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PROGESTERONE SUPPORT MEDICINES

Progesterone plays a vital role in preparing your womb for embryo implantation and supporting early pregnancy. As part of your treatment, you may be prescribed one of several forms of progesterone.

Progesterone medicines used in fertility treatment

Here we’ve outlined the different progesterone medicines you may be prescribed. Each section explains what it’s for, how to use it, possible side effects, and when to contact us if something doesn’t feel right. 

Your prescription will be personalised for you, and your exact schedule can be found in your Care Fertility companion app, Salve. If anything is unclear, or you’re worried about how you’re feeling, our team is always here to help. 

Cyclogest

Active ingredient: Micronized progesterone  
Available form: Pessaries

Cyclogest supports the womb lining in preparation for embryo implantation and is continued for a number of weeks after a positive pregnancy test. 

How to store it

Keep in a cool, dry place below 30°C, away from heat and direct sunlight. Always store in the original packaging.

How to take it

Insert the pessary vaginally or rectally at the dose shown in your treatment companion app, Salve.

 

Possible side effects

Like all medicines, Cyclogest can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Common side effects include: abdominal swelling, pain, constipation, sleepiness, tiredness, and hot flushes. Some people may also experience weight changes, mood swings, or breast discomfort. Rarely, allergic reactions such as an itchy rash may occur. 

See the patient leaflet in your pack for the full list of possible side effects. 

 

Disposal Dispose of the empty outer packaging in household waste/recycling.

Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Return any unused medication to your pharmacy or Care Fertility clinic. 

Utrogestan

Active ingredient: Micronized progesterone
Available form: Capsules (used vaginally)

Utrogestan helps prepare the womb lining for embryo implantation and supports early pregnancy. Progesterone support is continued for a number of weeks following a positive pregnancy test. 

How to store it

Keep in a cool, dry place below 25°C, away from heat and direct sunlight. Always store in the original packaging. 

How to take it

Insert the capsule vaginally at the dose shown in your treatment companion app, Salve.

Possible side effects

Like all medicines, Utrogestan can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Common side effects include: abdominal pain or swelling, constipation, dizziness, and tiredness. Some people may experience premenstrualtype symptoms such as breast tenderness or mood changes. 

See the patient leaflet in your pack for the full list of possible side effects. 

Disposal

Dispose of the empty outer packaging in household waste/recycling. 

Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Return any unused medication to your pharmacy or Care Fertility clinic. 

Crinone gel

Active ingredient: Progesterone 
Available form: 8% vaginal gel

Crinone helps prepare the womb lining for implantation and supports early pregnancy. Progesterone support is continued for a number of weeks following a positive pregnancy test. 

How to store it

Keep in a cool, dry place below 25°C, away from heat and direct sunlight. Always store in the original packaging. 

How to take it

Apply vaginally as directed in your treatment companion app, Salve.
Click here to see a video explaining how to use the gel.

 

Possible side effects

Headache, drowsiness, abdominal pain, breast tenderness, itching or burning. Some people may experience spotting or local irritation. 

See the patient leaflet in your pack for the full list of possible side effects. 

Disposal

Dispose of the empty outer packaging in household waste/recycling. 

Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Return any unused medication to your pharmacy or Care Fertility clinic. 

Lubion

Active ingredient: Progesterone  
Available form: Subcutaneous injection (5mg/1.1ml vials)

Lubion is a progesterone injection given under the skin to support implantation and early pregnancy. Progesterone support is continued for a number of weeks following a positive pregnancy test.

How to store it

Keep in a cool, dry place below 25°C, away from heat and direct sunlight. Always store in the original packaging. 

How to take it

Inject subcutaneously at the time and dose shown in your treatment companion app, Salve.

 

Possible side effects

Very common: Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site, uterine spasm, vaginal bleeding. 

Common: Headache, bloating, stomach pain, constipation, nausea, breast discomfort, vaginal discharge, skin irritation, bruising, and fatigue. 

Rarely, depression, jaundice, or severe allergic reactions may occur. 

See the patient leaflet in your pack for the full list of possible side effects. 

Disposal Dispose of vials, needles, and syringes in the sharps bin provided. A full sharps bin must be sealed, signed, and returned to the unit for disposal. 

Prontogest

Active ingredient: Progesterone
Available form: Intramuscular injection (100mg/ml ampoules) 

Prontogest is an intramuscular progesterone injection used to support the womb lining and early pregnancy. Progesterone support is continued for a number of weeks following a positive pregnancy test. 

Please note: Prontogest is not licensed in the UK. Your doctor may recommend it if they believe the benefits outweigh the risks. 

How to store it

Keep in a cool, dry place below 25°C, away from heat and direct sunlight. Always store in the original packaging.

 

How to take it

Prontogest is injected intramuscularly at the dose instructed in your treatment companion app, Salve. 

 

Possible side effects

Like all medicines, Prontogest can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Common side effects may include: pain or swelling at the injection site, breast tenderness, headache, weight changes, acne, nausea, or drowsiness. Rarely, increased facial/body hair or scalp hair loss. 

See the patient leaflet in your pack for the full list of possible side effects. 

 

Disposal

Dispose of ampoules, needles, and syringes in the sharps bin provided. A full sharps bin must be sealed, signed, and returned to the unit for disposal.