Prometrium

Common Name: progesterone

How does Prometrium work?

Progesterone is one of the naturally occurring female sex hormones. It is used in combination with postmenopausal estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) to prevent the estrogen from thickening the lining of the uterus (a condition known as endometrial hyperplasia). This significantly reduces the risk of endometrial cancer. Prometrium is used for women who have a uterus. Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

How should I use Prometrium?

The recommended dose of progesterone is 200 mg daily taken at bedtime for the last 14 days of estrogen treatment per cycle. Women who take high doses of estrogen should receive a progesterone dose of 300 mg per day. If the dose is 300 mg daily, 200 mg should be taken at bedtime and 100 mg should be taken two hours after breakfast for the last 12 to 14 days of estrogen treatment per cycle. Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. Do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor. It is very important that this medication be taken on a regular schedule as prescribed by the doctor. If you are using 200 mg daily and miss a dose of this medication at bedtime (i.e., 2 of the 100 mg capsules), take an extra dose of 100 mg (1 capsule) the following morning and continue taking the rest of the capsules as prescribed by your doctor. If you are taking 300 mg daily and miss a dose, skip the missed dose and carry on with your regular schedule. Do not double-up on doses.

What form(s) does Prometrium come in?

Each capsule contains micronized progesterone 100 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: arachis (peanut) oil, gelatin, glycerin, and lecithin; colouring agent: titanium dioxide.

What should I NOT take with Prometrium?

Progesterone should not be used by anyone who: has liver disease such as cholestatic jaundice or hepatitis or a history of severe liver disease, hepatic cell tumors, Rotor syndrome or Dubin-Johnson syndrome. has unexplained abnormal vaginal bleeding or known or suspected breast cancer has a tumour dependent on progesterone has certain rare conditions that occur or worsen with pregnancy or the use of sex hormones, such as jaundice of pregnancy, porphyria, and otosclerosis has cerebral apoplexy or thrombophlebitis has a known allergy to progesterone capsules or to any of the ingredients of the medication is allergic to peanuts (the capsules contain peanut oil)

Are there any other precautions or warnings for Prometrium?

Breast cancer: Several studies have shown an association between a modest increase in the risk of developing breast cancer and the use of hormone replacement therapy during menopause when taken for longer than five years. Breast exam: Breast self-examination should be learned by all women. Occupational hazards: Temporary and occasional drowsiness or dizziness may occur for some people one to four hours after taking progesterone, particularly if it is taken with food. If this occurs, avoid activities requiring concentration, good coordination, or reflex action such as driving or operating machinery. In most cases, these problems can be prevented by taking the capsules at the recommended times. The 200 mg dosage should be taken at bedtime. The 300 mg dosage should be divided into two doses: 100 mg two hours after breakfast and 200 mg at bedtime. Vaginal bleeding: Anyone experiencing abnormal vaginal bleeding should contact their doctor. Pregnancy: Avoid progesterone during pregnancy. Breast-feeding: Progesterone passes into breast milk. The possible effects of progesterone on the nursing infant are unknown.