What is Prometrium?

Prometrium is an oral pill consisting of a progestin drug called progesterone. This medication is also known internationally as Utrogestan and can be purchased as the brand choice or a generic alternative in 100mg!

What is Prometrium used for?

Prometrium is a hormone found in the female body and is important for the regulation of ovulation and menstruation. In some pre-menopause females, there is a lack of this hormone, which causes an absence in the menstrual cycle, this is called amenorrhea and can be treated with Prometrium. A female who does not get their period due to a lack of hormones may have symptoms such as milky nipple discharge, hair loss, headaches, vision changes, excess facial hair, pelvic pain, and acne. If this condition goes untreated for too long, a person risks complications such as infertility and osteoporosis. Additionally, this medication is used in post-menopause females who are receiving estrogen hormone replacement therapy to prevent overgrowth in the lining of the uterus.

How does Prometrium work?

Prometrium (progesterone) is effective at treating amenorrhea and other progesterone-related conditions because it is a direct supply of the hormone that is missing and causing these conditions to occur.

Use this medication only the way your doctor has specifically prescribed it to you. Do not use more or less of a dose than recommended or for longer or shorter periods of time. If you forget how your doctor wants you to take Prometrium, contact your doctor or look on the prescription label for directions.

Take this capsule with a full glass of water. To avoid becoming dizzy, take this medication before you go to bed at night. Keep up with any recommended physical exams and self-examine yourself for breast lumps on a monthly basis while using this drug.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

Do not use Prometrium (Progesterone)

Prometrium should not be used by anyone who is allergic to it or has abnormal vaginal bleeding, a history of breast cancer, liver disease, a peanut allergy or if you have recently had a heart attack, stroke, or blood clot.

Do not use this drug if you are pregnant or if you have recently had an incomplete miscarriage or "missed" abortion.

This product should not be used to prevent heart disease or dementia as this medication may actually increase your risk for these conditions.

Dose adjustment or special precautions may be required

Before using this medication, make sure it is safe to use by going over any medical conditions that may interact with this drug, such as heart disease, circulation problems, migraines, asthma, kidney disease, seizures or epilepsy, a history of depression, or risk factors for coronary artery disease like high blood pressure, diabetes, lupus, high cholesterol, family history of coronary artery disease, smoking, being overweight.

Risks

Using this medication may increase your risk of blood clots, stroke, heart attack, or breast cancer.

This drug can pass into breast milk and can harm a nursing infant. Do not breast feed while using this medication.

Common side effects of Prometrium (progesterone) may include:

breast pain; mood changes; headache; joint pain; hot flashes; or vaginal discharge.

The above side effects should not alarm you.

Serious side effects of Prometrium (progesterone) may include:

unusual vaginal bleeding; pain or burning when you urinate; a breast lump; symptoms of depression (sleep problems, weakness, mood changes); or severe dizziness or drowsiness, spinning sensation, confusion, shortness of breath.

If you have any of the above side effects, contact your doctor right away.

Please note this is not a complete list of side effects. Not everyone experiences side effects; they are not guaranteed. If you do have side effects and they become unmanageable, consult your doctor about alternate medications.

Contact your doctor if you notice signs of…

heart attack or stroke: chest pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, feeling short of breath;

liver problems: nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling, flu-like symptoms, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

a blood clot in the lung: chest pain, sudden cough, wheezing, rapid breathing, coughing up blood; or

a blood clot in your leg: pain, swelling, warmth, or redness in one or both legs.

What are some drugs that may interact with Prometrium?

The major drug interactions with Prometrium include edoxaban and venetoclax. Moderate interactions include apixaban, bosentan, colestipol, daunorubicin, fluconazole, and more.

This is not a complete list of drugs that interact with progesterone (Prometrium). Consult your doctor to inquire more about which drugs interact with this one.

Can children use this medication?

No. This medication is not meant for children and should not be administered to a child.

What else should I know about this drug?

This medication may cause blotchy, dark areas on the skin and may be made worse when exposed to sunlight. Limit your time in the sun during treatment, including tanning beds and sunlamps.

What should I avoid while using this medication?

Avoid smoking with being treated with Prometrium. Smoking combined with this medication increases your risk for strokes, blood clots, high blood pressure, and heart attack even more.