Cyclogest 200mg Pessaries

What are Cyclogest pessaries?

Normally women would use Utrogestan 100mg oral capsules as part of their HRT regime. Currently, there is a shortage of this product from the manufacturer Besins. However, during this time to avoid interrupting the HRT treatment we are sourcing other versions of progesterone so that you can continue with your treatment.

Though these pessaries are normally used for IVF. They can be used in an identical fashion to Utrogestan to protect the lining of the womb while you are using oestrogen.

Though this is off-label it is a common way of supporting women when there is a medicines shortage in the supply chain.

What is Cyclogest 200mg used for?

Though licenced for vaginal use for IVF, during the shortage of Utrogestan 100mg capsules, we have sourced some of these pessaries for use as part of HRT, as the body identical micronised progesterone is the preferable treatment, compared to the synthetic progesterone found in Provera or Utovlan.

Cyclogest is suitable for women with an intact uterus or womb when taken with oestrogens (i.e. combined HRT), such as Elleste Solo, Zumenon, or patches such as Evorel and Estradot.

How does Cyclogest work?

When taking oestrogen alone it causes the cells of the lining of the womb, the endometrium, to thicken, which can lead to some women developing cancers of the womb. Taking Cyclogest opposes this process, causing the womb lining to shed every month, just like during a menstrual bleed, lowering the risk of developing cancer.

Is Cyclogest a contraceptive?

Cyclogest is not a form of contraception.

Sources

Patient Information Leaflet: https://www.medicines.org.uk/e...

BMS: Statement regarding progestogens

How to take Cyclogest Vaginal Capsules

There are two ways you may be directed to take Cyclogest :

For women who are still having periods within the last 6 to 12 months: Insert 1 pessary into the vagina every day from day 15 to day 26 of your 28-day monthly cycle. This regime will create an artificial monthly bleed.

For women who have not had a period for over a year: Cut the pessary in half lengthways using a new scalpel or Stanley blade. Insert half of the pessary into the vagina every evening without a break - this will provide an equivalent dose of 100mg daily.

To take Cyclogest, gently insert the pessary deep inside the vagina (as far as it will comfortably go). You can do this by lying on your back with your knees bent, or standing with your knees bent and your feet a few inches apart.

After inserting the pessary, wash your hands with warm water and soap.

It is recommended that Cyclogest is used just before bed. This is for 2 reasons, the act of lying horizontally will reduce any leakage due to gravity and also this treatment can cause sedation so it is best taken prior to sleeping.

How far do I insert a progesterone pessary?

Insert it gently into the vagina as far as it will comfortably go. If you feel any pain or discomfort, you have inserted the too far. It’s important that you only insert it as far as feels comfortable.

What if I forget to take Cyclogest?

If you miss a dose of Cyclogest, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and carry on as normal from your next scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of Cyclogest to make up for a missed dose.

Cyclogest 200mg ingredients

The active ingredient in Cyclogest is progesterone. Each capsule contains 200mg.

The other ingredients are hard fat.

Cyclogest side effects

As with all medicines, some people may experience side effects when taking Cyclogest Vaginal Tablets, though cases are rare.

The most likely side effects of Cyclogest include:

• Vaginal discharge
• Vaginal haemorrhaging
• Vaginal itching
• Sedation

If you experience these or any side effects not listed here, speak to your doctor or pharmacist for advice. For more information around potential side effects please read the Patient Information Leaflet.

Cyclogest 200mg warnings

Before taking Cyclogest, you should be aware of the following warnings and precautions.

• You should always talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using Cyclogest tablets
• Cyclogest is not a contraceptive
• Cyclogest is not for use by children

Do not use Cyclogest Vaginal pessary if any of the following apply to you:

• You are allergic to progesterone or any of the other ingredients listed below
• You have severe liver disease
• You have unexplained vaginal bleeding
• You have mammary or genital tract carcinoma
• You have thrombophlebitis
• You have or have had thrombosis (blood clots in a vein), such as in the legs (deep venous thrombosis) or the lungs (pulmonary embolism)
• You have cerebral haemorrhage
• You have a rare blood problem called “porphyria” which is passed down in families

If you are unsure whether Cyclogest is safe for you to take, or you need some more advice about this medication, speak to your doctor.

Taking Cyclogest with other medications

Cyclogest can affect the way some medications work — and vice versa — so it’s important to tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken, or are planning to take any other medications alongside Cyclogest. This includes non-prescription medicines and herbal remedies.

In particular, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any of the following medicines:

• Bromocriptine (used for Parkinson’s Disease or problems with the pituitary gland)
• Ciclosporin (used to suppress the immune system)
• Rifamycin (used to treat infections)
• Ketoconazole (used to treat fungal infections)

Taking Cyclogest during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Do not use Cyclogest Capsules if you are breastfeeding or pregnant