How to use Progesterone
Always read the patient information leaflet before beginning Progesterone (generic Prometrium) and everytime you get a refill. You should consult your doctor or pharmacist for any questions you might have concerning this drug.
This medication is designed to be taken by mouth. It should be taken as directed by your doctor; this is usually once a day at bedtime. The pill can be taken with water; however, if you have trouble swallowing this drug, you should take a glass of water while standing upright. Since the dosage taken is very dependent on the medical condition of the patient and their response to therapy, the dosing schedule should be followed very closely.
Make sure that your doctor is informed if your symptoms don’t change or your condition worsens.
Precautions
If you are allergic to Progesterone, you should make sure your doctor is aware of this, as well as any other allergies that you might have. Peanut oil is an inactive ingredient of Prometrium. Therefore, prometrium capsules should not be used by patients allergic to peanuts.
This drug has the tendency to cause allergic reactions and other problems; you should, therefore, talk to your pharmacist or doctor for more details. If you have any of these medical conditions, you should not use this drug:
History of blood clots, history of a brain bleed, any form of cancer, liver disease, vaginal bleeding without a known cause, recent stroke or heart attack (within a year), and pregnancy loss with tissue remaining in the uterus. See your doctor for more details.
Make sure your doctor is aware of all of your family’s medical history that you are aware of especially breast lumps and cancer.
You should note that this drug can make you drowsy. Therefore, avoid doing anything that requires alertness until it can be performed safely.
Smoking while using this drug, increasing your chances of having strokes, blood clots, heart attacks, and high blood pressure.
When using this medication, you should limit the amount of time you spend in the sun, as its use may cause blotchy dark patches on the skin and face.
This medication can be used during pregnancy only if directed to do so by a certified doctor.
How Regularly should I use Progesterone?
Amenorrhea Treatment
Oral capsules and tablets of 400 mg should be taken once a day at the specified time for 10 days.
For 4% vaginal gel, 45 mg of the gel should be applied vaginally every day, up to a total of 6 doses.
For intramuscular injection, 5 to 10 mg should be applied intramuscularly, once a day for 6 to 8 consecutive days.
Progesterone Insufficiency
For Vaginal Insert, 100 mg should be applied vaginally 2 to 3 times a day. This medication should be started the day after oocyte retrieval. It should be used for up to 10 weeks in total.
For 8% vaginal gel, 90 mg should be applied once a day for progesterone supplementation.
For partial or complete ovarian failure that requires progesterone supplementation, 90 mg should be applied twice a day vaginally. This medication should be used for up to 10 to 12 weeks, at least until placental autonomy is achieved.
For more details on the usage of this drug, you should see your doctor. Make sure you follow the directions of use on the prescription label of this drug.
Do not increase or reduce the dosage of the drug unless you are instructed to do so by your doctor.
When should I start using Progesterone?
You should only use this drug if instructed to do so by your doctor.
You should not use this medication if you are nursing a baby as it can pass into breast milk and harm the baby.
What do I do if I forget a dose?
The time of the day you use your medication depends entirely on your doctor’s prescription.
If you miss a dose, use the dose as soon as you remember. However, if it less than 6 hours to the time of the next dose when you remember; you should take the next dose at the regular time and skip the missed dose [This is for a 2 capsules a day prescription]. You should not double dose to compensate for the missed dose.
If you are being treated with 3 capsules a day and you forget to take a morning or evening dose, you should not take the missed one.
Caution: If you miss more than a dose, you should talk to your doctor immediately.
Micronized Progesterone dosage
Micronized Progesterone is typically taken on a rotating schedule, alternating between a period of 10 to 12 days where the progesterone is ingested, and then 16 to 18 days where no dose is taken. Your doctor will inform you on exactly which days to take the Micronized Progesterone. You must take the dose exactly as directed; do not take more or less than the prescribed amount. It is also important that you continue to take the medication, even if you feel well, for the stipulated period of time.