Progesterone is a natural female hormone that is used to treat pre-menstrual syndrome (physical, emotional or mood change prior to a woman’s menstrual cycle).
This medicine may also be used to treat depression that occurs after giving birth.
Use Progesterone exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not use more or less than instructed by your doctor.
How to use Progesterone pessary (rectal):
- Wash your hands thoroughly.
- Remove the pessary from the foil wrapper.
- Lie on your left side and pull your right knee up to your chest.
- Gently insert the pessary with the pointed end first into your rectum. Gently push the pessary as far as it would go.
- Squeeze your buttocks together for a few seconds to hold the pessary in place. The pessary must remain in the rectum so that the medicine can be absorbed.
Use it at the same time each day.
Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to administer your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
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: changes in your menstrual cycle, soreness in your rectum, diarrhoea and stomach wind.
There may also be an oily leakage from the rectum soon after you insert the pessary. This is normal as the pessary contains a little oil to smoothen the insertion.
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicine, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.