Specifically, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved progesterone oral capsule for the following uses in certain adults:
This article describes possible side effects of progesterone oral capsule. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for progesterone. You can explore this overview article to learn more about progesterone, including the drug’s uses, side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.
Progesterone oral capsule is a generic version of the brand-name drug Prometrium. Progesterone also comes in an injectable form, but this form isn’t described in this article. To learn more about this form, talk with your doctor.
Boxed warnings
Progesterone has boxed warnings about the following risks. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The boxed warnings for progesterone oral capsule are:
For details, see the “Side effects of progesterone in detail” section below.
More common side effects of progesterone
Progesterone oral capsule may cause mild or serious side effects. Below are some of the more common side effects of this medication.
Commonly reported side effects of progesterone oral capsule include:
- dizziness
- abdominal pain or cramps
- headache
- breast pain or tenderness
Mild side effects of progesterone
Progesterone oral capsule may cause certain mild side effects. Usually, mild side effects are temporary and can be easily managed. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have side effects that don’t go away or become bothersome.
Mild side effects of progesterone oral capsule that occurred in studies include:
- abdominal pain, cramps, or bloating
- breast pain or tenderness
- cough
- diarrhea
- dizziness
- fatigue (low energy)
- irritability
- headache
- nausea
- pain, such as in your back or muscles
- viral infection, such as the common cold
- vaginal side effects*
- mild allergic reaction*
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of progesterone in detail” section below.
Progesterone oral capsule may cause more mild side effects than those listed above. For details, see the drug’s prescribing information.
Serious side effects of progesterone
Progesterone oral capsule may cause certain serious side effects. If you have any serious side effects from progesterone oral capsule, call your doctor right away. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency or your side effects feel life threatening, take immediate action. Call 911 or a local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.
After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Visit MedWatch’s website if you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with progesterone oral capsule.
Serious side effects of progesterone oral capsule that occurred in studies include:
- depression
- eye-related side effects, including blood clots affecting the eye
- liver-related side effects, including liver failure
- suicidal thoughts
- risk of heart and blood vessel problems*
- risk of dementia*
- risk of breast cancer*
- severe allergic reaction†
* Progesterone oral capsule has a boxed warning for this side effect. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. To learn more, see the “Side effects of progesterone in detail” section below.
† To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of progesterone in detail” section below.
Suicide prevention
If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:
If you’re calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so safely.
If you are not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.
Common questions about side effects of progesterone
Here are answers to some common questions about side effects of progesterone oral capsule. If you have other questions, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Can progesterone cause weight gain?
Maybe. Weight gain wasn’t reported as a side effect in progesterone’s studies. But both weight gain and weight loss have been reported by people taking progesterone oral capsule since the drug was approved.
These reports happened outside of the drug’s studies. So it’s not known whether the weight changes were due to progesterone or other factors.
Talk with your doctor if you have concerns about your weight, including whether a medication you take could be affecting it.
Does progesterone cause long-term side effects?
Yes, in some cases, progesterone oral capsule may cause long-term side effects. These can occur if you take the drug for a long time, and they may last for a while after you’ve stopped taking the drug.
Examples of long-term side effects reported with progesterone oral capsule include:
* Progesterone oral capsule has a boxed warning for this side effect. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. To learn more, see the “Side effects of progesterone in detail” section below.
Talk with your doctor to learn more about these side effects and how to manage them. Ask your doctor for more information about how long these side effects of progesterone may last.
Coupon for progesterone
Visit this page to access Optum Perks coupons and get price estimates for progesterone when you use the coupons. These coupons can provide significant savings on your prescription costs.
Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.
Side effects of progesterone in detail
Below you’ll find details on some of the side effects of progesterone oral capsule.
Boxed warnings
Progesterone oral capsules have three boxed warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA.
Risk of serious heart and blood vessel problems
Taking progesterone with estrogen raises the risk of serious heart and blood vessel problems. This increased risk was reported in studies of people taking both estrogen and progesterone. Because of this risk, doctors typically prescribe progesterone oral capsule and estrogen at the lowest effective dosages. They also prescribe both for the shortest period of time.
Examples of these heart and blood vessel problems are heart attack and stroke. Symptoms of a heart attack include chest pain, pressure or discomfort, shortness of breath, sweating, and cold, clammy skin. Symptoms of a stroke include drooping in the face, weakness or numbness in one or both arms, and difficulty speaking or slurred speech.
