Why is Prometrium prescribed?

Prometrium (Progesterone) is used as a part of hormone replacement therapy in women who have passed menopause (the change of life) and have not had a hysterectomy (surgery to remove the uterus). Hormone replacement therapy usually includes estrogen, which is used to treat symptoms of menopause and reduce the risk of developing certain diseases. However, estrogen can also cause abnormal thickening of the lining of the uterus and increase the risk of developing uterine cancer. Progesterone helps to prevent this thickening and decreases the risk of developing uterine cancer. Progesterone is also used to bring on menstruation (period) in women of childbearing age who have had normal periods and then stopped menstruating. Progesterone is in a class of medications called progestins (female hormones). It works as part of hormone replacement therapy by decreasing the amount of estrogen in the uterus. It works to bring on menstruation by replacing the natural progesterone that some women are missing. Progesterone (Generic) and Progesterone Micronised (Generic) are available in addition to the brand Prometrium.

What is the most effective way to take Prometrium? 

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Read all patient information, medication guides, and instruction sheets provided to you. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

• Take the Prometrium capsule with a full glass of water. It is best to take the medicine at night because this medicine can make you dizzy or drowsy.
• Apply Prometrium cream to the skin as directed by your doctor.
• Prometrium is sometimes used for only a short time, such as 10 to 12 days during each menstrual cycle. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.
• Have regular physical exams and self-examine your breasts for lumps on a monthly basis while using Prometrium.
• If you need surgery or medical tests or if you will be on bed rest, you may need to stop using this medicine for a short time. Any doctor or surgeon who treats you should know that you are using Prometrium.

Before taking Prometrium,

• tell your doctor if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as peanut oil), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
• tell your doctor if you have: a history of blood clots, history of brain bleeds, liver disease, breast or any other cancer, vaginal bleeding of unknown cause, a loss of pregnancy with tissue remaining in the uterus, or a heart attack or stroke in the past year
• tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: family medical history (especially breast lumps and cancer), kidney disease, obesity, any heart disease, seizures, asthma, high levels of cholesterol/fats, mental mood disorders such as depression, diabetes or stroke
• 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 this medication further increases your risk for strokes, blood clots, high blood pressure, and heart attacks.

Before taking Prometrium, know that:

• This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana 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).
• This medication may cause blotchy, dark areas on your face and skin (melasma). Sunlight may worsen this effect. Limit your time in the sun and take precautions when you are outside such using sunscreen and wearing protective clothing 
• This medication 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.
• This drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Common side effects include but are not limited to:

• drowsiness, dizziness
• breast pain
• mood changes
• headache
• constipation or diarrhea
• heartburn
• bloating or swelling in your hands or feet
• joint pain
• vaginal discharge
• hot flashes

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• unusual vaginal bleeding
• pain or burning when you urinate
• a breast lump (examine yourself regularly)
• sudden vision problems, severe headache or pain behind your eyes;
• symptoms of depression (sleep problems, weakness, mood changes);
• severe dizziness or drowsiness, spinning sensation, confusion, shortness of breath;
• heart attack symptoms - including chest pain or pressure, pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, sweating;
• signs of liver problems - including nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice 
• signs of a stroke - including sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body), sudden severe headache, slurred speech, problems with speech or balance;
• signs of a blood clot in the lung - including chest pain, sudden cough, wheezing, rapid breathing, coughing up blood; or
• signs of a blood clot in your leg - including pain, swelling, warmth, or redness in one or both legs.
• Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction - including hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat

Why is Prometrium prescribed?

Prometrium 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.

What if I miss a dose of Prometrium?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

How should I store this medication?

Keep Prometrium in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture

What do I do if I think I or someone has overdosed on Prometrium?

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center or doctor. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services.