Description

Progesterone is known as the “pregnancy hormone.” Without enough progesterone, a woman’s body can’t continue to grow a fertilized egg.

The medication is derived from yams. While the medicine is traditionally available in pill form, some doctors may prescribe it off-label for insertion into the vagina. The FDA hasn’t currently approved the medication for vaginal use.

Directions

Take PROMETRIUM exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow patient instructions for safe and effective use. Wash your hands before using eye drops.

Cautions

To make sure you can safely take PROMETRIUM, patients should thoroughly discuss their medical history with their doctor. Some forms of PROMETRIUM may contain peanut oil. Do not use PROMETRIUM without telling your doctor if you have a peanut allergy. This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions.

• a history of breast cancer
• abnormal vaginal bleeding that a doctor has not checked
• liver disease
• if you are pregnant
• if you have had a stroke, heart attack, or blood clot within the past year

• heart disease, circulation problems
• risk factors for coronary artery disease (smoking, being overweight, having high blood pressure or high cholesterol)
• migraines
• asthma
• kidney disease
• seizures or epilepsy
• a history of depression
• diabetes

Side Effects

Most medications can cause side effects which can be defined as an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can range from mild or severe, temporary or permanent. Side effects are not experienced all patients who take this medication. Many side effects can be managed, and others may go away over time.

Common 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
• vaginal itching, dryness, or discharge

• 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
• symptoms of depression (sleep problems, weakness, mood changes)