Prometrium

Prometrium is a brand name for the hormone progesterone, which is a type of female hormone (progestin). It is used to cause menstrual periods in women who are not producing enough natural progesterone. It is also used to prevent overgrowth in the lining of the uterus in postmenopausal women who are receiving estrogen hormone replacement therapy.

Uses

Prometrium is used to restore normal menstrual periods that have stopped for several months (amenorrhea). It is also used as part of combination hormone replacement therapy with estrogens to reduce menopause symptoms (e.g., hot flashes). Progesterone is added to estrogen replacement therapy to reduce the risk of cancer of the uterus.

Side Effects

Common side effects of Prometrium include dizziness, spinning sensation, abdominal pain, headache, breast pain, musculoskeletal pain, joint pain, and diarrhea. Serious side effects of Prometrium include chest pain, depression, migraine, partial loss of vision, shortness of breath, and slurred speech.

Interactions

Prometrium may interact with other drugs such as rifampin, ketoconazole, itraconazole, St. John's wort, phenobarbital, carbamazepine, phenytoin, and rifabutin.

Precautions

Before taking Prometrium, patients should inform their healthcare provider if they have a history of blood clots, stroke, liver disease, cancer of the breast or other female organs, vaginal bleeding of unknown cause, a loss of pregnancy with some tissue remaining in the uterus ("missed abortion"), or an unusual vaginal discharge.

See Also

• Progesterone
• Hormone replacement therapy
• Menopause
• Amenorrhea