Progestogens

Drug Class:	Commonly Known As:	Category:
Progestin

Progestogens - What is it for

Dydrogesterone, medroxyprogesterone and norethisterone are types of progestogens.

Progestogens can be used for the following purposes:

Preparing the uterus for implantation of a fertilized egg, where the egg sticks to the wall of uterus
Maintenance of pregnancy once implantation occurs
Enhance implantation of a fertilized egg (routinely used during in vitro fertilization (IVF)) and to decrease the risk of spontaneous abortion (miscarriage)
Management of various abnormal uterine bleeding including absence of menstrual flow and heavy menstrual bleeding
Management of menopause in combination with estrogen replacement therapy

It is important to use the correct progestogen as directed by your healthcare professional.

Progestogens - Side Effects, Precautions, and Contraindications

What side effects can Progestogens cause?

Common side effects include:

Stomach discomfort, nausea and vomiting

Take it after food to reduce these side effects.

Breast tenderness
Headache

You may take Paracetamol to manage headaches.

Dizziness, drowsiness

Avoid activities that require mental alertness and avoid using heavy machineries.

Weight changes, mood swings

Take medication at the same time every day to avoid huge changes in the hormone levels in your body, which can lead to mood changes.

Skin pigmentation

Apply sunblock when outdoors and avoid long hours of sun exposure.

Inform your doctor if these side effects become severe and bothersome.

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
Difficulty in breathing
Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

Before taking Progestogens , what precautions must I follow?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication.
You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies.
You have a history of or current medical conditions such as liver problems, stroke, heart disease, blood clots, migraine headaches, epilepsy (fits), diabetes mellitus or cancer.

What food or medicine must I avoid when I take Progestogens ?

Some medications might interact with this medication. Check with your healthcare professional if you want to take any other medicines, supplements or herbal products.
If you see another healthcare professional, inform him that you are taking this medication before he prescribes any other medications.

Progestogens - Dosage and How to Use

How should Progestogens be used?

Do not stop taking your medication without checking with your healthcare professional.
This medicine should be taken after food.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Then take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed dose.