone vaginal without your doctor’s consent if you are pregnant, unless you are using the medication as part of your fertility treatment. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment. If you are not being treated for infertility, use an effective form of birth control while you are using this medication.
Progesterone vaginal 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.
Progesterone Side Effects
What are the possible side effects of Progesterone?
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:
- sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body
- sudden headache, confusion, pain behind the eyes, problems with vision, speech, or balance
- fast or pounding heartbeats
- chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling
- unusual or unexpected vaginal bleeding
- migraine headache
- nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
- swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
- fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms
- a breast lump; or
- symptoms of depression (sleep problems, weakness, mood changes)
Less serious side effects may include:
- mild nausea, diarrhea, bloating, stomach cramps
- dizziness, spinning sensation
- hot flashes
- mild headache
- joint pain
- breast pain or tenderness
- cough
- acne or increased hair growth
- changes in weight; or
- vaginal itching, dryness, or discharge
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Progesterone Vaginal
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.
Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
- sudden headache, numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body), shortness of breath, or problems with vision, speech, or balance
- chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder
- pain or swelling in one or both legs
- nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
- swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
- fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms
- a breast lump; or
- symptoms of depression (sleep problems, weakness, mood changes)
Less serious side effects may include:
- mild nausea, vomiting, bloating, stomach cramps
- diarrhea, constipation, bloating
- dizziness, drowsiness, tired feeling
- pain in your vaginal or rectal area
- pain during intercourse
- loss of interest in sex
- breast pain, swelling, or tenderness
- joint or muscle pain
- increased night-time urination; or
- vaginal itching, burning, or discharge
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.
Progesterone Interactions
What other drugs affect Progesterone?
Progesterone
There may be other drugs that can interact with progesterone. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
Progesterone Vaginal
There may be other drugs that can interact with progesterone vaginal. 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 should I avoid while taking Progesterone?
Progesterone
Progesterone may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.
Progesterone Vaginal
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.
Progesterone Dosage
How should I take Progesterone?
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.
Progesterone Vaginal
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 vaginal is sometimes given for only 6 to 12 days at a time. When used as part of fertility treatment, progesterone vaginal may be given for up to 12 weeks into a pregnancy. 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.
Do not use other vaginal medications within 6 hours before or after using progesterone vaginal. Use only vaginal products that your doctor has recommended.
Progesterone vaginal gel should be applied directly into the vagina using only the applicator provided with the medicine. A disposable applicator should be used only once and then thrown away.
Progesterone vaginal suppositories are made at the pharmacy and provided to you in a dispensing cup fitted with a mold and a special tool to push each suppository out through the bottom of the mold. Your pharmacist can show you how to dispense the suppositories from the mold.
Before inserting the vaginal suppository, remove the wrapping and throw it away. Avoid handling the suppository too long or it will begin to melt in your hand.
It is normal to have vaginal discharge for several days after using this medication. Talk with your doctor if you have concerns about any vaginal discharge.
Store progesterone vaginal at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Some brands of progesterone vaginal suppositories should be stored in a refrigerator. Follow the instructions provided with your medication.
What happens if I overdose on Progesterone?
Progesterone
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Progesterone Vaginal
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Symptoms of a progesterone vaginal overdose are not known.
What happens if I miss a dose of Progesterone?
Progesterone
Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Call your doctor if you miss more than one dose of this medication.
Progesterone Vaginal
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.
Sourced from everydayhealth.com