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^[1]. 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^[2]

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.