Prometrium

Progesterone

Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Prometrium

Prometrium is a natural progesterone. It is the only progesterone that is active orally.

Therapeutic Uses of Prometrium

Prometrium is used in protecting the lining of the uterus in women on estrogen replacement therapy. Prometrium lowers the risk of estrogen related cancer of the uterus. Prometrium is also used in treatment of deficiency of progesterone and due to it there is no menstruation. By using Prometrium in these women, menstruation is maintained and regulated. This medication can also be used in treatment of other medical conditions as determined by your doctor.

Direction of use of Prometrium

Prometrium should be taken as per direction of your doctor. The medicine also comes with a patient information leaflet and you should read it carefully before taking Prometrium. If you have any doubt about the dosing of Prometrium, you should ask your doctor or other health care providers like nurse, pharmacist etc. Prometrium is taken orally with a glass of water and can be taken with food or without food.

If You Miss a Dose of Prometrium

If you are taking Prometrium morning and evening and you miss a dose of it, you should skip the missed dose and keep taking it as regular schedule. Never take 2 doses of Prometrium at a time.

How to Store Prometrium

Prometrium should be stored at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) in a tightly closed container. Keep it away from moisture, heat and direct sunlight. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) can be done without any problem. Keep Prometrium out of reach of children.

More Information About Prometrium

If you have any question about Prometrium, you should ask your doctor or other health care provider. If your symptoms do not improve or become worse, you should consult your doctor immediately. Prometrium should be taken by the patient for whom it is prescribed and not shared with others.

Precautions to be Taken While Taking Prometrium

• Do not take Prometrium if you are allergic (had previous allergic reaction to it) to it or any of the ingredients used in manufacturing it. Prometrium contain peanut oil and if you are allergic to peanut oil you should not take Prometrium.
• Prometrium can cause drowsiness or dizziness. You should not drive, operate machinery or perform any work that need constant monitoring and attention. Use of Prometrium with certain medications or with alcohol may increase the risk of dizziness or drowsiness.
• Laboratory tests and medical tests, like blood pressure, breast and pelvic examinations, PAP smear tests for endometrial cancer or cervix, mammogram, and other tests should be performed to monitor the progress or to check for side effects that may develop while taking Prometrium. Keep all doctor and laboratory appointments while you are taking Prometrium.
• You should do monthly self examination of breast as per the direction of your doctor and report if there is any lump in the breast.
• If you are taking Prometrium for long duration, you need to be evaluated by your doctor regularly to determine if you need to take the medicine for long duration.
• Prometrium can affect some lab tests and you should inform your doctor and lab personnel that you take Prometrium regularly.
• You should inform your doctor or dentist that you take Prometrium, before you undergo any medical or dental treatments, emergency care, or surgery.
• You should inform your doctor if you will be having surgery, or will be confined to a bed or chair for a long period of time like a long air travel.
• You should inform your doctor if you take any new medicine (either prescription medicine or over the counter medicines).
• Use Prometrium with caution in elderly people, because they may be more prone and sensitive to side effects like dementia.
• For women: do not use Prometrium during pregnancy. If you suspect you are pregnant, you should stop the medicine and consult your doctor immediately for pregnancy test. Prometrium is secreted in the breast milk and you should consult your doctor before you start breast feeding, to discuss about the risks and benefits of using Prometrium during breast feeding to your baby.
• Prometrium should not be used in combination with estrogen (to prevent heart disease), because combination of Prometrium with estrogen can increase the risk of heart disease (like heart attacks), stroke, serious blood clots in the lung (pulmonary embolism) or leg (deep venous thrombosis), cancer of the breast, dementia etc.
• The combination of Prometrium with estrogen can also increase the risk of ovarian cancer. The risk of ovarian cancer is higher if the duration of this combination is longer and the dose of estrogen per dose is higher. Therefore the combination of Prometrium with estrogen should be used for shortest possible time and the lowest effective dose, so you obtain the benefits and minimize the chance of serious side effects from long term treatment. If you have any question about the use of the combination you should consult your doctor.
• Some medicines may interact with Prometrium and you should inform if you are taking any medicines (whether prescription medicine or non prescription medicines or over the counter medicine).
• If you are taking rifampin you may need additional monitoring of treatment with Prometrium. You should not start taking a new medicine or stop any medicine including Prometrium, without consulting your doctor.
• If you have a history of blood clots or clotting problems; cancer of the breast, ovary, or uterus; undiagnosed vaginal bleeding; severe liver problems; recent (within the past year) heart attack, history of stroke etc. you should not take Prometrium.
• Do not give Prometrium to children as it is not recommended in children. If you have to give it to your children you should consult your doctor before giving it to discuss about the risks to your child.
• Inform your doctor if you suffer from any other medical conditions like heart problems, circulation problems, high blood pressure, family history of blood clots, womb problems (such as endometriosis), asthma, migraine headaches, any current or previous cancers, bleeding problems, liver problems, kidney problems, history of depression, diabetes, seizure disorders, history of tobacco use, cholesterol or lipid problems, lupus, thyroid problems, high calcium levels in your blood, if you have had a recent miscarriage, any allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding etc.
• Consult your doctor if you have any question about Prometrium.

Possible Adverse Effects of Prometrium

• Common and mild side effects of that may occur while taking Prometrium are nausea, headache, sleepiness or tiredness, dizziness, cough, vomiting, cramps, bloating, mental tension, irritability, diarrhea, constipation, breast tenderness, stomach upset, acne, dry mouth etc. If these side effects persists or become troublesome you should consult your doctor.
• Consult your doctor as soon as possible if you get any side effects like unexplained weight changes (weight gain or weight loss), pain or cramping in the muscles or joints, swelling of hands or feet, fainting, vaginal discharge, pain in the breast, difficulty urinating, change in the amount of urine produced etc.
• Consult your doctor as soon as possible if you experience any of the side effects like fever or chills (signs of infection), calf muscle pain, leg pain, severe stomach pain, swelling and/or tenderness; fast heartbeat (tachycardia); sharp chest pain, crushing chest pain; shortness of breath, severe headache, severe vomiting, dizziness, fainting; vision problems or changes like sudden, partial, or full loss of vision; numbness of an arm or a leg; one sided weakness in the body; slurred speech; mental or mood changes like severe depression, memory loss, confusion etc.; blood in cough (hemoptysis); yellowing of eyes and/or skin; dark color urine; stomach pain, swelling, or tenderness; abnormal vaginal bleeding; lump in the breast; seizure etc.
• Allergic reaction to Prometrium is not common, but if it occurs you should get medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include skin rash, itching, swelling (of lips, mouth, face, throat etc.), severe dizziness, difficulty in breathing etc.
• If you experience any side effects that are not included in the above, you should consult your doctor immediately.