Progesterone capsule

What is this medicine?

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.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

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.

How should I take this medicine?

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.

Take the pill form of progesterone with a full glass of water.

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 if I miss a dose?

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.

What may interact with this medicine?

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.

What should I watch for while taking this medicine?

Progesterone may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

What side effects may I notice from this medicine?

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.

Where can I keep my medicine?

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.