Progesterone - Vaginal

Progesterone is a natural female hormone that is used intravaginally (inside the vagina) for the management of abnormal absence of menstruation.

This medicine is used as a part of assisted reproductive technology (ART) to treat infertility caused by insufficient progesterone in the body.

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

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.

This medicine is available as a vaginal gel or as a tablet.

How to apply Progesterone vaginal gel:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly.
2. Remove the applicator and plunger from the wrapper.
3. Fix the gel into the hole at the end of the applicator and remove the cap from the tip of applicator.
4. Sit or lie down with both knees bent and legs apart.
5. Gently insert the tip of the applicator into your vagina.
6. Push the plunger to release the gel.

How to use Progesterone vaginal pessary:

1. Wash your hands before inserting the pessary.
2. Sit or lie down with both knees bent and legs apart.
3. Gently insert the pessary into the vagina and push it backwards.
4. If you are using the applicator, press the plunger to release the pessary then remove the applicator from your vagina.
5. Wash your hands after inserting the pessary.

Use Progesterone gel or pessary at the same time each day.

Apply or insert 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 use your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.

Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• blood clot disorder
• liver disease
• known, suspected or history of cancer of the breast, womb or ovaries
• unexplained or unusual vaginal bleeding
• missed abortion (fetus dies but body does not recognize pregnancy loss or expel pregnancy tissue)

as Progesterone may not be suitable for you.

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
• depression

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Notify your doctor if you suffer from vaginal infection, have recently given birth or if you are using barrier methods of contraception (e.g. diaphragm).

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

Progesterone vaginal gel may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.

Progesterone vaginal gel may also cause any of the following side effects: headache, breast tenderness, vaginal discharge or infection, stomach pain, bloating, constipation and pain between anus and vagina.

If you are using Progesterone pessary, you may experience stomach pain, headache, tiredness, nausea and vaginal bleeding.

There may also be an oily leakage from the vagina soon after you insert the pessary. This is normal as the pessary contains a little oil to smoothen the insertion. You can use a panty liner to avoid staining your underwear.

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

• difficulty breathing or chest discomfort
• severe headache, migraine or vomiting
• 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.

Let your doctor know if you are using any other vaginal preparations such as vaginal douche or other medication that is applied in the vagina. You should not use other vaginal products together with this medicine.

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.

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

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.