Progesterone Injection (Progesterone Injection)

Do’s

• Follow your healthcare provider's instructions exactly
• regarding dosage, injection site, and frequency.
• Warm the injection vial by rolling it between your hands or placing it in warm (not hot) water for easier injection.
• Inject into the upper, outer buttocks (gluteal muscle), unless your healthcare provider advises otherwise.
• Rotate injection sites within your buttocks to avoid irritation and knots.
• Gently massage the injection site after administration to disperse the medication.
• Use a new, sterile needle and syringe for each injection to prevent infection.
• Dispose of sharps safely in a designated sharps container.

Don'ts

• Don't inject progesterone if you are allergic to it or any ingredients in the medication.
• Don't inject progesterone in the same spot every time.
• Don't use expired progesterone or medications that appear cloudy or discolored.
• Don't apply ice to the injection site before injecting.
• Don't massage the injection site excessively or rub it right after.
• Don't ueuse needles or syringes.

Common side effects:

• Pain/swelling at the injection site
• Breast tenderness
• Headache
• Weight gain/loss
• Acne
• Nausea
• Increased body/facial hair
• Loss of scalp hair
• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Menstrual abnormalities (amenorrhea; breakthrough bleeding and/or spotting; changes in menstrual flow)
• Fatigue
• Musculoskeletal pain
• Joint pain
• Injection site pain
• Vaginal discharge
• Yellow discoloration of skin or white of eyes
• Skin reactions including rash, hives, itching, and swelling
• Anxiety
• Cough
• Diarrhea
• Emotional lability
• Irritability

Serious side effects that may require immediate medical attention include:

• Unusual vaginal bleeding/discharge
• Seizures
• Stomach pain or swelling
• Depression
• Hives
• Skin rash
• Itching
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
• Hoarseness
• Signs of high blood sugar, such as confusion, increased thirst, increased hunger, frequent urination, flushing, fast breathing, or breath that smells like fruit
• Signs of serious infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go away, fever)
• Serious allergic reactions, including rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing
• Signs of a blood clot like chest pain or pressure; coughing up blood; shortness of breath; swelling, warmth, numbness, change of color, or pain in a leg or arm; or trouble speaking

This is not an exhaustive list, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking Progesterone injection,  contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

There's not enough information on its safety, so avoid using it altogether. This applies to oral, vaginal, and any other forms.

Prescription progesterone is safe for most when used correctly under a healthcare provider's supervision. This applies to oral and vaginal forms used for approved reasons.

Pregnant women should avoid non-prescription progesterone. Prescription vaginal progesterone for infertility or preventing preterm labor is likely safe but avoid it otherwise during pregnancy.

Breastfeeding safety is unknown. Avoid using progesterone while breastfeeding until more information is available.

Certain health conditions require avoiding non-prescription progesterone:

• Arterial disease
• Breast cancer or a history of it
• Depression
• Liver disease
• Porphyria
• Undiagnosed vaginal bleeding