Utrogestan 100mg capsules

What is Utrogestan and what is it used for?

Utrogestan 100mg is a capsule containing the hormone progesterone. It can be taken alongside a tablet containing the hormone oestrogen as a combined hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

Taking HRT can ease the unpleasant symptoms of the menopause for some women, such as hot flushes, low mood and vaginal dryness. HRT can also be taken by women experiencing signs of perimenopause.

Utrogestan 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. It is not a form of contraception.

Utrogestan 100mg capsules are for oral use only. An alternative to these is Utrogestan 200mg vaginal capsules which are inserted into the vagina.

How does Utrogestan work?

As women approach menopause, the body’s natural production of both oestrogen and progesterone decreases. Taking HRT boosts the levels of these hormones, improving related symptoms.

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 Utrogestan at the recommended dose opposes this process, causing the womb lining to shed every month, just like during a menstrual bleed, lowering the risk of developing cancer.

Can Utrogestan be taken with food?

It is best to take Utrogestan on an empty stomach because eating food at the same time as taking this medication can increase drowsiness.

Benefits of Utrogestan for Menopause

As Utrogestan contains a form of progesterone that is identical to that produced by the body before menopause, women usually experience fewer side effects compared to the older types of progestogens.

Older variations of progestogens that are given as tablets or as a combination patch have also been associated with a slightly higher risk of developing a blood clot and heart disease. Studies suggest this is not the case for women taking Utrogestan.

Sources

• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hormone-replacement-therapy-hrt/types/
• https://patient.info/medicine/progesterone-crinone-cyclogest-lutigest-utrogestan
• Utrogestan Patient Information Leaflet: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/352/pil

How to take Utrogestan 100mg

Utrogestan 100mg capsules are for oral use only and should only be taken by women experiencing symptoms of the menopause alongside oestrogen as directed by your doctor.

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

1. For women who are still having periods within the last 6 to 12 months: Take 2 capsules every day from day 15 to day 26 of your 28-day monthly cycle. This regime will create an artificial monthly bleed.
2. For women who have not had a period for over a year: Take 1 capsule every evening without a break.

For full details on how to take Utrogestan 100mg capsules please see the Patient Information Leaflet.

Utrogestan 100mg ingredients

Each capsule of Utrogestan contains the active ingredient: 100 mg progesterone.

Each capsule of Utrogestan also contains the inactive ingredients: Sunflower oil, soya lecithin, gelatin, glycerol, titanium dioxide, and purified water.

Please make sure you are familiar with all the ingredients listed in the Patient Information Leaflet before taking Utrogestan.

Utrogestan side effects

All medicines carry the risk of side effects, though not everyone experiences them. People who have taken Utrogestan have reported that side effects include:

• Stomach pain
• Nausea
• Constipation
• Diarrhoea
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Headaches
• Intense itching
• Pain in the breast
• Vomiting
• Irregular bleeding

If you are concerned about any side effects you should speak to a doctor or pharmacist for advice. For more information around potential side effects please read the Patient Information Leaflet.

Utrogestan 100mg warnings

Please read the full information regarding warnings and precautions detailed in the Patient Information Leaflet before taking Utrogestan.

Using HRT treatment increases your risk of developing certain health conditions. You should take time to consider the risk factors associated with HRT before deciding if it’s the best option for you at this time. If you have any questions or concerns you should discuss these with your GP or specialist.

Being eligible to continue to purchase Utrogestan on repeat prescription from The Independent Pharmacy relies upon you continuing to attend an annual health review with your GP at least once a year.

If you experience any of the following, before or while using Utrogestan, stop taking it and consult your doctor immediately:

• You suspect or develop genital tract carcinoma, breast cancer or endometrial cancer
• You have any unexplained vaginal bleeding or endometrial hyperplasia
• You have or have ever had a venous blood clot or have a clotting disorder
• You have had a heart attack, stroke or angina

If you have ever experienced any of the following, consult your doctor before starting Utrogestan and again if your condition worsens during treatment:

• You have recently stopped taking or are currently taking any other prescribed or non-prescribed (including herbal) medication.
• Uterine fibroids
• Endometriosis or endometrial hyperplasia
• High blood pressure or very high levels of fat in your blood
• Liver, kidney or heart disorders
• Diabetes, SLE, epilepsy or asthma
• Gallstones
• Migraine or severe headaches
• Hypothyroidism
• Hereditary angioedema

Utrogestan and cancer

Research into the use of HRT has indicated that taking progesterone-only and combined HRT with estrogen can increase your risk of developing breast cancer. This risk increases the longer you take HRT but the risk returns to normal after stopping treatment for 5 years.

It is, therefore, recommended that you only take the lowest dose of HRT for the shortest duration, to manage your symptoms. You must also continue to regularly check your breasts for any changes including lumps and dimples. If you notice any irregularities you should see a doctor as soon as possible.

Utrogestan and blood clots

Taking oral HRT, which includes Utrogestan, makes you 1 - 3 times more likely to develop blood clots and 1.5 times more likely to experience a stroke. If you think you are developing symptoms of a blood clot at any time call NHS 111 or are having a stroke call 999.

Utrogestan in pregnancy & breastfeeding

Utrogestan should only be taken by postmenopausal women and is not a form of contraceptive. If you have had a natural period in the last 12 months or you are under 50 years old you should discuss contraception options with your doctor before taking any form of HRT.

If you become pregnant while taking Utrogestan stop taking it straight away and contact your doctor. You should also not take Utrogestan while breastfeeding.