Utrogestan 100mg 30 Capsules

How to take Utrogestan 100mg capsules? 

Utrogestan can be used for as long as you need it, it is taken as a protective measure when taking oestrogen, which reduces the risk of developing endometrial cancer. 

Because it's more natural it is less likely to cause side effects compared with synthetic progesterone, or progestogens, which have been used widely to date as part of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) regimes. 

The correct Utrogestan dosage? 

You should always use any medicine as directed by a doctor or healthcare professional.  

The recommended dose is two Utrogestan 100mg daily at bedtime, for twelve days in the last half of each therapeutic cycle (beginning on Day 15 of the cycle and ending on Day 26). Withdrawal bleeding may occur in the following week. 

Alternatively, 100 mg can be given at bedtime from Day 1 to Day 25 of each therapeutic cycle, with withdrawal bleeding being less with this treatment schedule. 

Why take Utrogestan on empty stomach? 

While using Utrogestan, you can eat and drink as you normally would, however, it's essential to take the capsules at least 2 hours after a meal.  

So, what happens if I take Utrogestan with food? You should avoid taking this medicine with food, as this can impact the medication's effectiveness. 

Therefore, for optimal results and to minimise the potential for increased drowsiness, it is advisable to take Utrogestan on an empty stomach. 

What are the common Utrogestan side effects? 

Just like any medication, this drug can potentially lead to side effects, although not everyone will experience them. Women who use Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) may have a higher likelihood of experiencing the following Utrogestan 100mg side effects compared to those who do not use HRT: 

• Breast cancer 

• Abnormal growth or cancer of the lining of the womb (endometrial hyperplasia or cancer) 

• Ovarian cancer 

• Blood clots in the veins of the legs or lungs (venous thromboembolism) 

• Heart disease 

• Stroke 

• Possible memory loss if HRT is initiated after the age of 65 

The following side effects have been reported since Utrogestan became available on the market and may occur when taking Utrogestan orally. The frequency of these side effects cannot be estimated from the available data: 

• Stomach pain 

• Nausea (upset stomach) 

• Fatigue 

• Headaches 

• Drowsiness 

• Dizziness 

• Vaginal bleeding 

• Intense itching (pruritus) 

During clinical trials, the following side effects have also been observed, and their frequency cannot be estimated from the available data: 

• Abdominal bloating 

• Depression 

• Breast tenderness 

• Hot flushes 

• Vaginal discharge 

• Joint pain 

• Urinary problems 

• Additionally, the following side effects have been reported with other HRTs: 

• Gall bladder disease 

• Various skin disorders, including skin discolouration on the face or neck referred to as "pregnancy patches" (chloasma) 

• Painful reddish skin nodules (erythema nodosum) 

• Rash with target-shaped redness or sores (erythema multiforme) 

• Breast pain (mastodynia) 

• Fluid retention (oedema) 

• Changes in weight 

• Alterations in sexual desire (increase or decrease) 

• Depression 

• Rashes 

• Urticaria (itchy, lumpy rash) 

• Patchy brown or dark brown skin discolouration (melasma) 

• Fever 

• Insomnia (inability to obtain an adequate amount or quality of sleep) 

• Hair loss (alopecia) 

• Irregular menstruation 

• Absence of menstrual periods 

Who should not take Utrogestan? 

Do not take Utrogestan if any of the following applies to you. If you are not sure about any of the points below, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Utrogestan. 

• If you are allergic (hypersensitive) to progesterone or any of the other ingredients in this medicine  

• If you have ever had breast cancer, or if you are suspected of having it 

• If you have cancer which is sensitive to estrogens, such as cancer of the womb lining (endometrium), or if you are suspected of having it 

• If you have any unexplained vaginal bleeding 

• If you have or have ever had a blood clot in a vein (thrombosis), such as in the legs (deep venous thrombosis) or the lungs (pulmonary embolism) 

• If you have a blood clotting disorder (such as protein C, protein S, or antithrombin deficiency) 

• If you have or recently have had a disease caused by blood clots in the arteries, such as a heart attack, stroke or angina 

• If you have or have ever had a liver disease and your liver function tests have not returned to normal 

• If you have a rare blood problem called “porphyria” which is passed down in families (inherited) 

• If you have bleeding on the brain (cerebral haemorrhage) 

• If you are breast-feeding 

• If you are allergic (hypersensitive) to soya 

• If any of the above conditions appear for the first time while taking Utrogestan, stop taking it at once and consult your doctor immediately. 

When to take special care with HRT 

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Utrogestan. 

Tell your doctor if you have had any of the following problems before starting the treatment, as these may return or worsen during treatment with HRT. If so, you should  see your doctor for more often check-ups: 

• Abnormal tumours/growths (fibroids inside your womb) 

• Growth of womb lining outside your womb (endometriosis) or a history of excessive growth of the womb lining (endometrial hyperplasia) 

• Increased risk of developing blood clots (see “Blood clots in a vein (thrombosis)”) 

• Increased risk of getting oestrogen-sensitive cancer (such as having a mother, sister or grandmother who has had breast cancer) 

• High blood pressure 

• Liver problems such as benign liver tumour 

• Diabetes 

• Gallstones 

• Migraine or severe headaches 

• A disease of the immune system that affects many organs of the body (systemic lupus erythematosus, SLE) 

• Epilepsy 

• Asthma 

• A disease affecting the eardrum and hearing (otosclerosis) 

• You have ever had depression 

• Your skin is sensitive to light (photosensitivity) 

Stop taking Utrogestan and see a doctor immediately. If you notice any of the following when taking HRT: 

Any of the conditions mentioned in the ‘DO NOT take Utrogestan’ section; 

• Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes (jaundice). These may be signs of a liver disease 

• A large rise in your blood pressure (symptoms may be headache, tiredness, dizziness) 

• Migraine-like headaches which happen for the first time 

• Sudden or gradual, partial or complete loss of vision 

• Forward displacement of the eye (proptosis) or double vision (diplopia) 

• Swelling of the optic nerve (papilloedema) 

• Eye diseases (retinal vascular lesions) 

• If you become pregnant 

• If you notice signs of a blood clot, such as: 

• Painful swelling and redness of the legs 

• Sudden chest pain 

• Difficulty in breathing 

Note: Utrogestan is not a contraceptive. If it is less than 12 months since your last menstrual period or you are under 50 years old, you may still need to use additional contraception to prevent pregnancy. Speak to your doctor for advice.