PROGESTERONE – ORAL (pro-JESS-ter-own)
USES: Progesterone is a naturally occurring female hormone. This drug is used to treat menstrual problems.
OTHER USES: This drug may also be used after menopause (change of life), in combination with estrogen, to lower the risk of uterine cancer.
HOW TO USE THIS MEDICATION: This medication is taken by mouth. The dosing depends on your medical condition and response to therapy. Follow your doctor’s orders carefully. If taking twice daily, the morning dose should be taken 2 hours after breakfast.
SIDE EFFECTS: Stomach upset, cramps, breast tenderness, drowsiness or dizziness may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Report promptly: abnormal vaginal bleeding. Unlikely but report promptly: yellowing of the eyes or skin, itching, rash, depression, pain/swelling in the legs. Very unlikely but report promptly: a migraine-type headache. Darkened patches of skin occasionally occur. Use a sunscreen and protective clothing to minimize this effect if it occurs. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: allergies (especially to drugs or peanuts), heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, abnormal vaginal bleeding, cancer, blood clots, strokes, missed abortion, any conditions you had that worsened because of pregnancy or sex steroid use (e.g., norethindrone, progesterone). Limit alcohol consumption as it may increase the side effects of this drug. Because this medication may cause drowsiness, use caution performing tasks requiring alertness (e.g., driving). This drug should not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. This drug is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all nonprescription and prescription medication you may use, especially of drugs that can cause drowsiness such as: sedatives, drugs for sleep, anti- anxiety drugs, anti-seizure medicines, narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), psychiatric medications, muscle relaxants, certain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine). Certain laboratory tests may be altered by this drug, such as gonadotropin, progesterone and pregnanediol. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, sleepiness, and dizziness.
NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.
MISSED DOSE: If using 2 capsules daily (200mg) at bedtime and a dose is missed, use an extra dose of 1 capsule (100mg) the following morning then continue with the normal schedule. If using 3 capsules (300mg) daily and a dose is missed, skip the missed dose and resume the normal schedule.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture.
