Progesterone - Intramuscular

Progesterone is a natural female hormone used to treat abnormal vaginal bleeding (due to hormonal imbalance) and absence of menstruation.

This medicine may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.

Progesterone is to be given intramuscularly (into the muscle). Your doctor or nurse will administer this medicine for you.

This medicine must be administered on a regular interval for it to be effective. Do not stop treatment unless instructed by your doctor.

Ensure that you keep all appointments with your doctor so that you do not miss any doses. Your doctor also needs to regularly monitor your response to Progesterone.

If you miss an appointment or miss an injection, alert your doctor or nurse. A replacement appointment or injection should be given as soon as possible.

Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• blood clot disorder
• recent heart attack
• recent stroke
• liver disease
• cancer of the breast, womb or ovaries
• unexplained or unusual vaginal bleeding
• missed abortion (fetus dies but the body does not recognize pregnancy loss)

as this medicine may not be suitable for you.

Do not use Progesterone if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby soon. If you become pregnant while being treated with this medicine, alert your doctor immediately. Progesterone may cause harm to your unborn child. You must use proven birth control methods while using this medicine.

Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• epilepsy (fits or seizures)
• asthma
• migraine
• heart disease or risk factors for heart disease e.g. high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes
• kidney disease
• history of depression

Let your doctor know if you are breastfeeding.

If you are going for any laboratory tests, inform your doctor that you are being treated with Progesterone as it can interfere with certain tests.

Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly. Your doctor may need to do routine physical examination while you are being treated with this medicine.

Progesterone may cause any of the following side effects: oedema (swelling of the legs, hands or feet), vaginal bleeding or spotting, changes in menstrual cycle, headache, tiredness, breast tenderness, nausea, fever, weight gain or loss, hair growth disorder, acne, skin rash and pain, irritation or redness at the injection site.

Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:

• difficulty breathing or chest discomfort
• swelling of the face, mouth, eyes or legs
• severe headache or migraine
• visual disturbances

Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.

Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:

• medicines for Parkinson’s disease (disorder that affects movement of a person, causing symptoms such as tremors, muscle stiffness, slowed movement and impaired balance or walking) e.g. bromocriptine
• medicines for organ transplant or immune disorder e.g. ciclosporin
• medicines for TB e.g. rifampicin
• medicines for fungal infections e.g. ketoconazole
• medicines for epilepsy e.g. carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin

This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Progesterone.

Always notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.

Avoid alcohol.

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.