uses
What is vaginal progesterone used for?Vaginal progesterone is commonly used to help you become pregnant and maintain the pregnancy while undergoing assisted reproductive technology, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF).Vaginal progesterone may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.How does vaginal progesterone work (mechanism of action)?Progesterone is a progestin hormone that affects the lining of the uterus. It helps the uterus lining develop so an embryo (fertilized egg) can implant and stay implanted to maintain a pregnancy.How is vaginal progesterone supplied (dosage forms)?Brands and other namesCrinoneEndometrinDosage forms and strengths100 mg vaginal insert4%, 8% vaginal gelHow should I store vaginal progesterone?Vaginal progesterone should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.
how to use
gel that is inserted into the vagina, vaginal insert
drug interactions
Does vaginal progesterone interact with foods or drinks?There are no known interactions between vaginal progesterone and foods or drinks.It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect vaginal progesterone.Does vaginal progesterone interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using vaginal progesterone.Rifampin (Rifadin), which is a medicine commonly used to treat an infection called tuberculosisCarbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol, and others), which is a medicine commonly used to treat seizures or nerve painA vaginal antifungal, such as clotrimazole or miconazole, which is a medicine commonly used for treating vaginal yeast infectionsSome other medicines may alter the blood levels of vaginal progesterone. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with vaginal progesterone. Always check with your health care provider.
side effects
What are the most common side effects of vaginal progesterone?The most common side effects of vaginal progesterone are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.Stomach pain NauseaTirednessConstipationBreast tendernessThere may be other side effects of vaginal progesterone that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.What are the serious side effects of vaginal progesterone?While less common, the most serious side effects of vaginal progesterone are described below, along with what to do if they happen.Severe Allergic Reactions. Vaginal progesterone may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using vaginal progesterone and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.Breathing problems or wheezingRacing heartFever or general ill feelingSwollen lymph nodesSwelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throatTrouble swallowing or throat tightnessItching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hivesNausea or vomitingDizziness, feeling lightheaded, or faintingStomach crampsJoint painBlood Clots. Vaginal progesterone may cause a blood clot in your arteries or veins and could cause a stroke, heart attack, or venous thromboembolism (VTE), including a blood clot in the lungs (pulmonary embolism), in the back of your eye (retinal vein occlusion), or in your legs or arms (deep venous thrombosis). Stop using vaginal progesterone and get emergency help if you have any of the following signs of a blood clot.Chest pain or pressureFast or abnormal heartbeatTrouble breathingPain in your back, jaw, throat, or armSweating, upset stomach, vomiting, or dizzinessSudden weakness on one side of your bodySudden and severe headacheSlurred speech or trouble understanding speechPain, swelling, or tenderness in your arm or legVision lossBulging eyesDouble visionChanges in Mood. Vaginal progesterone may cause changes in mood, including depression, irritability, or mood swings. Call your health care provider right away if you have new or increased depression or other unusual changes in mood or behavior.Fluid Retention (Edema). Vaginal progesterone can cause fluid retention, also called edema. Fluid retention can cause serious issues in people with certain conditions, such as heart failure or kidney problems. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.Chest painIrregular heartbeatShortness of breathStretched or shiny skinSwollen body parts, such as the belly or ankles
overdose and misseddose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much vaginal progesterone?If you or someone else has used too much vaginal progesterone, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.What should I do if I miss a dose of vaginal progesterone?If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses.
warnings and Precautions
Who should not use vaginal progesterone?Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use vaginal progesterone.CrinoneEndometrinProgesteroneAny of the ingredients in the specific product dispensedYour pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific vaginal progesterone products they stock.Unusual Vaginal Bleeding. Vaginal progesterone should not be used if you have bleeding from the uterus or vagina that is not part of your menstrual cycle or is unusual.Cancer. Vaginal progesterone should not be used if you have, suspect, or have had breast cancer or a cancer of the genital organs (ovaries, cervix, etc.). Some cancers are sensitive to hormones and could worsen if you use vaginal progesterone.Blood Clots. Vaginal progesterone should not be used if you have or have had blood clots, including a stroke, heart attack, blood clot in the lungs (pulmonary embolism) or deep venous thrombosis (DVT). Vaginal progesterone can increase the risk of developing a blood clot that could be dangerous and even fatal.Pregnancy Problems. Vaginal progesterone should not be used if there is a known missed abortion (a pregnancy that has stopped developing but has not yet been expelled from the uterus) or an ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy located outside the uterus, usually in the fallopian tubes).Liver Problems. Vaginal progesterone should not be used if your liver is not working as well as it should be. If there is a concern about the health of your liver, your health care provider may do tests to determine if it is working well enough to take this medicine.What should I know about vaginal progesterone before using it?Do not use vaginal progesterone unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed.Do not share vaginal progesterone with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.Keep vaginal progesterone out of the reach of children.Vaginal progesterone is inserted into the vagina. Make sure that you understand how to properly prepare and use vaginal progesterone. If you have any questions, talk to your health care provider or pharmacist.Vaginal progesterone comes with disposable applicators, which should be thrown away after each use. Do not reuse an applicator.Do not use products that go into the vagina like douches or certain medicines while using vaginal progesterone. These products may make vaginal progesterone less effective.What should I tell my health care provider before using vaginal progesterone?Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if vaginal progesterone is right for you.In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.Mental health problems, such as depressionHeart problems, such as heart failure or coronary artery diseaseAsthmaSeizuresMigraineKidney or liver problemsOther Medicines and Supplements. Vaginal progesterone may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using vaginal progesterone, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.Pregnancy. Vaginal progesterone is used in people who are either pregnant or trying to become pregnant. Talk with your health care provider about the potential risks and benefits of using this medicine. Your health care provider will let you know how long to use this medicine during pregnancy.Breastfeeding. Vaginal progesterone can pass into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use progesterone while breastfeeding.
about
Vaginal progesterone is used for certain people to help establish and maintain pregnancy. Vaginal progesterone works by helping the uterus lining develop so that an embryo (fertilized egg) can implant and stay implanted. Common side effects include stomach pain and nausea. Get emergency help if you have trouble breathing, chest pain, or vision changes.