Prometrium is a female hormone important for the regulation of ovulation and menstruation. Prometrium is used to cause menstrual periods in women who have not yet reached menopause but are not having periods due to a lack of progesterone in the body. This medicine is also used to prevent overgrowth in the lining of the uterus in postmenopausal women who are receiving estrogen hormone replacement therapy.

Dosage and direction

Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Take the Prometrium capsule with a full glass of water. It is best to take the medicine at night because this medicine can make you dizzy or drowsy.

Precautions

Using Prometrium can increase your risk of blood clots, stroke, heart attack, or breast cancer.
To make sure Prometrium is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have: heart disease, circulation problems; migraines; asthma; kidney disease; seizures or epilepsy; a history of depression; or risk factors for coronary artery disease (such as high blood pressure, diabetes, lupus, high cholesterol, family history of coronary artery disease, smoking, being overweight).

Contraindications

You should not use Prometrium if you have: abnormal vaginal bleeding, a history of breast cancer, liver disease, or if you have recently had a heart attack, stroke, or blood clot.
Do not use if you are pregnant.
Prometrium should not be used to prevent heart disease or dementia, because this medicine may actually increase your risk of developing these conditions.
You should not use Prometrium if you are allergic to it.

Possible side effect

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Prometrium may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have: unusual vaginal bleeding; pain or burning when you urinate; a breast lump; sudden vision problems, severe headache or pain behind your eyes; symptoms of depression (sleep problems, weakness, mood changes); severe dizziness or drowsiness, spinning sensation, confusion, shortness of breath; heart attack symptoms - chest pain or pressure, pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, nausea, sweating; liver problems - nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); signs of a stroke - sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body), sudden severe headache, slurred speech, problems with speech or balance; signs of a blood clot in the lung - chest pain, sudden cough, wheezing, rapid breathing, coughing up blood; or signs of a blood clot in your leg - pain, swelling, warmth, or redness in one or both legs.
Common side effects of Prometrium may include: drowsiness, dizziness; breast pain; mood changes; headache; constipation, diarrhea, heartburn; bloating, swelling in your hands or feet; joint pain; hot flashes; or vaginal discharge.

Drug interaction

Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

Missed dose

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose

Seek emergency medical attention.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep away from children and pets.