Generic Prometrium™®: Progesterone
Progesterone is the chemical name of the active ingredient in Prometrium™®
Tablet Chemical Name: Progesterone.
Other name brands for this medication
Progest, Crinone, Endometrin, Cyclogest, Microgest, Susten, Endogest, Naturogest SR, Macgest SR, Profine SR
Possible Uses of Microgest: Progesterone is a type of female hormone (progestin). This medication is similar to the progesterone that your body naturally makes and is given to replace the hormone when your body is not making enough of it. In women who are not pregnant and not going through menopause, this medication is used to restore normal menstrual periods that have stopped for several months (amenorrhea).
Progesterone is also used as part of combination hormone replacement therapy with estrogens to reduce menopause symptoms (e.g., hot flashes). Progesterone is added to estrogen replacement therapy to reduce the risk of cancer of the uterus. This medication is not for use in children. Progesterone must not be used to test for pregnancy.
OTHER USES: This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional. This drug may also be used to maintain pregnancy.
Before using Microgest: Before taking progesterone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as peanut oil), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
How to take Microgest: Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using this drug and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth, usually once a day at bedtime or as directed by your doctor. If you have trouble swallowing the pills, take with a full glass of water while standing up. Follow the dosing schedule carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Inform your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.
Precautions When Using Microgest: This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: history of blood clots, history of bleeding in the brain, liver disease, cancer of the breast or other female organs, vaginal bleeding of unknown cause, a loss of pregnancy with some tissue remaining in the uterus ("missed abortion"), recent stroke or heart attack (within 1 year).
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: family medical history (especially breast lumps and cancer), kidney disease, obesity, heart disease (e.g., past heart attacks, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure), high blood pressure, seizures, migraine headaches, asthma, high blood levels of cholesterol/fats, depression, diabetes, strokes, lupus. This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.
Notify your doctor beforehand if you will be having surgery or will be confined to a chair/bed for a long time (e.g., a long plane flight). You may need to stop the medication for a time or take special precautions because of the increased risk for blood clots. Ask your doctor for more details. Do not smoke. Smoking combined with this medication further increases your risk for strokes, blood clots, high blood pressure, and heart attacks.
This medication may cause blotchy, dark areas on your skin (melasma). Sunlight may worsen this effect. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning booths, and sunlamps. Use a sunscreen, and wear protective clothing when outdoors. This medication may be used during pregnancy only as directed by your doctor. There is conflicting information about whether progestins may cause harm to an unborn baby. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Side Effects of Microgest: Nausea, bloating, breast tenderness, headache, change in vaginal discharge, mood swings, blurred vision, dizziness, or drowsiness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: unusual vaginal bleeding (e.g., spotting, breakthrough bleeding), mental/mood changes (e.g., depression, memory loss), swelling of the hands/feet, frequent/burning/painful urination, breast lumps, dark patches on the skin or face (melasma), yellowing eyes/skin, stomach/abdominal pain, persistent nausea/vomiting, dark urine, unusual tiredness.
This medication may rarely cause very serious (possibly fatal) problems from blood clots (e.g., heart attack, stroke, blood clots in the lungs or legs, blindness). Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following: chest/jaw/left arm pain, weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, difficulty walking, sudden vision changes (e.g., blurred/double vision, loss of vision, bulging eyes), confusion, sudden severe headache, severe dizziness, fainting, trouble breathing, coughing up blood, pain/redness/swelling/weakness of the arms/legs, calf pain/swelling that is warm to the touch.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Drug Interactions of Microgest: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug include: drugs affecting liver enzymes that remove progesterone from your body (such as rifampin, St. John's wort, azole antifungals including itraconazole, certain anti-seizure medicines including carbamazepine/phenobarbital/phenytoin). This medication can affect the results of certain lab tests. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this medication.
Missed dose of Microgest: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Overdose of Microgest: If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately.
Storage of Microgest: Store at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
Other Information of Microgest: DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.
Generic Prometrium™®: Progesterone
Progesterone is the chemical name of the active ingredient in Prometrium™®
Tablet Chemical Name: Progesterone.
Other name brands for this medication
Progest, Crinone, Endometrin, Cyclogest, Microgest, Susten, Endogest, Naturogest SR, Macgest SR, Profine SR
Possible Uses of Microgest: Progesterone is a type of female hormone (progestin). This medication is similar to the progesterone that your body naturally makes and is given to replace the hormone when your body is not making enough of it. In women who are not pregnant and not going through menopause, this medication is used to restore normal menstrual periods that have stopped for several months (amenorrhea).
Progesterone is also used as part of combination hormone replacement therapy with estrogens to reduce menopause symptoms (e.g., hot flashes). Progesterone is added to estrogen replacement therapy to reduce the risk of cancer of the uterus. This medication is not for use in children. Progesterone must not be used to test for pregnancy.
OTHER USES: This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional. This drug may also be used to maintain pregnancy.
Before using Microgest: Before taking progesterone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as peanut oil), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
How to take Microgest: Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using this drug and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth, usually once a day at bedtime or as directed by your doctor. If you have trouble swallowing the pills, take with a full glass of water while standing up. Follow the dosing schedule carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Inform your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.
Precautions When Using Microgest: This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: history of blood clots, history of bleeding in the brain, liver disease, cancer of the breast or other female organs, vaginal bleeding of unknown cause, a loss of pregnancy with some tissue remaining in the uterus ("missed abortion"), recent stroke or heart attack (within 1 year).
