Duphaston 10: Uses, How It Works, Side Effects
Also known as: Duphaston, Duphaston 10 mg, Duphaston 10 tablet, Dydrogesterone 10 mg
Duphaston 10 is a prescription tablet containing 10 mg of dydrogesterone, a hormone that acts like progesterone. It is used for period problems such as painful, irregular or missing periods, abnormal bleeding, and endometriosis, and for some pregnancy-related and menopause uses. It is taken only on a doctor's prescription, for the number of days the doctor decides.
- Active ingredient
- Dydrogesterone 10 mg
- Type of medicine
- Progestogens
- Used for
- Menstrual disorders
- Starts working in
- Depends on the reason it is prescribed; ask your doctor what to expect
- Effect lasts
- Taken for set days of the cycle or longer, as the doctor decides
- With or without food
- Can be taken with or without food; follow the label or your doctor's advice
- Alcohol
- No special rule is stated; ask your doctor, especially if you feel dizzy or sleepy
- Pregnancy
- Only if your doctor prescribes it for you; tell your doctor if you are or may be pregnant
- Habit-forming
- No
- Made by
- VERIFY on pack
Pharmacist review in progress. This page is based on the sources listed below and is being checked by our registered pharmacist.
On this page
- What is Duphaston 10 used for?
- How does Duphaston 10 work?
- How to take Duphaston 10
- Side effects of Duphaston 10
- Who should be careful
- Medicines and things that interact with Duphaston 10
- If someone takes too much
- Storage
- Regulatory status in India
- Other brands with the same medicine
- Other strengths and forms
- Common questions
What is Duphaston 10 used for?
Duphaston 10 is a prescription medicine. On a doctor's advice it is used for conditions linked to low progesterone and for some menopause treatment.
- Painful periods (dysmenorrhoea) and irregular or missing periods (secondary amenorrhoea)
- Abnormal bleeding from the womb (dysfunctional uterine bleeding) and premenstrual syndrome
- Endometriosis
- Threatened or repeated miscarriage and infertility linked to low progesterone, when a doctor judges it suitable
- Together with oestrogen in menopause treatment, to protect the womb lining in women who have a womb
How does Duphaston 10 work?
Dydrogesterone acts on the same receptors as the natural hormone progesterone. It steadies the lining of the womb, so bleeding and pain linked to low progesterone are brought under better control.
What happens in your body after you take it
You swallow the tablet
The tablet dissolves in the gut and dydrogesterone is absorbed into the blood. It can be taken with or without food.
It travels in the blood
Dydrogesterone is carried around the body and reaches the womb lining and other tissues that respond to progesterone.
It attaches to progesterone receptors
It binds to progesterone receptors in the womb lining and acts much as natural progesterone would.
The womb lining settles
The lining is kept steady, so the bleeding, pain or irregular cycle linked to low progesterone is better controlled.
The body clears it
The liver breaks the medicine down and it leaves the body. Effects fade after the course ends, which is why the doctor sets how long to take it.
How to take Duphaston 10
Take Duphaston 10 exactly as your doctor has prescribed or as printed on the pack. The number of tablets and the days of the cycle on which you take them depend on the reason it was prescribed.
- Some people take it only on certain days of the menstrual cycle, others for longer; your doctor will say which.
- If you need several tablets in a day, they are spread evenly through the day.
- It can be taken with or without food. Follow the label or your doctor's advice.
- If you miss a dose, take it when you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Do not take two doses together.
- Tell your doctor about unexpected bleeding while taking it, and do not stop or change it without asking.
Side effects of Duphaston 10
Many people take dydrogesterone without serious problems. Some effects are common and mild, but a few need medical help.
Uncommon or mild
- Changes in periods, such as irregular bleeding, spotting, heavy or absent periods
- Breast pain or tenderness
- Headache or migraine
- Dizziness or sleepiness
Rare but serious: get medical help
- Swelling of the face, lips or throat, or trouble breathing (a severe allergic reaction). Get medical help immediately
- Yellow skin or eyes, or dark urine (possible liver problems)
- Severe or unusual headache, or sudden changes in vision or hearing
- Pain or swelling in one leg, sudden chest pain or breathlessness (possible blood clot, mainly when taken with oestrogen)
- Low mood or depression that is new or getting worse
Who should be careful
Some people need to check with a doctor before taking Duphaston 10, or need extra care while taking it.
