Prometrium

Prometrium® (Progesterone, USP) is a brand of micronized progesterone capsules from Solvay Pharmaceuticals, which has been FDA-approved for use in the United States. Solvay obtained US marketing rights from Schering-Plough Corporation in January 1998.

Synthesized from yams, prometrium® is identical in chemical structure to the progesterone which is naturally produced in a woman's body. The inactive ingredients in prometrium® capsules include peanut oil NF, gelatin NF, glycerin USP, lecithin NF, titanium dioxide USP and coloring

Prometrium® is used as a prescription drug in hormone replacement therapy -- or bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, to be more precise. Micronization of progesterone greatly improves its absorption when taken orally. Prior to the use of prometrium® micronized progesterone was only available from compounding pharmacies, but its production as an FDA-approved prescription drug by a major pharmaceutical company greatly increased availability.

Although prometrium® capsules are most often taken orally, they are also available as vaginal suppositories.