Crinone (Progesterone)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Crinone Used For?
Crinone contains progesterone, a hormone naturally produced by the ovaries during the second half of the menstrual cycle. It plays an essential role in preparing the uterus for pregnancy and providing ongoing support during pregnancy.
Primary Uses
Crinone is used in IVF (in vitro fertilization) and ART (assisted reproductive technology) treatments where luteal phase support is needed to help support embryo implantation and maintain pregnancies.
How It Works
Progesterone is essential for preparing the uterus (womb) for pregnancy and providing ongoing support of pregnancy. Crinone coats the vaginal lining to provide a prolonged release of progesterone directly where it’s needed.
How to Take Crinone
Crinone is applied directly from a pre-filled applicator deep into the vagina. Each applicator is designed to deliver a pre-measured dose of progesterone gel and must be used only once.
Dosage Instructions
Your doctor may prescribe one applicator of Crinone either daily or twice daily. If used twice daily, use one applicator in the morning and another at night. Each applicator contains 1.45g of gel and delivers 1.125g of Crinone gel containing 90mg of progesterone. Use at the same time each day. If pregnancy occurs, treatment may continue for up to 12 weeks or as directed by your doctor. A small amount of gel will remain in the applicator after use – this is normal and you will still receive the required dose.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss your dose at the usual time, use it as soon as you remember and then continue the same schedule as before. Do not use more than the recommended daily dose.
Important: Never use more than the recommended daily dose, even if you miss a dose
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- cramps, bloating, abdominal pain
- perineal pain (around the genitals and back passage)
- nausea, constipation
- diarrhea, vomiting
- headache, dizziness
- breast enlargement or breast pain
- painful sexual intercourse
- feelings of severe sadness and unworthiness
- decreased sexual drive, sleepiness, feeling emotional
- passing urine at night
- vaginal discharge, itching of vaginal area, vaginal thrush
- painful joints
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- allergic reactions: swelling of face, lips, tongue or other body parts
- shortness of breath, wheezing or difficulty breathing
- skin rash, itching or hives
Important Warnings
Before using Crinone, it’s important to discuss your medical history with your doctor to ensure this medication is safe for you.
Who Should Not Take Crinone
Do not use Crinone if you have ever had an allergic reaction to progesterone or any ingredients in the medication, have cancer of the breast and genital organs, have porphyria, have abnormal vaginal bleeding that hasn’t been diagnosed or is due to recent or current missed abortion or miscarriage, have or have ever had blood clots or stroke, or have liver disease or abnormal laboratory results.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have any other medical conditions including depression, migraine, epilepsy, asthma, heart disease, kidney disease, or liver disease. Also inform your doctor if you take any medicines for other conditions.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Crinone is used to support embryo implantation and maintain pregnancies as part of ART treatment. Do not use Crinone if you are breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor about any concerns before starting treatment.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Crinone and affect how it works. Always tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines you’re taking.
Important: Do not use Crinone at the same time as other vaginal preparations
- other vaginal preparations
Alcohol & Driving
Crinone can affect your ability to drive or operate machinery safely. Be aware of how this medication affects you before engaging in activities that require alertness.
Alcohol
No specific alcohol warnings are mentioned in the prescribing information.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Crinone affects you. Crinone can make some people feel drowsy and sleepy. If you experience these symptoms, do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous.
Storage
Store Crinone below 25°C in a cool, dry place away from moisture, heat, or sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car, or on window sills. Each applicator must be used once only – use a new applicator for each treatment. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose Information
If you think you have used too much Crinone, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Phone the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26 in Australia or 0800 764 766 in New Zealand), contact your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital, even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Crinone provides prolonged release of progesterone by coating the vaginal lining. Your doctor will monitor your progress through regular appointments to ensure the treatment is working effectively.
No, do not use Crinone at the same time as other vaginal preparations as they may interfere with how Crinone works.
If you miss your dose at the usual time, use it as soon as you remember and then continue the same schedule as before. Do not use more than the recommended daily dose.
Yes, a small amount of gel will be left in the applicator after usage. Don’t be concerned because you will still be receiving the required dose.
Store Crinone below 25°C in a cool, dry place away from moisture, heat, or sunlight. Do not store in bathrooms, near sinks, or in cars. Each applicator must be used once only.
Yes, some people feel drowsy and sleepy when using Crinone. If you experience these symptoms, do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous.
Your doctor will tell you when to start treatment and how long to continue. If pregnancy occurs, treatment may continue for up to 12 weeks or as directed by your doctor.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.