General Information
This medicine is a hormone that helps protect the lining of the uterus in women taking estrogen replacement therapy. Progesterone may lower the risk of estrogen-related cancer of the uterus. Progesterone may also be used for women who had normal menstrual cycles stops getting her monthly period because of a lack of progesterone hormone. This medication may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Warnings/Precautions
This medication should not be used in patients with undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding, history of ongoing or current venous thromboembolic disorders (including deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism), active or recent (within 1 year) heart disease (stroke, MI), cancer of the breast or genital organs, or liver disease. This medication should be used with caution in those with a history of depression . Do not use this medication if you are pregnant. If you suspect you may be pregnant contact your doctor immediately. This medication is excreted in breast milk, so if you are or will be breast-feeding while using this medication, check with your doctor. Before using this medication, inform your doctor of any medical conditions including heart problems, circulation problems, high blood pressure, family history of blood clots, womb problems including endometriosis, asthma, migrane headaches, cancer, bleeding problems, liver problems, kidney problems, history of depression, diabetes, seizure disorders, history of tobacco use, cholesterol or lipid problems, lupus, thyroid problems, or high calcium levels in your blood.
Progesterone may cause drowsiness or dizziness. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how you react to this medication. Notify your doctor if you will be having surgery, or if you will be confined to a bed or chair for a long period of time (such as a long plane flight) while taking progesterone.
This medication taken in combination with estrogen may increase the risks of high blood pressure, heart disease including heart attacks, stroke, blood clots in the lung (pulmonary embolism) or leg (deep vein thrombosis), and cancer of the breast. An increase in abnormal mammograms has also been reported with estrogen and progesterone therapy. This combination may also increase the risk of cancer of the ovary. This risk of dementia may be increased in postmenopausal women taking estrogen and progesterone. Increased incidence of dementia was observed in women aged 65 and older. These risks appear to depend on the length of time the combination of progesterone and estrogens is used, and the amount of estrogen per dose. The combination of estrogen and progesterone should be used for the shortest duration of time at the lowest effective per dose. The combination of estrogen and progersterone should be used for the shortest duration of time at the lowest effective dose, in order to obtain the benefits and minimize the chance of serious side effects.
Side Effects
Headache, sleepiness, dizziness, depression, nervousness, irritability, breast tenderness, breast enlargement, acne, cough, abdominal pain, bloating, cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation are some of the side effects you may experience while taking this medication. If they continue, or are bothersome, check with your doctor.
If you experience pain in the muscles or joints, unexplained weight changes, swelling of the hands or feet, fainting, vaginal discharge, difficulty urinating or change in the amount of urine, check with your doctor as soon as possible.
If you experience fever or chills; calf/leg pain, swelling, or tenderness; fast heartbeat; sharp or crushing chest pain; sudden shortness of breath; sudden severe headache; vision problems or changes (including sudden, partial, or full loss of vision); numbness of an arm or leg; severe stomach pain; mental or mood changes (such as severe depression, memory loss, or confusion); lump in the breast; abnormal vaginal bleeding; yellowing of the eyes/skin; darkening of the urine; or seizure, contact your doctor immediately.
Monitoring Parameters
Before starting therapy, a physical exam including the breasts and pelvis, including PAP smear are recommended. Yearly laboratory /medical tests including blood pressure, breast and pelvis exam, PAP smear, and vision assessment while taking this medication is important. Follow you doctor’s instructions on monthly breast self-examination s, and report any lumps immediately. Other monitoring parameters include signs or symptoms of depression, and glucose monitoring in diabetics. Progesterone may affect the results of certain lab test results, (such as thyroid function, metyrapone, liver function, coagulation tests, endocrine function tests) so it is important to let your doctor laboratory personnel know what you are taking this medication. Patients using estrogen/progesterone therapy for menopausal symptoms should hav eneeed for therapy assessed every 3-6 months.
Possible Drug Interactions
Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking: aminoglutethimide, carbamazepine, phenytoin, rifampin, nafcillin, nevirapine, Phenobarbital, or St. John’s wort.
Overdose
In case of a suspected overdose, contact your physician, call 911, or call the local poison control center immediately. Symptoms of overdose include nausea, vomiting, sleepiness, and dizziness. For the US National Poison hotline, call 1-800-222-1222.
Missed Doses
If a dose is missed, give it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume the regular dosing schedule. Do not give 2 doses at once.