Progesterone Vaginal

Vaginal progesterone (Crinone, Endometrin) is used as part of assisted reproductive technology (ART; fertility treatment) in women experiencing infertility (not getting pregnant despite having carefully timed, unprotected sex) who may need extra progesterone to help them become pregnant and to stay pregnant. Vaginal progesterone (Crinone) is also used to bring on menstruation (period) in women experiencing (absence of menstruation in women of childbearing age who have had normal periods and then stopped). Progesterone is in a class of medications called progestins (female hormones). It works as a part of ART by increase embryo implantation and decrease the risk of miscarriage. Once an embryo is implanted, progesterone acts to maintain the pregnancy. It works to bring on menstruation by replacing the natural progesterone that some women are missing. It works to bring on menstruation by replacing the natural progesterone that some women are missing.

🔔 How should this medicine be used?

Vaginal progesterone comes as a vaginal tablet (Endometrin) to place in the vagina and as a gel (Crinone) to insert in the vagina. Progesterone vaginal tablets are usually inserted in the vagina two or three times a day for up to 10 days. If progesterone vaginal gel is used as a part of ART/fertility treatment, it is usually inserted once or twice a day for up to 10 to 12 weeks. If progesterone vaginal gel is used to treat amenorrhea, it is usually inserted in the vagina once every other day, for a total of 6 doses. If needed, your doctor may tell you to take an additional 6-dose course of treatment. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use vaginal progesterone exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Vaginal progesterone comes with a special applicator to use to place the tablet or gel into your vagina. Your medication will come with instructions for use. Read these instructions and follow them carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about how to use vaginal progesterone.

To use the vaginal tablet (Endometrin), follow these steps:

1. Wash and dry your hands before handling the vaginal tablet.
2. Unwrap the applicator and remove the vaginal tablet from the blister pack.
3. Place the vaginal tablet in the space at the end of the applicator. The insert should fit snugly and should not fall out.
4. Stand, sit, or lie down with your knees bent. Choose the position that is most comfortable for you.
5. Gently insert the applicator into your vagina as you would a plastic tampon applicator and press the plunger to release the insert.
6. Remove the applicator from your vagina and dispose of it as you would a plastic tampon applicator. Do not save or reuse the applicator.

To use the vaginal gel (Crinone), follow these steps:

1. Open the sealed wrapper and remove the prefilled applicator and plunger. Do not remove the twist-off cap.
2. Insert the plunger into the open end of the applicator until the plunger snaps into place. You should see about 1 inch of the plunger outside of the applicator.
3. Remove the cap from the end of the applicator by twisting it counterclockwise. Do not push the plunger while you are removing the cap.
4. Lie down on your back with your knees bent or sit on the edge of a bed or a chair with your knees apart. Choose the position that is most comfortable for you.
5. Gently insert the applicator into your vagina as you would a plastic tampon applicator and press the plunger to release the gel.
6. Remove the applicator from your vagina and dispose of it as you would a plastic tampon applicator. Do not save or reuse the applicator.

Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer’s information for the patient.