Progesterone – Intramuscular
USES: Progesterone is a type of female hormone (progestin). This medication is given to replace the hormone when your body is not making enough of it. It is used to restore normal menstrual periods in women who are not pregnant and have not gone through menopause. It is also used to treat abnormal bleeding from the uterus that is due to low hormone levels.
HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using progesterone. This medication is given by injection into a muscle as directed by your doctor, usually once daily for 6 to 8 days. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. If you are self-administering this medication at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your healthcare professional. Before injecting each dose, clean the injection site with rubbing alcohol. Change the location of the injection site daily to avoid problem areas in the muscle. Use this medication regularly at the same time each day for the best benefit. Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
SIDE EFFECTS: Pain/swelling at injection site, breast tenderness, headache, weight changes, acne, nausea, increased body/facial hair, scalp hair loss, drowsiness, or dizziness may occur. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if any of these effects persist or worsen. Notify your doctor right away if you experience serious side effects such as unusual vaginal bleeding, breast lumps, mental/mood changes, dark patches on the skin, frequent/painful urination, stomach pain, or persistent nausea/vomiting. This medication may rarely cause blood clots. Seek immediate medical help if you experience chest/jaw/left arm pain, weakness on one side of the body, vision changes, confusion, pain/swelling of arms or legs, trouble breathing, severe headache, or fainting. Allergic reactions to this drug are rare, but seek immediate medical help if you develop a rash, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects.
PRECAUTIONS: Before using progesterone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or if you have any other allergies. This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist about your medical history, especially of migraine headaches, seizures, asthma, heart disease, kidney disease, depression, diabetes, and high blood levels of cholesterol/triglycerides. This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy, so do not drive or operate machinery until you know how it affects you. Do not smoke while using this medication, as it increases your risk for certain health issues. Check your blood sugar levels regularly if you have diabetes, as this medication may affect your control. Avoid prolonged sun exposure and use sunscreen, as this medication may cause dark patches on the skin. This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Discuss with your doctor for more information.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: This drug may interact with other medications and herbal products. Keep a list of all the products you use and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval. Some products that may interact with this drug include drugs affecting liver enzymes that remove progesterone from your body, such as certain antifungals, rifamycins, and some anti-seizure medicines. This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests, so make sure your healthcare providers are aware that you are taking it.
QUESTION
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. Do not share this medication with others. Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Regular physical examinations, blood pressure measurements, and breast/pelvic examinations are recommended. Follow your doctor’s instructions on how to examine your own breasts and report any lumps immediately. Regular screening for cervical cancer and periodic mammograms may also be necessary. Do not miss any scheduled doses of this medication. Consult the product instructions and your pharmacist on storage details. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. For more information, consult your healthcare provider.