When the label says not to use it
- Allergy to dydrogesterone or any ingredient
- Bleeding from the vagina that has not been explained
- A hormone-dependent cancer, known or suspected
- A meningioma (a type of brain tumour), now or in the past
- Do not take it if you have unexplained bleeding from the vagina, a hormone-dependent cancer, or a meningioma now or in the past
- Unexplained or late bleeding while on treatment needs a doctor's check
- Liver problems, porphyria or depression may come back or get worse
- Pregnancy: take it only if your doctor prescribes it for you
- Breastfeeding: it is not recommended; ask your doctor
- Taken with oestrogen for menopause, the risks of oestrogen apply, including blood clots, stroke and breast cancer
- Tablets contain lactose; tell your doctor if you have a rare lactose intolerance condition
- It is not a contraceptive; ask your doctor if you need contraception
Medicines and things that interact with Duphaston 10
Some medicines can make Duphaston 10 work less well. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about everything you take, including herbal remedies.
- Medicines for epilepsy such as phenobarbital, phenytoin and carbamazepine: may reduce its effect
- Rifampicin and rifabutin (tuberculosis) and nevirapine, efavirenz, ritonavir or nelfinavir (HIV): may reduce its effect
- St John's wort and some other herbal products: may reduce its effect
If someone takes too much
Very large amounts have been taken without serious harm in reports, and there is no specific antidote. If someone has taken much more than prescribed, call 112 or go to the nearest hospital and take the medicine pack with you.
Storage
Store below 30 C in a dry place, protected from light and moisture, in the original strip, and out of the reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date. Check the pack for the exact storage instructions.
Regulatory status in India
Approved for sale in India as a prescription medicine. Single-ingredient dydrogesterone is not on the CDSCO list of medicines banned under section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. Duphaston 10 contains dydrogesterone only.
Other brands with the same medicine
Dydrogesterone 10 mg tablets are also sold under other brand names. They contain the same medicine; check the label for the strength. Do not switch between products without asking your doctor.
Other strengths and forms
Dydrogesterone is sold in other strengths and, in some countries, together with oestrogen for menopause treatment. The strength and contents are printed on the pack, so check the label of the one you have.
Common questions
Is Duphaston 10 a prescription medicine?
Yes. It is a hormone medicine that should be taken only if a doctor has prescribed it. Do not take it, stop it or change how you take it without the doctor's advice, and do not share it with others.
Is Duphaston 10 a contraceptive?
No. It does not prevent pregnancy. Some doctors prescribe it in early pregnancy, which is a different use. If you need contraception while taking it, ask your doctor which method is suitable.
Can Duphaston 10 be taken in pregnancy?
Doctors sometimes prescribe it in pregnancy when clearly needed, for example after repeated miscarriage. Reports from a very large number of pregnancies have not shown harm so far. Take it in pregnancy only if your doctor prescribes it.
Why am I bleeding or spotting while taking it?
Spotting or breakthrough bleeding can happen, especially in the first months. Tell your doctor if bleeding is heavy, continues or starts after it had stopped, because the cause may need to be checked.
What should I do if I miss a dose?
Take it when you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one and carry on as usual. Never take two doses together. If you often forget, ask your doctor or pharmacist for tips.
Does it cause weight gain?
Weight gain and swelling from fluid retention are reported as uncommon side effects. Tell your doctor if you notice a large change in weight or swelling.
Sources
- Duphaston (dydrogesterone) 10 mg: usage. RxReasoner (summary of the EU/UK Summary of Product Characteristics)
- Duphaston (dydrogesterone) 10 mg: precautions. RxReasoner (summary of the EU/UK Summary of Product Characteristics)
- Duphaston. Abbott