Progesterone

About Progesterone

This belongs to the group of medicines known as progestogens.

Progesterone can be used to treat menopausal symptoms, infertility, premenstrual syndrome, and post-natal depression.

Progesterone is a female sex hormone, which is essential for the function of the reproductive system. It is produced by the corpus luteum in the ovaries during the second half of the menstrual cycle and by the placenta during pregnancy.

Progesterone is available in pessary, vaginal gel and injection form.

The pessary form of Progesterone is designed to be inserted into the vagina. It can also be used as a suppository when it is inserted in to the rectum (back passage).

Brands available are: Cyclogest, Crinone, Gestone. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before using Progesterone

Before using Progesterone make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you suffer from breast or cervical cancer or have a family history of this condition
• if you suffer from liver, kidney, jaundice, heart, porphyria or migraine problems
• if you suffer from depression or thrombosis or have a history of these conditions
• if you suffer from diabetes mellitus
• if you suffer with asthma, epilepsy or high blood pressure
• if you suffer from pruritus or pemphigoid gestationis
• if you have been suffering from unusual or irregular vaginal bleeding
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

How to use Progesterone

• Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Try to use Progesterone at the same time each day to avoid missing a dose.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of Progesterone contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if empty.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside Progesterone.
• Progesterone may cause dizziness, particularly when getting up from a sitting or lying position. Getting up slowly should help.
• Progesterone may cause drowsiness. Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing other jobs, which could be dangerous, if you are not full alert.
• Diabetics should do blood or urine tests regularly to check that diabetes is being well controlled.
• Progesterone does not stop ovulation. If you need contraception you should discuss this with your doctor who may suggest a combined oral contraceptive pill.
• If using the injection: Change the injection site on your body regularly to help prevent skin problems and difficulties in injecting.

Can Progesterone cause problems?

Along with their needed effects, all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Indigestion, irregular bleeding, bloating, fluid retention, breast tenderness, weight gain, feeling sick, headache, dizziness, insomnia, drowsiness, depression, itching, skin rash, acne like spots, hair growth, hair loss, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes).

If the pessaries are used in the rectum there is the possibility of diarrhoea and excessive wind.

If having Progesterone by injection, there is the possibility of soreness at the injection site.

If you experience any other worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store Progesterone

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of them for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 24/03/2005