Macgest 200 Capsule (Progesterone 200mg)

INTRODUCTION

MACGEST 200MG contains Progesterone which belongs to the group of medicine called progestins. It is used in the prevention of endometrial hyperplasia (excessive thickening of uterine lining) in postmenopausal women with uterus who are receiving conjugated estrogens tablets as part of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). It can also be used to treat progesterone imbalance states like pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS), benign mastopathies (a hormone-dependent change in glandular tissue in breasts) and symptoms of pre-menopause (such as hot flushes, anxiety, depression or vaginal dryness).

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a combination of physical, emotional and psychological disturbances that occur during 7 to 10 days before their monthly period (after ovulation) and typically ends with the onset of menstrual flow. Common symptoms of PMS include tension, irritability, mood swings, depression, headache, breast tenderness, weight gain and bloating.

The most common side effects of taking this medicine are headache, dizziness, stomach pain, bloating and breast pain. Contact your doctor immediately, if you see any changes in breasts like dimpling of the skin, changes in the nipple or presence of any lumps. Avoid consumption of alcohol, driving or travelling, because this medicine may make you feel dizzy and drowsy. Take this medicine once daily preferably at bedtime. MACGEST 200MG is considered safe for use during pregnancy. There are no evidence of impaired fertility or harm to the fetus due to the use of progesterone. However, consult your doctor before taking. This medicine is intended for use only in adult females and not recommended for use in children.

USES OF MACGEST 200MG

Prevents endometrial hyperplasia (excessive thickening of uterine lining) in postmenopausal women with uterus who are taking estrogens as part of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
Treats benign mastopathies (a hormone-dependent change in glandular tissue in breasts)
Treats symptoms of pre-menopause (such as hot flushes, anxiety, depression or vaginal dryness)

HOW MACGEST 200MG WORKS

Progesterone taken orally, binds to and activates the progesterone receptor (PR) present in the stromal cells during the secretory phase of menstrual cycle and during pregnancy. It works by adjusting the hormonal balance within the body, restores progesterone levels in case of deficiency and reduce the symptoms associated with PMS, pre-menopause and benign mastopathies.

In patients receiving estrogen-based HRT, addition of progesterone helps to shed the excessive layers on the lining of the womb and prevents endometrial hyperplasia.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

Take MACGEST 200MG as directed by your physician. Take this medicine before meals. Swallow the medicine as a whole with a sip of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine. Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration of therapy for you depending upon your condition. Continue to take this medicine, as long as your doctor tells you to do so, to obtain better results.

SIDE EFFECTS OF MACGEST 200MG

SERIOUS
Stroke, heart attack
Visual loss or blindness
Changes in speech
Severe pains in legs
Chest pain with or without shortness of breath, weakness and fatigue
COMMON
Drowsiness, dizziness
Breast tenderness or pain
Abdominal cramps or bloating
Headaches
Irregular vaginal bleeding or spotting
Nausea and vomiting
Hair loss
Fluid retention (edema)
Vaginal yeast infection

HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS

Nausea or vomiting:

Try taking this medicine with, or just after meals. Stick to simple meals. Do not eat rich or spicy food.

Bloating or wind:

Eat smaller and frequent meals. Eat and drink slowly, and exercise regularly. If the symptoms get worse, contact your doctor immediately.

Abdominal cramps:

Try to rest and relax. You can eat and drink slowly or have smaller and frequent meals. Keeping a heat pad on your stomach may also help. If still pain persists, speak to your doctor.

Headache:

Apply hot or cold-water bag on your head. Take rest in a quiet and dark room. Drink tea or coffee.

WARNING & PRECAUTIONS

PREGNANCY
MACGEST 200MG is considered safe for use during pregnancy. There are no evidence of impaired fertility or harm to the fetus due to the use of progesterone.

BREASTFEEDING
MACGEST 200MG should be used with caution if you are breastfeeding women. Consult your doctor before taking this medicine.

DRIVING AND USING MACHINES
Do not drive or operate any machines, because this medicine may make you feel dizzy.

ALCOHOL
Avoid consumption of alcohol while taking this medicine, because it can increase the risk of side effects.

KIDNEY
MACGEST 200MG should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Consult your doctor for advice.

LIVER
MACGEST 200MG should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Consult your doctor for advice.

ALLERGY
Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to progesterone.

LUNGS
MACGEST 200MG should be used with caution in patients with asthma or other respiratory disorders. Consult your doctor for advice.

HEART DISEASE
MACGEST 200MG should be used with caution in patients with heart problems. Consult your doctor for advice.

OTHERS

Tell your doctor before taking this medicine, if you:

Have breast cancer or cancer that is sensitive to estrogen (e.g. endometrial cancer)
Have endometriosis or endometrial hyperplasia
Have unexplained vaginal bleeding
Have porphyria (an inherited blood disorder)
Have cerebral hemorrhage (bleeding in the brain)
Have or ever had blood clotting disorders (e.g. blood clot in the vein or legs)
Have high blood pressure
Have diabetes
Have gall stones
Have migraine headache
Have systemic lupus erythematosus (allergic immune reaction)
Have epilepsy
Have otosclerosis (a disease affecting eardrum and hearing)
Have depression
Have photo sensitivity (sensitivity to light)
Are going to have a surgery

INTERACTIONS

Talk to your doctor, if you are taking,

Medicines used to treat epilepsy (e.g. phenytoin, phenobarbital, carbamazepine)
Medicines used to treat tuberculosis (e.g. rifampicin, rifabutin)
Medicines used to treat HIV infection (e.g. nevirapine, efavirenz, ritonavir and nelfinavir)
Medicines used to prevent blood clots (e.g. coumarins, phenindone)
Medicines used to treat fungal infection (e.g. ketoconazole, griseofulvin or terbinafine)
Medicines used to treat diabetes (e.g. insulin, metformin)
St. John’s Wart (a herbal medicine to treat depression)
Bromocriptine (used to treat problems of pituitary gland or Parkinson’s disease)
Ciclosporin (used to suppress immune system)
Spironolactone (a diuretic pill)
Antibiotics such as ampicillin, tetracyclines
Other progestins (e.g. medroxyprogesterone acetate, megestrol)
Ulipristal acetate (emergency contraceptive pill)
Diazepam (used to induce sleep)
Tizanidine (used to treat multiple sclerosis)