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Progesterone (Injection)

Introduction:

Progesterone (proe-JES-ter-one)

Treats premenopausal women who have stopped having menstrual periods or have abnormal uterine bleeding caused by a hormonal imbalance.

Brand Name(s):

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to progesterone, or if you have a history of any blood clots, stroke, liver disease, or cancer of the breast or genitals. You should not use this medicine if you are pregnant, if you had a recent abortion that may have left some tissue in the uterus, or if you have vaginal bleeding that has not been checked by your doctor. This medicine should not be used as a pregnancy test.

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

  • Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot into one of your muscles.
  • You may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
  • Use a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine. never share your medicine with anyone.

If a dose is missed:

  • The timing of when you use this medicine is very important in how well it will work. Use the medicine on the exact day and at the exact time your doctor has ordered. Try not to miss any doses, keep all appointments with your doctor.
  • If you do miss a dose, call your doctor for instructions.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

  • If you store this medicine at home, keep it at room temperature, away from heat and direct light.
  • Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have diabetes, heart disease, migraine headaches, epilepsy, asthma, kidney disease, or a history of depression.
  • Before having any medical tests, let the doctor in charge know that you are using this medicine.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
  • Breast tenderness or nipple discharge
  • Fever
  • Swelling in the hands, ankles, or feet
  • Weight gain or loss
  • Yellow eyes or skin

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

  • Acne
  • Breakthrough bleeding
  • Depression
  • Hair loss, excessive hair growth
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Reviewed last on: 1/4/2010
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