Ways to manage
If you experience symptoms of heart attack or stroke, call 911 or seek emergency medical attention right away. Keep in mind that taking progesterone oral capsule alone as prescribed isn’t expected to cause these side effects.
Risk of dementia
Taking progesterone with estrogen raises the risk of dementia. This increased risk was reported in studies of people taking both estrogen and progesterone. Because of this risk, doctors typically prescribe progesterone oral capsule and estrogen at the lowest effective dosages. They also prescribe both for the shortest period of time.
With dementia, you have a decline in brain function. This results in problems related to behavior, communication, memory, and judgment. It also affects your behaviors. Symptoms may include confusion, trouble completing everyday tasks, and memory problems.
Ways to manage
If you have concerns about dementia, tell your doctor. They can review your health history and discuss your risks. But taking progesterone oral capsule alone as prescribed isn’t expected to cause this side effect.
Risk of breast cancer
Taking progesterone oral capsule with estrogen raises the risk of breast cancer. This increased risk was reported in studies of people taking both estrogen and progesterone. Because of this risk, doctors typically prescribe progesterone oral capsule and estrogen at the lowest effective dosages. They also prescribe both for the shortest period of time.
With breast cancer, certain cells in the breast cells have unusual growth. They multiply (make more cells) and form a tumor, which can spread to other parts of the body. Symptoms may include breast pain, breast swelling, and a lump or unusual thickening in the breast.
Ways to manage
If you have concerns about breast cancer, tell your doctor. They can review your health history and discuss your risks. But keep in mind that taking progesterone oral capsule alone as prescribed isn’t expected to cause this side effect. Your doctor can also discuss whether you should have breast cancer screening, such as breast exams or mammograms.
Vaginal side effects
In studies, vaginal side effects were common in people using progesterone oral capsule plus estrogen. These side effects are usually mild. In the studies, vaginal side effects were reported in people taking both progesterone and estrogen.
Vaginal side effects reported in these studies include vaginal discharge and vaginal dryness.
Ways to manage
If you have any vaginal side effects while taking progesterone oral capsule, tell your doctor. They’ll likely recommend a treatment, depending on your specific symptoms. But keep in mind that these side effects aren’t expected when progesterone oral capsule is used alone.
For some people, progesterone oral capsule can cause an allergic reaction.
Symptoms can be mild or serious, and they may include:
- itchiness
- skin rash
- swelling under the skin, usually affecting eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
- swelling of the mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe
- flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)
Ways to manage
For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep taking the medication.
For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to progesterone oral capsule, your doctor may recommend taking a different medication instead.
Warnings for progesterone
Below are some factors you may want to discuss with your doctor before taking progesterone oral capsule.
Boxed warnings
This drug has boxed warnings about the following risks. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The boxed warnings for progesterone oral capsule are:
For details, see the “Side effects of progesterone in detail” section above.
Other warnings
It may not be safe for you to take progesterone oral capsule if you have specific health conditions. These are sometimes called drug-condition interactions. Other things may also affect whether progesterone oral capsule is a safe treatment option for you.
Before taking progesterone oral capsule, tell your doctor about your health. Things to consider include:
- current or past breast cancer
- past heart attack or stroke
- current or past blood clots
- liver condition
- peanut allergy
- current, undiagnosed, or untreated vaginal bleeding
- past allergic reaction to progesterone
Progesterone and pregnancy
Progesterone oral capsule should not be taken during pregnancy. If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking this medication. Your doctor may suggest birth control options to use during treatment with progesterone.
Progesterone and breastfeeding
It’s not known whether progesterone oral capsule should be taken while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before using this medication.
Progesterone oral capsule is not known to interact with alcohol.
If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about whether it’s safe to consume it during your treatment with progesterone oral capsule.
What to ask your doctor
This article describes common and serious side effects of progesterone oral capsule. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they can discuss possible side effects with you. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about treatment with this medication.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- How do side effects of progesterone oral capsule compare with other forms of progesterone?
- Are side effects of progesterone similar to those of other medications that could treat my condition?
- How will you monitor my side effects while I’m taking progesterone? Will I need to have lab tests?
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
