DoseFacts

Dydrogesterone: Uses, How It Works, Medicines

Also in: ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ଓଡ଼ିଆ

Dydrogesterone is a prescription hormone medicine that acts like the natural hormone progesterone. It is used for period problems and other conditions caused by too little progesterone, and with oestrogen in menopause treatment. A doctor decides whether it is suitable and for how long.

Also known as: Dydrogesterone tablet, Dydrogesterone 10 mg, Duphaston

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Dydrogesterone at a glance. Used for: Painful, irregular or missing periods, Abnormal bleeding from the womb, Endometriosis and premenstrual syndrome, Some pregnancy-related and fertility uses, and menopause therapy with oestrogen. Ask a doctor first: Pregnancy or planning a baby, Unexplained vaginal bleeding, Liver disease or depression, Hormone-dependent cancer or meningioma, Other medicines, especially for epilepsy, TB or HIV. Get medical help quickly for: Swelling of the face or throat, Yellow skin or eyes, Leg pain or swelling, chest pain, breathlessness, Severe headache or sudden vision change. Taking too much: If much more than prescribed is taken, go to the nearest hospital with the pack. Dose: follow the label or your doctor's advice.

How does Dydrogesterone work?

Dydrogesterone is a progestogen that works much like progesterone on the womb lining. It steadies the lining and helps control cycle-related bleeding and pain.

How to take Dydrogesterone

Follow the label or your doctor's advice. The dose and the days of the cycle on which it is taken depend on the reason it is prescribed.

Side effects of Dydrogesterone

Many people take dydrogesterone without serious problems. Some effects are common and mild, but a few need medical advice.

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 changes in vision or hearing
  • Pain or swelling in one leg, sudden breathlessness or chest pain (possible blood clot, mainly when taken with oestrogen)
  • Low mood or depression that is new or getting worse

Who should be careful

Tell the doctor your full history before taking dydrogesterone, and report unexpected bleeding.

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
  • Unexplained or late bleeding while on treatment needs to be checked by a doctor
  • Liver problems, porphyria or depression may come back or worsen
  • When taken with oestrogen as menopause treatment, the risks of oestrogen apply, including blood clots, stroke and breast cancer
  • Breastfeeding: not recommended; ask your doctor
  • Tablets contain lactose, which matters for people with rare lactose intolerance conditions
  • Not for use before the first period (menarche); use in girls aged 12 to 18 has not been established

Medicines and things that interact with Dydrogesterone

Some medicines can make dydrogesterone work less well. Tell your doctor about everything you take, including herbal remedies.

  • Medicines for epilepsy such as phenobarbital, phenytoin and carbamazepine
  • Rifampicin and rifabutin (for tuberculosis), and nevirapine, efavirenz, ritonavir or nelfinavir (for HIV)
  • St John's wort and some other herbal products

If someone takes too much

Very large amounts have been taken without serious harm in reports, and there is no specific antidote. If someone takes much more than prescribed, go to the nearest hospital and take the pack with you.

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. Check the pack for the schedule.

Type of medicine

Dydrogesterone belongs to this type of medicine.

Medicines that contain Dydrogesterone

These medicines sold in India contain Dydrogesterone. They are listed A to Z, not ranked.

What is Dydrogesterone used for?

Medicines that contain Dydrogesterone are used for these conditions.

Other medicines of the same type

These active ingredients are of the same type as Dydrogesterone.

Common questions

Is dydrogesterone a contraceptive?

No. It is not a contraceptive, and it does not stop pregnancy. A doctor may prescribe it in early pregnancy for some women; that is a different use. Ask your doctor if you need contraception while taking it.

Can dydrogesterone be used in pregnancy?

Doctors sometimes prescribe it in pregnancy when clearly needed, for example after repeated miscarriage. Reports of use in a very large number of pregnancies have not shown harm so far. Take it in pregnancy only if your doctor prescribes it.

Does dydrogesterone cause weight gain?

Weight gain and fluid retention are reported as uncommon side effects. Mention any large change in weight or swelling to your doctor.

Sources

  1. Duphaston (dydrogesterone) 10 mg: usage. RxReasoner (summary of the EU/UK Summary of Product Characteristics)
  2. Duphaston (dydrogesterone) 10 mg: precautions. RxReasoner (summary of the EU/UK Summary of Product Characteristics)
  3. Duphaston. Abbott