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: family medical history (especially breast lumps and cancer), kidney disease, obesity, heart disease (e.g., past heart attacks, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure), high blood pressure, seizures, migraine headaches, asthma, high blood levels of cholesterol/fats, depression, diabetes, strokes, lupus. This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.
Notify your doctor beforehand if you will be having surgery or will be confined to a chair/bed for a long time (e.g., a long plane flight). You may need to stop the medication for a time or take special precautions because of the increased risk for blood clots. Ask your doctor for more details. Do not smoke. Smoking combined with this medication further increases your risk for strokes, blood clots, high blood pressure, and heart attacks.
This medication may cause blotchy, dark areas on your skin (melasma). Sunlight may worsen this effect. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning booths, and sunlamps. Use a sunscreen, and wear protective clothing when outdoors. This medication may be used during pregnancy only as directed by your doctor. There is conflicting information about whether progestins may cause harm to an unborn baby. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Side Effects of Microgest: Nausea, bloating, breast tenderness, headache, change in vaginal discharge, mood swings, blurred vision, dizziness, or drowsiness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: unusual vaginal bleeding (e.g., spotting, breakthrough bleeding), mental/mood changes (e.g., depression, memory loss), swelling of the hands/feet, frequent/burning/painful urination, breast lumps, dark patches on the skin or face (melasma), yellowing eyes/skin, stomach/abdominal pain, persistent nausea/vomiting, dark urine, unusual tiredness.
This medication may rarely cause very serious (possibly fatal) problems from blood clots (e.g., heart attack, stroke, blood clots in the lungs or legs, blindness). Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following: chest/jaw/left arm pain, weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, difficulty walking, sudden vision changes (e.g., blurred/double vision, loss of vision, bulging eyes), confusion, sudden severe headache, severe dizziness, fainting, trouble breathing, coughing up blood, pain/redness/swelling/weakness of the arms/legs, calf pain/swelling that is warm to the touch.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Drug Interactions of Microgest: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug include: drugs affecting liver enzymes that remove progesterone from your body (such as rifampin, St. John's wort, azole antifungals including itraconazole, certain anti-seizure medicines including carbamazepine/phenobarbital/phenytoin). This medication can affect the results of certain lab tests. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this medication.
Missed dose of Microgest: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Overdose of Microgest: If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately.
Storage of Microgest: Store at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
Other Information of Microgest: DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.
FAQ
1. What is progesterone?
Progesterone is a hormone naturally produced by the ovaries in women, and in smaller amounts by the adrenal glands in both men and women. It plays a crucial role in the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and embryogenesis.
2. What is the function of progesterone?
Progesterone serves several important functions in the body, including:
Regulating the menstrual cycle: Progesterone helps prepare the lining of the uterus for pregnancy and supports the implantation of a fertilized egg.
Supporting pregnancy: During pregnancy, progesterone helps maintain the uterine lining and prevents contractions that could lead to early labor.
Facilitating breast development: Progesterone helps prepare the breast tissue for milk production during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Regulating mood: Progesterone has effects on neurotransmitters in the brain, which can influence mood and emotional well-being.
3. When is progesterone levels typically highest in the menstrual cycle?
Progesterone levels typically rise after ovulation, which occurs around the middle of the menstrual cycle. If pregnancy does not occur, progesterone levels decline, leading to the shedding of the uterine lining and the start of menstruation.
4. How is progesterone deficiency diagnosed?
Progesterone deficiency may be diagnosed through blood tests conducted during specific phases of the menstrual cycle. Additionally, symptoms and medical history are taken into account. In cases of infertility or recurrent miscarriages, progesterone levels may be evaluated to assess whether supplementation is necessary.
5. Can progesterone be used as a form of birth control?
Progesterone-only contraceptives, such as the progestin-only pill (mini-pill), progesterone injections, implants, or intrauterine devices (IUDs), can be used for birth control. These methods work by thickening cervical mucus, making it difficult for sperm to reach the egg, and thinning the uterine lining, preventing implantation of a fertilized egg.
6. How is progesterone supplementation administered?
Progesterone supplementation can be administered in various forms, including oral capsules, vaginal suppositories or gel, intramuscular injections, or transdermal creams. The most appropriate form depends on the individual's needs, such as fertility treatment, hormone replacement therapy, or support during pregnancy.
7. What are the potential side effects of progesterone supplementation?
Side effects of progesterone supplementation may include:
Breast tenderness
Bloating or fluid retention
Mood swings
Headaches
Nausea
Fatigue
Dizziness
Allergic reactions at the site of application (for topical forms)
8. Is progesterone supplementation safe during pregnancy?
Progesterone supplementation is commonly used to support pregnancy in women at risk of miscarriage or preterm labor. It is generally considered safe when prescribed by a healthcare provider and used as directed. However, potential risks and benefits should be discussed with a doctor, especially in cases of high-risk pregnancies or underlying medical conditions.
9. Can men benefit from progesterone supplementation?
While progesterone is primarily associated with female reproductive health, men also produce small amounts of this hormone, which may play a role in sperm production and overall hormonal balance. In certain cases of hormonal imbalances or medical conditions, such as hypogonadism, men may benefit from progesterone supplementation, but this should only be done under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
