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Progesterone Injection

Progesterone injection treats irregular menstrual cycles by increasing levels of the progesterone hormone in your body. Too little progesterone can cause complications with pregnancy or produce side effects similar to menopause. A healthcare provider can give you this injection or you can learn how to give it to yourself at home.

What is this medication?

PROGESTERONE (proe JES ter one) treats irregular menstrual cycles. It works by increasing levels of the hormone progesterone in your body. This medication is a progestin hormone.

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This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • Blood vessel disease, blood clotting disorder, or suffered a stroke
  • Breast, cervical or vaginal cancer
  • Diabetes
  • Heart disease
  • Liver disease
  • Recent abortion, miscarriage
  • Vaginal bleeding
  • An unusual or allergic reaction to progesterone, other hormones, medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
  • Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is for injection into a muscle. It is usually given in a hospital or clinic setting.

If you get this medication at home, you will be taught how to prepare and give this medication. Use exactly as directed. Take your medication at regular intervals. Do not take your medication more often than directed.

It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or care team to get one.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

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NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

  • Bosentan

This medication may also interact with the following:

  • Barbiturate medications for sleep or seizures
  • Bexarotene
  • Carbamazepine
  • Ethotoin
  • Ketoconazole
  • Phenytoin
  • Rifampin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medication. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

  • Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Blood clot—pain, swelling, or warmth in the leg, shortness of breath, chest pain
  • Breast tissue changes, new lumps, redness, pain, or discharge from the nipple
  • Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue
  • New or worsening migraines or headaches
  • Stroke—sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, trouble speaking, confusion, trouble walking, loss of balance or coordination, dizziness, severe headache, change in vision
  • Sudden eye pain or change in vision such as blurry vision, seeing halos around lights, vision loss
  • Unusual vaginal discharge, itching, or odor
  • Worsening mood, feelings of depression

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

  • Bloating
  • Breast pain or tenderness
  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness
  • Headache
  • Irregular menstrual cycles or spotting
  • Mood swings
  • Nausea
  • Swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children.

If you are using this medication at home, you will be instructed on how to store this medication. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date on the label.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

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Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.

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