Artigest 100

Indications

Progesterone is a natural female hormone. As a medicine it is used for:

• Support of the womb lining during fertility treatment such as IVF (luteal phase support).
• Some cases of threatened or repeated miscarriage linked to low progesterone, and to lower the risk of early (preterm) birth in women at high risk, as decided by a specialist.
• Absent or irregular periods and abnormal bleeding from the womb caused by hormone imbalance.
• Protecting the womb lining in women taking oestrogen hormone replacement therapy (HRT) after menopause.

How It Works

Progesterone prepares and maintains the lining of the womb so that a fertilised egg can implant and a pregnancy can be supported. It also balances the effect of oestrogen on the womb lining, which helps regulate periods and stops the lining from over-growing during HRT.

Dosage and Administration

Progesterone comes as capsules taken by mouth, capsules or gel placed in the vagina, and injections. The dose, form and length of treatment depend on the reason for use and are decided by the doctor, so it is used as prescribed. Fertility and pregnancy treatment is always guided by a specialist. Injections are given by a doctor or nurse. Capsules by mouth are often taken at bedtime because they can cause drowsiness. Do not stop treatment in pregnancy without the doctor's advice.

Interactions

Rifampicin, Carbamazepine, Phenytoin, Phenobarbital and St John's wort can lower its effect. Ketoconazole and some other medicines can raise its levels. It may change blood sugar control, so diabetes medicines may need adjusting. Avoid using other vaginal products at the same time as vaginal progesterone unless advised.

Contraindications

• Allergy to progesterone or any ingredient (some capsules contain peanut oil; do not use them with peanut or soya allergy).
• Unexplained vaginal bleeding.
• Known or suspected breast cancer or cancer of the genital organs.
• Current or past blood clots (deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism), stroke or heart attack.
• Severe liver disease.
• Incomplete miscarriage or pregnancy outside the womb (ectopic).
• Porphyria.

Side Effects

Common: breast tenderness, bloating, headache, drowsiness or dizziness (especially with capsules by mouth), mood changes, spotting between periods, nausea, and vaginal irritation or discharge with vaginal forms. Injections can cause pain at the injection site.

Get urgent medical help for: pain, swelling or warmth in one leg; sudden chest pain or breathlessness; sudden severe headache, weakness on one side, problems with speech or sight; yellow skin or eyes; heavy vaginal bleeding or severe pelvic pain; or signs of a serious allergic reaction.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Progesterone is used in early pregnancy only under specialist advice for specific reasons such as fertility treatment or high risk of preterm birth. It should not be used to try to diagnose pregnancy. Small amounts pass into breast milk; use while breastfeeding only if the doctor advises it.

Precautions and Warnings

• Drowsiness and dizziness can happen; do not drive or use machines if affected.
• Tell the doctor about depression, epilepsy, migraine, asthma, heart or kidney disease, diabetes, or a history of blood clots.
• When used with oestrogen as HRT, regular check-ups, including breast checks, are needed.
• Any unusual vaginal bleeding during treatment should be checked by a doctor.

Overdose

Too much may cause drowsiness, dizziness, nausea or tiredness. Serious harm is unlikely, but seek medical advice. Reduce or stop only as advised by the doctor.

Therapeutic Class

Female sex hormone (progestogen).

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children. Do not freeze injections or gel.