Prometrium is a prescription medicine used to prevent treat the symptoms of endometrial hyperplasia and the symptoms of secondary amenorrhea (absence of menses or period).

Prometrium (Progesterone)

Progesterone is a type of female hormone (progestin). Prometrium is similar to the progesterone that your body naturally makes and is given to replace the hormone when your body is not making enough of it. In women who are not pregnant and not going through menopause, Prometrium is used to restore normal menstrual periods that have stopped for several months (amenorrhea). Progesterone is also used as part of combination hormone replacement therapy with estrogens to reduce menopause symptoms (e.g., hot flashes). Progesterone is added to estrogen replacement therapy to reduce the risk of cancer of the uterus. Prometrium is not for use in children. Progesterone must not be used to test for pregnancy.

How to Use Prometrium

Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using Prometrium and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Take Prometrium by mouth, usually once a day at bedtime or as directed by your doctor. If you have trouble swallowing the pills, take with a full glass of water while standing up. Follow the dosing schedule carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions. The Dosage of Prometrium is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Inform your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.

Prometrium Warnings

Progesterone is sometimes used with another medication (a type of estrogen) as combination hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in women after menopause. Combination HRT can rarely cause very serious side effects such as heart disease (e.g., heart attacks), stroke, serious blood clots (e.g., in the lungs and legs), dementia, and breast cancer. Some of these risks appear to depend on the length of treatment and other factors. Therefore, combination HRT should be used for the shortest possible length of time at the lowest effective dose so you can obtain the benefits and minimize the chance of serious side effects from long-term treatment. Combination HRT should not be used to prevent heart disease or dementia. Discuss the risks and benefits of treatment and your personal health history with your doctor. If you take combination HRT, check with your doctor regularly (e.g., every 3-6 months) to see if you still need to take it. If you use Prometrium for an extended period, you should have a complete physical exam at regular intervals (e.g., once a year) or as directed by your doctor. See Notes section.

Prometrium Precautions

Before taking progesterone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. Prometrium may contain inactive ingredients (such as peanut oil), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Prometrium should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine,history of blood clots, history of bleeding in the brain, liver disease, cancer of the breast or other female organs, vaginal bleeding of unknown cause, a loss of pregnancy with some tissue remaining in the uterus ("missed abortion"), recent stroke or heart attack (within 1 year). Before using Prometrium, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history,family medical history (especially breast lumps and cancer), kidney disease, obesity, heart disease (e.g., past heart attacks, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure), high blood pressure, seizures, migraine headaches, asthma, high blood levels of cholesterol/fats, depression, diabetes, strokes, lupus. Prometrium may make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis). Notify your doctor beforehand if you will be having surgery or will be confined to a chair/bed for a long time (such as on a long plane flight). You may need to stop the medication for a time or take special precautions because of the increased risk for blood clots. Ask your doctor for more details. Do not smoke. Smoking combined with Prometrium further increases your risk for strokes, blood clots, high blood pressure, and heart attacks. Prometrium may cause blotchy, dark areas on your face and skin (melasma). Sunlight may worsen this effect. Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Prometrium may be used during pregnancy only as directed by your doctor. There is conflicting information about whether progestins may cause harm to an unborn baby. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Prometrium passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Prometrium Misdose

If you miss a dose of Prometrium, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Prometrium Interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.drugs affecting liver enzymes that remove progesterone from your body (such as rifampin, St. John's wort, azole antifungals including itraconazole, certain anti-seizure medicines including carbamazepine/phenobarbital/phenytoin). Prometrium can affect the results of certain lab tests. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use Prometrium.

Prometrium Side Effects

Side effects are physical, mental or emotional symptoms which occur in addition to or outside of the desired effect of a therapeutic treatment such as an over-the-counter or prescribed drug or medication. Side effects from Prometrium may occur at the beginning or at the end of treatment and may also depend on the length of time an individual remains on the treatment. Side effects, also known as adverse effects, are generally more likely to occur when starting treatment. Individuals may also experience side effects from Prometrium as a result of an interaction with other medications.

The side effects of Prometrium may vary in number and intensity for many different reasons. Factors such as age, weight, gender and ethnicity may influence the side effects of Prometrium. Also, an individual’s state of general physical health and seriousness of the disease or illness as well as an increase or decrease in dosage may lead to side effects. Further, side effects from Prometrium may also occur as a result of an interaction with certain herbal supplements, foods or drinks.

Prescription drug side effects can be serious and may cause patients to stop the treatment. However, when side effects from the use of a prescription drug, such as Prometrium, do occur a patient should consult their physician. A physician may prescribe an additional treatment in order to control the symptoms or an adjustment in the dosage may be made. In addition, changes to diet, exercise or other lifestyle activities may help to lessen the side effects of Prometrium.

By understanding side effects and the factors which may influence the occurrence of side effects patients are empowered to take an active role in their care. Patients who have specific questions about the side effects of Prometrium, or any other medication, should contact their physician. General information about the side effects associated with Prometrium are described in the following:

Severe

Less Severe

Prometrium Storage

Store at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard Prometrium when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

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