Endometrin (Progesterone)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Endometrin Used For?
Endometrin contains progesterone, a naturally occurring sex hormone that helps support fertility treatment.
Primary Uses
Endometrin is given to women who need extra progesterone while undergoing fertility treatment in an Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) programme, such as In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF).
How It Works
Progesterone acts on the lining of the uterus (womb) and helps you to become pregnant and maintain pregnancy when you are treated for infertility.
Good to know: This medicine is available only with a doctor’s prescription and is specifically designed for fertility treatment support.
How to Take Endometrin
Endometrin vaginal tablets are placed directly into the vagina using the provided applicator.
Dosage Instructions
The usual dosage is one 100 mg tablet placed directly into the vagina two or three times daily, depending on your needs, following egg retrieval. Your doctor will tell you when to start and how many tablets you need each day. Wash your hands thoroughly, unwrap the applicator, place one tablet in the applicator, insert gently into the vagina, push the plunger to release the tablet, then remove and rinse the applicator for reuse.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose when you are meant to. Otherwise, use it as soon as you remember, then go back to using your medicine as you would normally. Use Endometrin regularly at the same time each day.
Important: Do not use a double dose to make up for the dose you missed. Follow the instructions provided and use Endometrin until your doctor tells you to stop.
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:
- headache
- abdominal distension (bloating or swelling)
- abdominal pain
- nausea
- vulvovaginal disorders (discomfort, burning, discharge, dryness, bleeding)
- uterine cramping
- dizziness
- insomnia (difficulty sleeping)
- diarrhea
- constipation
- urticaria (allergic rash)
- rash
- fungal infections in the vagina (vaginal thrush)
- breast disorders (pain, swelling, tenderness)
- itching in genital area
- swelling of limbs (due to fluid build-up)
- fatigue (tiredness)
- vomiting
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- allergic reactions: rash, itching or hives on skin
- swelling of face, lips, tongue or other body parts
- shortness of breath, wheezing or difficulty breathing
- pains in calves or chest indicating possible blood clots
- sudden shortness of breath or coughing blood
- severe headache or vomiting
- dizziness, faintness or changes in vision or speech
- weakness or numbness of arm or leg
- worsening symptoms of depression
Important Warnings
There are several important conditions and situations where Endometrin should not be used.
Who Should Not Take Endometrin
Do not use if you are allergic to progesterone or any ingredients, have unusual vaginal bleeding not evaluated by your doctor, miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy, severe liver problems, known or suspected cancer of the breast or genital tract, blood clots in legs/lungs/eyes or elsewhere, or porphyria disorder (a blood disease).
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have epilepsy, migraine, asthma, heart/liver/kidney disease, diabetes, or history of depression. Also inform them of any other medical conditions or medicines you take.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
During fertility treatment, Endometrin should only be used during the first three months of pregnancy unless your doctor recommends otherwise. Do not use Endometrin if you are breastfeeding. The exposure to external progesterone during pregnancy has not been fully established.
Serious Symptoms: Tell your doctor immediately if you experience pain in calves or chest, sudden shortness of breath, coughing blood, severe headache or vomiting, faintness, changes in vision or speech, weakness or numbness of arm or leg, or worsening depression.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Endometrin and affect how it works.
Important: Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines, vitamins or supplements you are taking, including those bought without a prescription.
- ketoconazole (antifungal medicine) – may increase Endometrin’s effect
- rifampicin (antibacterial medicine for tuberculosis, leprosy) – may reduce Endometrin’s effect
- carbamazepine (medicine for epilepsy) – may reduce Endometrin’s effect
- St John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) – may reduce Endometrin’s effect
- other vaginal preparations (such as antifungal products) – should not be used at the same time
Alcohol & Driving
Endometrin may affect your ability to drive or operate machinery safely.
Alcohol
No specific alcohol interactions mentioned in the source material.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Endometrin may cause dizziness or drowsiness in some people. Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Endometrin affects you. Make sure you know how you react to Endometrin before you drive a car, operate machinery or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy or light-headed.
Storage
Store Endometrin in a cool dry place where the temperature stays below 25°C, away from moisture, heat or sunlight. Keep this medicine in its original packaging until it is time to use it. Do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car or on window sills. Keep it where young children cannot reach it – a locked cupboard at least one-and-a-half metres above the ground is a good place to store medicines.
Overdose Information
If you think you have used too much Endometrin, you may need urgent medical attention. Immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Endometrin should be used following egg retrieval and may be continued for up to 10 weeks total duration if pregnancy is confirmed (or 12 weeks of gestation). Your doctor will tell you when to start and when to stop.
If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose when you’re meant to. Otherwise, use it as soon as you remember, then go back to using your medicine normally. Never use a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
No, do not stop using Endometrin suddenly or lower the dosage without checking with your doctor. If you stop suddenly, you may experience increased anxiety, moodiness and increased sensitivity to seizures.
Store in a cool dry place below 25°C, away from moisture, heat or sunlight. Keep in original packaging and out of reach of children. Don’t store in bathrooms, cars, or on window sills.
No, Endometrin should not be used at the same time as other vaginal preparations such as antifungal products. Check with your doctor about any other vaginal medications.
Signs include rash, itching or hives on the skin, swelling of face/lips/tongue or other body parts, and shortness of breath, wheezing or difficulty breathing. These require immediate medical attention.
Endometrin may cause dizziness or drowsiness in some people. Be careful before driving or using machines until you know how Endometrin affects you. Don’t drive if you feel dizzy or light-headed.
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.