Progesterone Drug Details
promeGeneric Name:
Common Brands:
Prometrium; First Progesterone MC10; Menopause Formula Progesterone
Availability:
Prescription only
Therapeutic Class:
Progestins; hormone therapy; hormone replacement therapy; progesterone therapy
Forms:
Progesterone intrauterine insert (Progesterone(R) was discontinued on 06/01/2001.
- Generic progesterone:
Oral micronized progesterone capsule: 100 mg; 200 mg - Crinone:
Progesterone vaginal gel/jelly : 4%; 8% - Endometrin:
Vaginal tablet: 100 mg - Prometrium:
Oral capsule: 100 mg; 200 mg
This medication guide will focus on the generic progesterone oral capsule information.
Administration:
Oral, Intramuscular, Vaginal
Therapeutic Uses:
- The injection form of progesterone can help stop abnormal uterine bleeding unrelated to menstrual cycle
- Lack of menstrual periods in women who have not yet reached menopause
- The capsule form can help prevent overgrowth of the uterus lining in postmenopausal women on estrogen hormone replacement therapy (HRT) Adjunct therapy in assisted reproductive therapy (ART) in female infertility
Controlled Status:
Not a controlled substance
What is progesterone? (Prometrium)?
Natural progesterone is a female hormone; it is a natural hormone. Progesterone plays an important role in regulating ovulation and menstruation. The ovaries produce progesterone in large amounts; the adrenal glands produce smaller amounts of progesterone in both males and females.
Irregular or absent periods can be signs of low testosterone levels or poorly functioning ovaries.
Progesterone supplementation is a steroid hormone belonging to a class of hormones called progestogens; these synthetic steroid hormones with properties similar to progesterone are medications called progestins.
Progestins were formulated to mimic the actions of progesterone and bind to progesterone receptors in the body; thus, producing similar effects.
Who can take progesterone? (Prometrium)?
- Menopausal women who have not had a hysterectomy and are taking conjugated estrogens as menopausal hormone therapy.
- Women of childbearing age who do not have menstrual periods due to low progesterone levels.
- Not for use in pregnant women
- Not for use in children
Progesterone Uses
What is progesterone (Prometrium) used for?
The oral capsule form of progesterone prevents overgrowth of the lining of the uterus in postmenopausal women on estrogen hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to treat menopausal symptoms.
- Lack of menstrual periods in women with low progesterone levels who have not yet reached menopause.
- The injection form can help abnormal uterine bleeding unrelated to menstrual cycle
- The vaginal gel, suppository, and tablet forms are used for adjunct therapy in assisted reproductive therapy (ART) in female infertility.
There may be other uses of progesterone—your pharmacist or physician can give you further information and assistance
How does progesterone (Prometrium) work?
Progesterone drug products belong to a drug class called progestins. Progestins mimic the mechanism of action of the naturally occurring female hormone progesterone and bind to the progesterone receptors in the body.
Similar to the hormone progesterone, progestins can change the uterus lining and prevent its overgrowth. The difference is that progestin can be absorbed well by the body, while progesterone is not in oral pill form
What is the dosage of progesterone (Prometrium)?
Prevention of overgrowth of the uterus lining (uterus protection):
Take 200 mg by mouth once daily at bedtime for 12 days in a row. Repeat this direction every 28-day cycle.
Lack of menstrual period:
Oral capsule:
- Take 400 mg by mouth once daily at bedtime for 10 days.
- A menstrual cycle (period) should be expected within 7 days of the last capsule you’ve taken.
- Your healthcare provider will instruct you on how often you should take this medication.
Injection:
- Inject 5 mg to 10 mg into a muscle once daily for 6 to 8 days in a row.
- A menstrual cycle (period) should be expected within 2 to 3 days after the last injection.
- Your healthcare provider will instruct you on how often you should inject this medication.
Abnormal uterine bleeding unrelated to menstrual cycles:
Injection:
- Inject 5 mg to 10 mg into a muscle once daily for 6 days in a row. Vaginal bleeding should stop within 6 days.
Progesterone Directions
How should I take progesterone (Prometrium)?
Use progesterone exactly as prescribed. Follow all directions on the prescription label and any medication guides if provided. Never take a larger or smaller amount than the prescribed dose. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns.
Progesterone is typically intended for use over a short period, from 10 to 12 days, depending on the type of treatment. It is essential to follow your doctor’s dosing instructions carefully. If you also take estrogen, carefully follow the schedule for both medicines together.
Take the oral capsule with a full glass of water. Progesterone may make you drowsy; it is best to take it at night. If you have difficulty swallowing the progesterone capsules, you should take them with a glass of water while standing up. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if this does not help.
Apply a thin layer of progesterone cream to clean, dry skin as directed by your doctor.
Injectable progesterone is given as a shot into one of your muscles.
Of all dosage forms, progesterone is used on a fixed schedule, and should be taken around the same time every day so you don’t forget a dose.
Continue to take progesterone as directed, even if your symptoms have improved. Do not stop taking progesterone without talking to your doctor first.
