Prometrium

Prometrium is used to cause a period in premenopausal women who have stopped having them, as well as to prevent an excessive buildup of the uterine lining. This drug is identical in structure to the progesterone made naturally in the body. While most women have no problems with Prometrium, side effects such as dizziness, headaches, and breast pain can occur.

 

What Is Prometrium?

Prometrium® (progesterone capsules) is a prescription medication approved to:
 
  • Prevent abnormal thickening of the lining of the uterus in women taking estrogen hormone replacement therapy
  • Cause a period in women who stopped having menstrual periods before menopause.
     
(Click Prometrium Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes It?

Prometrium is made by Solvay Pharmaceuticals.
 

How Does Prometrium Work?

Prometrium contains the hormone progesterone. It is structurally identical to the progesterone made naturally in the body. In fact, Prometrium is the only hormone replacement therapy medication with bio-identical progesterone that has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
 
Women who still have a uterus (who have not had a hysterectomy) who take estrogen hormone replacement therapy must also take progesterone or a progestin (a synthetic progesterone-like drug) in order to prevent abnormal thickening of the lining of the uterus caused by the estrogen. This abnormal thickening can lead to cancer of the lining of the uterus. Taking progesterone or a progestin decreases this risk. Of course, this applies only to women who still have a uterus (who have not had a hysterectomy). For women without a uterus, progesterone is usually considered unnecessary.
 
Prometrium is also approved to cause a period in women who have stopped having periods before menopause for various reasons. Stopping the drug after taking it for a short time (usually ten days) will cause "withdrawal" bleeding (a period) within seven days of the last dose. This mimics the normal drop in progesterone levels that causes regular menstrual periods.
 

When and How to Use It

General considerations for when and how to use Prometrium include the following:
 
  • The medication comes in capsule form. It is taken by mouth once a day at bedtime.
     
  • For hormone replacement therapy, Prometrium is taken 12 days in a row during each 28-day cycle of estrogen medication. You may not have regular periods while taking the drug.
     
  • For causing periods in women before menopause, Prometrium is taken for 10 days.
     
  • You can take the medication with or without food. If Prometrium bothers your stomach, try taking it with food.
     
  • For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed.
     

Dosing Information

The dose of Prometrium your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • The medical condition being treated
  • Other medical conditions you may have.
     
As always, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Prometrium Dosage for more information.)
 

Side Effects of Prometrium

As with any medicine, Prometrium can cause side effects. However, not everyone who uses the medication will experience side effects. In fact, most women tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
 
Common side effects include but are not limited to:
 
  • Dizziness
  • Abdominal pain (stomach pain) or cramping
  • Headaches
  • Breast pain or tenderness.
     
(Click Prometrium Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 

Drug Interactions

Prometrium can interact with several other medications (see Prometrium Drug Interactions).
 

What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Prometrium?

Talk with your healthcare provider prior to using Prometrium if you have:
 
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Prometrium Warnings and Precautions to learn more, including information on who should not take the drug.)
 

What If I Take an Overdose?

It is not known what to expect from an overdose with Prometrium. If you happen to take too much, seek immediate medical attention.
 
(Click Prometrium Overdose for more information.)
 

How Should Prometrium Be Stored?

The capsules should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep Prometrium and all other medications out of the reach of children.
 

What If I Miss a Dose?

If you do not take your Prometrium as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
 

Strengths of Prometrium

Prometrium capsules come in the following strengths:
 
  • Prometrium 100 mg
  • Prometrium 200 mg.
     

Generic Prometrium

At this time, no generic versions of Prometrium are licensed for sale (see Generic Prometrium for more information).
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;