Progesterone Capsules

What is this medication?

PROGESTERONE (proe JES ter one) prevents the lining of the uterus from becoming too thick in people taking estrogen after menopause. It may also be used to treat irregular menstrual cycles. It works by increasing levels of the hormone progesterone in your body. This medication is a progestin hormone.

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

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): PROMETRIUM

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

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

• Autoimmune disease like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
• Blood vessel disease, blood clotting disorder, or suffered a stroke
• Breast, cervical or vaginal cancer
• Dementia
• Diabetes
• Kidney or liver disease
• Heart disease, high blood pressure or recent heart attack
• High blood lipids or cholesterol
• Hysterectomy
• Recent miscarriage
• Tobacco smoker
• Vaginal bleeding
• An unusual or allergic reaction to progesterone, peanuts, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medication more often than directed.

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

A patient package insert for the product will be given with each prescription and refill. Read this sheet carefully each time. The sheet may change frequently.

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

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?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress.

This medication can cause swelling, tenderness, or bleeding of the gums. Be careful when brushing and flossing teeth. See your dentist regularly for routine dental care.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medication affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.

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.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.

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.