Keep all doctor and blood test appointments. You should perform breast self-exams for lumps at least monthly while using progesterone.
Progesterone can increase your risk of developing blood clots. If you’re expecting to be on bed rest after a surgery or any procedure, you will need to stop using progesterone for a short period. Your doctor will tell you when to stop and restart progesterone. Be sure that your surgeons or any healthcare provider who treats you is informed that you use progesterone.
Missed dose:
For the oral capsule, topical cream, and vaginal gel/suppository: Take/use the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the amount or take more than prescribed to make up for the missed dose. Let your doctor know immediately if you have missed more than one dose or are unsure about what to do.
For the injectable form: You must use this medicine on a fixed schedule. Call your doctor or pharmacist if you miss a dose.
Storage: Keep the medication in its original container; keep it tightly closed, out of reach of children, pets, and other people. Progesterone should not be shared with anyone like other medications dispensed only with prescriptions. Many people store their medications in the bathroom; this is not recommended due to moisture and heat.
Unused medicine: Like other prescription medications, do not use progesterone after the expiration date. This medication is a prescription drug that is intended for your use only. Unneeded medicines should be disposed of appropriately to prevent children, pets, and other people from getting to them. Your local pharmacy can provide information about medication drug take-back programs. You can also learn more about proper medication disposal.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary and may not contain all possible information. If you have more questions or concerns about progesterone, talk to your pharmacist or doctor to ensure that this information applies to you or your family member.
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Progesterone Side Effects
What are progesterone (Prometrium) side effects?
Signs of progesterone allergy: difficulty breathing, hives (rash on your body), swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat—If you experience any of these symptoms, please call 911 or seek emergency medical care at the nearest emergency room (ER).
You should seek emergency medical care if you experience the following signs:
- Signs of a heart attack: Chest pain or pressure that spreads to your jaw or shoulder; nausea; sweating.
- Signs of a stroke: Sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body, slurred speech, sudden severe headache, problems with speech or balance.
- Signs of liver injury: Upper stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, severe tiredness, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
- Signs of pulmonary embolism (a blood clot in the lung): Chest pain, wheezing, rapid breathing, sudden unusual cough, and coughing up blood.
- Signs of venous thromboembolism (a blood clot in your leg): Pain, swelling, and warmth or redness in one or both legs.
Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following signs:
- Pain or burning sensation when you urinate
- A breast lump
- Unusual vaginal bleeding
- Severe headache or unusual pain behind your eyes; sudden vision problems
- Severe drowsiness and confusion
- Shortness of breath
- Symptoms of depression - mood fluctuation, loss of interest, extreme fatigue, and sleep problems.
Common side effects of progesterone:
- Dizziness
- Breast tenderness
- Headache
- Mood changes
- Heartburn
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Bloating, indigestion
- Swelling in your hands or feet
- Vaginal discharge
- Hot flashes
Progesterone overdose: Go to the nearest emergency room or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. You can find more information at www.poisonhelp.org/help.
Progesterone should be discontinued immediately in overdosage, and supportive treatment is recommended.
The above list on this site may not include all the possible side effects of progesterone. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist at your local pharmacy if you have persistent side effects or any side effects that are not listed above. You can also report side effects to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Source: FDA
Progesterone Warnings
What are the risks of taking progesterone (Prometrium)?
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What should I tell my doctor before starting progesterone (Prometrium)?
You should tell your doctor if you are allergic to progesterone, oral birth control pills, or hormone replacement therapy.
Progesterone capsule contains peanut oil; you should not use it if you are allergic to peanuts.
Progesterone is not a safe option for you if you have:
- A history of breast cancer
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding
- Liver disease
- If you are pregnant
- History of a recent cardiovascular event such as a stroke, heart attack, or blood clot
- If you had a recent incomplete miscarriage
Make sure you inform your doctor if you have:
- Asthma
- Circulation problems
- Heart disease
- Migraines
- Kidney disease
- Depression
- Seizures
Other risk factors for coronary artery disease include: High blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, lupus, a family history of coronary artery disease, smoking, and obesity.
You should not use progesterone if you are pregnant, as progesterone can harm the fetus. Tell your doctor immediately if you are pregnant while using progesterone or planning to become pregnant.
Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding; progesterone can pass into breast milk and harm the nursing baby.
What precautions should I take while on progesterone (Prometrium)?
Progesterone can make you drowsy. It is best to take this medication at bedtime. You should not take progesterone if you have less than 8 hours before driving or performing activities that require mental focus.
If you are about to have any type of surgery, inform your surgeon or dentist that you are using progesterone.
If grapefruit juice is a big part of your daily diet, you should talk to your doctor or pharmacist about drinking grapefruit juice while taking progesterone.
What drugs can interact with progesterone (Prometrium)?
Other drugs, including prescriptions, over-the-counter products, herbal supplements, and vitamins, may interact with progesterone. It is highly recommended to keep a list of all the drug products you are using (prescriptions, over-the-counter products, herbal supplements, natural products, and vitamins) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist.
