Progesterone belongs to the class of medications called progestins. Progesterone injection is used to treat amenorrhea (lack of menstrual periods) and abnormal bleeding from the vagina caused by changes in hormone levels. When used for amenorrhea, the effects are usually seen within 2 to 3 days of the last injection. When used for abnormal bleeding from the vagina, effects are usually seen within 6 days.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are using this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop using this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to use this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

Amenorrhea: The usual recommended dose is 5 to 10 mg injected into a muscle once daily for 6 to 8 days.

Abnormal bleeding from the vagina: The usual recommended dose is 5 to 10 mg injected into a muscle once daily for 6 days.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important this medication be given exactly as recommended by your doctor. If you miss an appointment to receive progesterone injection, contact your doctor as soon as possible to reschedule your appointment.

Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Each mL of injection contains progesterone 50 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: benzyl alcohol 10% (as a preservative) and sesame oil.

Do not use this medication if you:

• are allergic to progesterone or any ingredients of this medication
• had a miscarriage and the doctor suspects some tissue is still in the uterus
• have a history of blood clots (e.g., pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis), stroke related to a blood clot, inflammation of the veins (thrombophlebitis), or blood clotting disorders
• have abnormal vaginal bleeding that has not been checked by a doctor
• have known or suspected breast cancer

This medication should not be used to test for pregnancy.

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people using this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• depression
• skin rash
• symptoms of blood sugar problems (dry mouth, frequent urination, loss of appetite, or unusual thirst)
• unexpected changes in vaginal bleeding such as:
  • heavier vaginal bleeding between regular monthly periods
  • increased amounts of menstrual bleeding occurring at regular monthly periods
  • lighter vaginal bleeding between menstrual periods
  • stopping of menstrual periods
• unexpected or increased flow of breast milk

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• headache or migraine
• loss of or change in speech, coordination, or vision (including double vision)
• numbness of or pain in chest, arm, or leg
• unexplained shortness of breath

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.

Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Temporary and occasional dizziness may occur for some people after taking progesterone. If the medication affects you in this way, avoid activities requiring concentration, good coordination, or reflex action such as driving or operating machinery.

Pregnancy: Do not take progesterone during pregnancy, especially during the first 4 months. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: This medication passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking progesterone, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

There may be an interaction between progesterone and any of the following:

• barbiturates (e.g., phenobarbital)
• carbamazepine
• colchicine
• dabigatran
• everolimus
• ketoconazole
• phenytoin
• rifabutin
• rifampin
• topotecan

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.