Progynova

 

How to use

Progynova should be taken orally, with or without food. You can take this medication with a meal to prevent nausea and stomach upsets. The recommended dosage of this medication depends on the condition being treated and varies from person to person. Follow the instructions of your doctor exactly, even if they differ from the usually recommended dosage. Read the label thoroughly.

 

Take Progynova regularly to enjoy its maximum benefits. Leave regular intervals between dosages to ensure there is always an even amount of medication in your bloodstream.

 

Overdose

Symptoms of a Progynova overdose may include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Vaginal bleeding

If you suspect you have taken too much of this medication, you should contact your local poison control center or the emergency medical services immediately.

 

Missed dose

Take the missed dose of Progynova as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take your medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not double up on this medication to make up for a missed dose.

 

Notes

While taking Progynova, you may feel dizzy or light-headed or actually faint when getting up from a lying or sitting position. If getting up slowly doesn't help or if this problem continues, notify your doctor.

 

Do not share Progynova with others, as they may have a condition that is not adequately treated by this medication.

 

Certain positive life style changes (e.g. healthy diet, exercise, stop smoking or drinking, lowering cholesterol and blood pressure) could also help counteract symptoms of the menopause.

 

Storage

Store Progynova at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) and away from light and moisture. KEEP THIS AND ALL MEDICATIONS OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

 

Important note

The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgement of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed that the taking of this medication is safe, appropriate or effective for you.

 

 

 

 

Precautions

Before taking Progynova, you should inform your doctor of your medical history, especially of:

• Any allergies
• Vaginal bleeding of unknown cause
• Certain cancers (e.g. breast cancer, cancer of the uterus or ovaries)
• Current or a history of blood clots
• History of stroke or heart attack
• Liver or kidney diseases
• Family medical history (especially breast lumps and cancer)
• Asthma
• Diabetes
• Seizures
• Migraine headaches
• Heart disease (e.g. high blood pressure, congestive heart failure)
• Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)
• A certain hormone problem (hypoparathyroidism)
• Mineral imbalance (low calcium blood level)
• Mental or mood disorders (e.g. dementia, depression)
• High blood pressure during pregnancy (toxemia)
• Yellowing of the eyes or skin (cholestatic jaundice) during pregnancy or with past estrogen use
• Uterus problems (e.g. uterine fibroids, endometriosis)
• High blood cholesterol or fat (triglyceride) levels
• Gallbladder disease
• Obesity
• Certain blood disorder (porphyria)
• Lupus

If you currently suffer or ever have suffered from any of the above conditions, you may not be able to take this medication or you may need a dosage adjustment.

 

Progynova may cause such side effects as dizziness and drowsiness. It is not recommended to drive or perform any activities that require alertness while taking this medication, until you are sure it is safe to do so.

 

Estrogen combined with smoking increases your risk of certain dangerous conditions, such as strokes, high blood pressure, heart attacks and blood clots. Do not smoke or use tobacco, especially if you are aged 35 or over.

 

Progynova may cause patchy darkening of the skin on the face (melasma). This darkening may be worsened by sunlight. Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and arteficial sunlight, such as sunlamps and tanning booths. Use an effective sunscreen or wear protective clothing when you have to be outside in the sunshine.

 

Progynova may affect the growth and development of children. Discuss these risks with your doctor before letting your children use this medication and monitor your child's growth regularly.

 

Progynova is classed as Pregnancy Category X, which means it can cause harm or birth defects in an unborn baby. Do not take this medication when pregnant or planning to become pregnant during treatment. Discuss your options with your doctor.

Progynova can pass into breast milk in small quantities. This may reduce the quality and amount of milk produced. Talk to your doctor before taking this medication if you are currently breastfeeding.

 

Drug Interactions

Inform your physician before taking Progynova if you are currently also taking any of the following medicines:

• Anastrozole
• Exemestane
• Blood thinners (anticoagulants such as Warfarin)
• Corticosteroids (e.g. Prednisone)
• Raloxifene
• Tamoxifen
• Drugs affecting liver enzymes that remove estrogens from your body (such as St. John's wort, Phenobarbital, Phenytoin, Rifamycins including Rifabutin, Azole antifungals including Itraconazole, macrolide antibiotics including Erythromycin, certain anti-seizure medications including Carbamazepine)

This is only a partial list and other medication may interact with Progynova. Let your doctor know about all the prescription and non-prescription medication you use, including herbal pills, dietary supplements, vitamins and medication prescribed by other doctors. Do not start or stop taking any medication without talking to your doctor first.

 

 

The following common side effects of Progynova may occur:

• Dizziness
• Lightheadedness
• Headache
• Stomach upset
• Bloating
• Nausea
• Weight  changes
• Increased or decreased interest in sex
• Breast tenderness

If any of these side effects persist or worsen, let your doctor know.

 

Inform your doctor straightaway if you experience any of the following unlikely but serious side effects:

• Mental or mood changes (e.g. severe depression, memory loss)
• Breast lumps
• Swelling of the hands or feet
• Unusual vaginal bleeding (e.g. spotting, breakthrough bleeding, prolonged or recurrent bleeding)
• Unusual vaginal discharge, itching or odor
• Yellowing eyes or skin
• Stomach, abdominal or pelvic pain
• Persistent nausea or vomiting
• Dark urine
• Worsening of seizures
• Signs of worsening diabetes control (e.g. increased thirst and urination)

Infrequently, Progynova may cause serious problems such as heart attacks, strokes and blood clots. Seek emergency medical attention if you notice any of the following:

• Chest, jaw or left arm pain
• Sudden severe headache
• Weakness on one side of the body
• Confusion
• Slurred speech
• Sudden vision changes (e.g. double vision, loss of vision)
• Pain, redness or swelling of the legs
• Trouble breathing
• Coughing up blood
• Sudden dizziness or fainting

In rare cases, you may experience a severe allergic reaction to this medication. Seek immediate medical attention if this occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include:

• Rash
• Itching or swelling (especially of the face, tongue or throat)
• Severe dizziness
• Trouble breathing

The above is only a partial list of potential side effects and others may occur. Notify your doctor straightaway if you experience any side effects other than the ones mentioned above, especially if they are bothersome.

 

How does Progynova work? Progynova is a female estrogen hormone, usually given to women who do not produce as much estrogen naturally as they did before the menopause. By increasing the estrogen level in the body, many common symptoms of the menopause can be reduced, such as hot flushes, vaginal dryness and osteoporosis.

Is it safe to take Progynova while pregnant or breastfeeding?  Progynova is classed as Pregnancy Category X, which means it can cause harm or birth defects in an unborn baby. Do not take this medication when pregnant or planning to become pregnant during treatment. Discuss your options with your doctor.   Progynova can pass into breast milk in small quantities. This may reduce the quality and amount of milk produced. Talk to your doctor before taking this medication if you are currently breastfeeding.

Can I drink alcohol while taking Progynova? Progynova may cause certain side effects, such as dizziness and drowsiness and these effects may be worsened by the use of alcohol. Limit your alcohol intake while taking this medication.

Can I use Progynova as a form of birth control? No, Progynova does contain one of the two ingredients present in many birth control pills (estrogen), but it is not effective as a method of birth control itself. This medication should only be prescribed to treat certain diseases and menopausal symptoms.

What is the recommended dosage of Progynova? When using Progynova to treat symptoms of the menopause, it is recommended to take the lowest effective dose for the shortest period of time. However, the lowest effective dose differs from woman to woman and also depends on the condition or symptoms being treated. For most women, the recommended starting dose lies between 1-2mg. This dosage may be increased or decreased by your doctor if necessary.