Progesterone Pros & Cons
What are the pros and cons of progesterone (Prometrium)?
- Available as a generic at a lower price
- Injection form is available for adults with problems swallowing.
- Once-daily dosing - good for compliance
- Provides protection of the uterus for post-menopausal women who are using estrogen-containing medication.
- Can cause significant dizziness and drowsiness
- Progesterone capsules are contraindicated for those with peanut allergy
- Increases the risk of blood clots, strokes, and certain cancers
- Not a safe option for people with liver problems
Progesterone Pharmacist Tips
Progesterone (Prometrium) tips from pharmacists
If you are taking progesterone oral capsules, food affects the absorption of the oral capsules; therefore, you should take progesterone the same way every day, either with food or on an empty stomach.
If you have difficulty swallowing progesterone capsules, it is recommended that you take them with a full glass of water while standing up. Doing so will help the capsules get to your stomach easier.
One of the most common adverse effects of progesterone is dizziness and drowsiness. You should take this medication at bedtime to minimize this effect.
Progesterone dosing varies depending on the indication (what you are taking it for); use progesterone exactly as your doctor prescribes.
You should be taught how to administer the progesterone injection at home. You should let your doctor or pharmacist know if you still have questions or concerns regarding preparation and injection techniques.
Make sure you use a new syringe and needle for each administration of progesterone injection. You should be provided with a sharp container to discard used needles and syringes. If you are not provided with one, you can use a strong plastic container such as empty milk jugs. Please do not throw used needles and syringes in the regular trash.
Let your doctor know if you have a peanut or sesame allergy. Oral progesterone capsules contain peanuts, and some progesterone injections contain sesame oil. Your pharmacist can ensure you get the version of progesterone injections that do not have sesame oil.
If you take progesterone to regulate your menstrual cycles, you should have your period within 7 days after the last capsule or 3 days after the last injection. Let your doctor know if you don’t get a period at this point. If you have been sexually active, you should take a pregnancy test.
Progesterone may look similar to some candies; ensure that progesterone capsules are stored away from the reach of children to avoid accidental ingestion.
Progesterone Rx Savings Tips
Progesterone (Prometrium) Rx savings tips
Progesterone is available as a generic medication. Other trademarks of progesterone are Prometrium, First Progesterone MC10, Menopause Formula Progesterone. The generic version is a lot cheaper than the brand-name version. For additional savings and discounts, with a BuzzRx discount coupon or savings card, you can get progesterone at substantially lower prices. By presenting the free BuzzRx discount card at your preferred pharmacy, you can save on out-of-pocket costs for progesterone. BuzzRx discount cards can be used to save on drugs at all participating pharmacies, including CVS pharmacy, Walgreens, Rite Aid, among other major pharmacies. Visit our website to see all of the pharmacies in our network.
Lowest Price for progesterone (Prometrium) | |
| Brand $336.03 | Generic $20.99 |
VIEW DISCOUNTS Pricing based on most commonly-filled versions. Select the strength and quantity of your medication for the most accurate pricing. | |
Progesterone Common Questions
Common Questions about progesterone (Prometrium)
What is the best time for me to take progesterone?Progesterone can make you very drowsy and dizzy; therefore, it is best to take it at bedtime to minimize these side effects. |
Should I take progesterone with food?Food changes the way progesterone is absorbed in your body; therefore, you should take progesterone the same way every day, either with food or on an empty stomach. |
Can progesterone give me acne?Yes. High progesterone levels stimulate your skin’s oil glands, making your skin more prone to acne. |
Can progesterone make me gain weight?No, progesterone by itself does not cause weight gain. However, affecting other hormone levels can affect your appetites, leading to weight gain. |
What dosages are available for Progesterone?Progesterone is available in the following strengths: 100mg| 200mg. This drug is available in the following forms: tablet. Make sure to follow your prescription regimen according to your doctor’s instructions. |
What is the price of Progesterone without insurance?Without insurance, Progesterone can be as high as $65.23. (generic), but with a free BuzzRx prescription discount coupon, you could pay as low as $20.99 for the most common version of this medication. Use the BuzzRx drug price look-up tool to find the lowest discounted price and be sure to enter the correct dosage, form, and quantity for the most accurate pricing. While generics tend to have the best savings, you can also use your BuzzRx card and coupons to purchase brand-name versions. It never hurts to ask your pharmacist to try BuzzRx when filling or refilling any of your prescriptions—whether you have insurance or not. |
What is the price of Progesterone with insurance?Ask your pharmacist or insurance provider for your copay price on Progesterone—Copay amounts vary depending on the type of insurance plan you have and if there is a deductible to reach before prescription drug coverage begins. You could save up to 80% on your prescription medication with a free BuzzRx discount coupon for Progesterone. When using the BuzzRx lookup tool to find the price of your medication, be sure to enter the correct dosage, form, and quantity to receive the most accurate discounted pricing. It never hurts to ask your pharmacist to try BuzzRx when filling or refilling any of your prescriptions—whether you have insurance or not. |
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