Crinone 8% (Progesterone)

Crinone general information

What is Crinone used for?

Crinone gel 8% is a vaginal gel containing the female hormone progesterone that is used as hormone supplementation or replacement for women who have a luteal phase (second half of the menstrual cycle) defect due to lack normal progesterone production by the ovaries. Crinone gel 8% is used as a topical progesterone treatment as part of an Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) programme such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), in women who are undergoing treatment for infertility problems. Adding a progestogen with an oestrogen is thought to help the feminisation process for male to female transsexuals and Crinone 8 is used as a component of transgender hormone therapy, to help stimulate the development breast development and reduce the production of testosterone.

How does Crinone work?

Crinone gel 8% contains micronized progesterone, which is identical to naturally occurring female hormone progesterone but is reduced to tiny particles, so that it is better absorbed. Naturally occurring progesterone is produced by the ovaries during the second phase, or luteal phase, of the menstrual cycle. It acts on the endometrium (lining of the uterus) converting the proliferating phase to the secretory phase. This causes the endometrium, which has thickened in response to oestrogen during the first half of the cycle, to stop growing and start secreting hormones and other proteins needed to maintain a pregnancy, first by preparing the endometrium for implantation of the embryo and then to maintain the embryo until the placenta is developed. Crinone gel 8% is inserted into the vagina, where it is gradually released from the gel and absorbed into the blood stream, to increase progesterone levels in women with a luteal phase defect who do not produce sufficient progesterone to maintain a pregnancy. Crinone 8 is used a luteal phase support during Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), to prepare the endometrium to receive a fertilised egg before vitro fertilization (IVF) and to maintain the implanted embryo during the first few weeks of development.

What does Crinone contain?

Crinone gel 8% contains the active ingredient progesterone. Each application delivers 90 mg progesterone in 1.125g gel as an oil and water emulsion, in a single use, one piece polyethylene vaginal applicator. Crinone gel 8% also contains glycerol, paraffin-light liquid, palm glyceride-hydrogenated, carbomer 974 P, polycarbophil, sorbic acid, sodium hydroxide and purified water.

Treating infertility with Crinone

Crinone gel 8% is a vaginal gel that contains micronized progesterone, the female hormone produced by the ovaries during the second phase, or luteal phase, of the menstrual cycle and converts the endometrium (lining of the uterus) from the proliferating phase to the secretory phase, so that it is receptive for implantation of an embryo. Crinone 8 is used for infertility treatment as hormone supplementation or replacement for women who have a luteal phase defect due to lack normal progesterone production by the ovaries. Crinone gel 8% provides luteal phase support during Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), to prepare the endometrium to receive a fertilised egg before vitro fertilization (IVF) and to maintain the implanted embryo during the first few weeks of development.

What are the side effects of Crinone?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Crinone include: headache, breast enlargement, tenderness and pain, abdominal pain, cramps, perineal pain (around the genitals and rectum), gastrointestinal upset (constipation, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting), dyspareunia (painful sexual intercourse), depression, decreased libido, nervousness, and somnolence (sleepiness), nocturia (passing urine at night), vaginal discharge, itiching and thrush, arthralgia (painful joints).

When should Crinone not be used?

You should not use Crinone gel 8% if you:

• are allergic to progesterone or any ingredients in Crinone 8
• have abnormal vaginal bleeding of unknown cause
• have had a recent or current missed abortion or miscarriage
• have a past or family history of carcinoma of the breast, endometrial carcinoma or liver disease
• have a history of thrombosis (blood clots) or stroke
• have acute porphyria a blood disorder
• are taking medicines that interact with Crinone, including: other vaginal preparations

How should Crinone be taken?

You should take your Crinone gel 8% by inserting the applicator deep into the vagina, following the instructions provided, to deliver the pre-measured dose of progesterone gel. You should use one Crinone gel 8% applicator once or twice daily, morning and evening, as recommended by your doctor, starting usually 2-4 days before your infertility treatment begins and if you become pregnant, you should continue to apply your Crinone 8 for up to 12 weeks or as recommended by your doctor.

How long should you take Crinone?

You should start using your Crinone gel 8% usually 2-4 days before your infertility treatment begins and if you become pregnant, you should continue to apply your Crinone 8 for up to 12 weeks or as recommended by your doctor.

Missed dose of Crinone

If you miss a dose of Crinone gel 8% take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose.

How should Crinone be stored?

You should store your Crinone below 25°C in a cool dry place.