Progestins
TERM
□ levonorgestrel (Norplant system, Prev, Plan B)
QUICK LOOK AT THE CHAPTER AHEAD
Progesterone is the hormone of pregnancy and is produced primarily by the corpus luteum and by the placenta during pregnancy. Progesterone is a natural progestational hormone. When progesterone is taken orally, it is quickly inactivated. Parenteral progesterone causes local reactions and pain. Consequently, synthetic derivatives, known as progestins, were developed. These are more effective when administered orally and are more potent and sustained.1
Table 55-1 Progestins | |||||||||||||
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PROGESTERONE PROGESTINS CLIENT TEACHING
Perform monthly self-breast exams and report lumps to health care provider.
Continue regular follow-up care with health care provider.
Use sunscreen and protective clothing to prevent photosensitivity reactions.
Advise other health care providers (eg, specialist, surgeon, dentist) about medication use before surgery or treatment.
If pregnancy is suspected, stop taking and notify health care provider.
Report symptoms of headache, blurred vision (stroke), chest pain, pain, swelling, tenderness in extremities, shortness of breath (thromboembolism), weight gain, edema in ankles/feet (fluid retention), depression, severe abdominal pain, jaundice, pruritus, dark urine or light-colored stools (hepatic dysfunction), changes in vaginal bleeding, or spotting.
Diabetics should report changes in glucose levels to health care provider as progestins may cause glucose intolerance, and adjustment to oral hypoglycemic or insulin may be necessary.
If taking for contraceptive purposes, take at the same time daily, every day throughout the year.
Keep oral medication in the original packaging.
Read package insert carefully for directions and contact health care provider with questions.
Perform monthly self-breast exams and report lumps to health care provider.
Use sunscreen and protective clothing to prevent photosensitivity reactions.
If pregnancy is suspected, stop taking and notify health care provider.
Diabetics should report changes in glucose levels to health care provider as progestins may cause glucose intolerance, and adjustment to oral hypoglycemic or insulin may be necessary.
ACTIONAll Progesterone/Progestins
Progesterone and progestins produce secretion changes in the endometrium for preparation of implantation and nourishment of the embryo.
Other functions include suppressing of ovulation during pregnancy, supplementing the action of estrogen in its effects on the uterus and mammary glands, increasing basal body temperature, causing relaxation of smooth uterine muscle, and inhibiting in large doses the secretion of the lutenizing hormone from the anterior pituitary gland.2
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