Progesterone Capsule (Utrogestan): Uses, Dosage & Side Effects in Pakistan

Progesterone Capsule (Utrogestan) Uses, Dosage, Side Effects & Price in Pakistan

1. Quick Info (Mukhtasir Maloomat)

2. What is Progesterone Capsule? (Progesterone Capsule kya hai)

Progesterone Capsule (Utrogestan, Cyclogest) is a natural micronized progesterone used in Pakistan for reproductive medicine, pregnancy support, and hormone replacement therapy. It contains bioidentical progesterone — identical to the hormone produced by the ovaries — unlike synthetic progestogens (norethisterone, MPA). It can be taken orally (Utrogestan) or used vaginally (Cyclogest suppositories, Crinone gel) — vaginal route gives better bioavailability and is preferred in IVF/pregnancy. Always use as prescribed by a specialist or gynaecologist.

3. Uses (Fayde / Kis kaam aati hai)

• Luteal phase support in ART/IVF
• Threatened miscarriage and recurrent miscarriage prevention (hamla bachana)
• Hormone Replacement Therapy
• Progesterone deficiency / luteal phase defect
• Prevention of preterm birth in women with cervical insufficiency (vaginal route)
• Secondary amenorrhoea

4. Who Should Take (Kis ko leni chahiye)

• Women undergoing IVF/ART who need luteal phase support after egg retrieval and embryo transfer
• Women with recurrent miscarriage history and confirmed progesterone deficiency
• Menopausal women on combined HRT who need a progestogen to protect the endometrium
• Women with secondary amenorrhoea related to progesterone deficiency
• Women with cervical insufficiency at risk of preterm birth (vaginal route, as prescribed)

5. When NOT to Take (Kab nahi leni chahiye)

• If pregnancy is not confirmed as intrauterine — ectopic pregnancy must be ruled out first
• If you have active thromboembolic disease (DVT/PE) — inform doctor of any history
• If you are allergic to progesterone or any excipient in the capsule (peanut oil in some formulations — check label)
• If you have unexplained vaginal bleeding without investigation
• In children — not applicable

6. Dosage (Kitni leni hai)

• As prescribed — indication-specific; IVF typically starts at embryo transfer; doses range 100–400mg/day

• IVF luteal phase: typically 200–400mg/day vaginally (as prescribed)
• Recurrent miscarriage: typically 200–400mg/day vaginally (as prescribed)
• HRT: 100–200mg orally at bedtime (as prescribed)

• Do not exceed the recommended limit — dose is indication-specific; your doctor decides

• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If the next dose is close, skip the missed dose. Never take a double dose. In IVF — inform your clinic immediately.

7. How to Take (Kaise leni hai)

• Oral capsules — take at bedtime before sleeping

• Vaginal suppository or gel — insert with a vaginal applicator as instructed

• The route (oral/vaginal) is decided by your doctor — vaginal is preferred in IVF

• Swallow oral capsules whole — crushing affects bioavailability

8. Best Time (Kab leni chahiye)

• Take oral progesterone at bedtime before sleeping — this helps manage the drowsiness side effect

• Timing for the vaginal route is decided by your doctor or IVF clinic — follow the protocol

9. Empty Stomach or After Food (Khali pait ya khane ke baad)

Take oral Utrogestan capsules after food — food improves bioavailability. The vaginal route is independent of food.

10. Warnings (Ihtiyat)

• Confirmed or suspected ectopic pregnancy — progesterone can promote ectopic pregnancy growth; EMERGENCY
• Active DVT/PE history — inform doctor

Oral progesterone causes significant sedation. Driving or operating machinery may be hazardous. Take it at night.

Do not stop or reduce the dose yourself in an IVF protocol — consult your clinic first.

11. Precautions (Ahm ehtiyaat)

• Store below 25°C, away from light
• Cyclogest suppositories — refrigeration may be required; check the pack label
• Keep out of the reach of children

12. Side Effects (Nuksanat)

• Drowsiness and sedation (oral — significant; take at bedtime)
• Dizziness, breast tenderness, mood changes, bloating, nausea
• Vaginal discharge (vaginal route — normal with suppositories)

• DVT/PE (thromboembolic events — lower risk than synthetic progestogens)
• Ectopic pregnancy rupture (if pregnancy was ectopic — EMERGENCY)
• Severe depression or suicidal thoughts (rare)

13. Drug Interactions (Dawaon ke sath reaction)

• Rifampicin — lowers progesterone levels; efficacy may be reduced
• Ketoconazole (antifungal) — increases progesterone levels
• Anticonvulsants (carbamazepine, phenytoin) — increase progesterone metabolism; levels are reduced
• Alcohol — increases the sedative effect of oral progesterone

14. When to See Doctor (Kab doctor ke paas jayein)

• Severe abdominal pain or shoulder tip pain (ectopic pregnancy rupture — EMERGENCY)
• Sudden chest pain, breathlessness, leg swelling (DVT/PE)
• Heavy vaginal bleeding (especially in early pregnancy)
• Severe depression, suicidal thoughts — see a doctor or psychiatrist immediately
• If any dose is missed in an IVF protocol — inform your clinic immediately

15. Alternatives (Sasti Dusri Dawaein)

16. Price in Pakistan (Price kitni hai)

17. FAQs (Aksar poochay jane walay sawalat)

Q: What is Progesterone Capsule used for?

A: Progesterone capsule is used for IVF luteal phase support, recurrent miscarriage prevention, and menopausal HRT. It should only be taken on a doctor's prescription.

Q: What are the side effects of Progesterone?

A: Common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, breast tenderness, mood changes, and bloating. Take oral progesterone at night because it causes more sedation.

Q: Why is Progesterone used in IVF?

A: In IVF, progesterone is given after egg retrieval and embryo transfer to support the luteal phase and keep the uterine lining ready for implantation.

Q: What is the price of Progesterone in Pakistan?

A: Price varies by brand, strength, and pharmacy. Confirm with Dawaai.pk or your local pharmacy.

Q: Is oral or vaginal Progesterone better?

A: The vaginal route is preferred in IVF and pregnancy because bioavailability is higher. The oral route is used for HRT but causes more sedation.

18. Medical Review (Medical jaiza)

Compiled by the PakVita Editorial Team · AI-assisted drafting with editorial review · Sourced from DRAP, WHO, BNF · Last updated: 2026-06-17

19. Disclaimer (Zaroori tanbeeh)

The information on this page is for awareness only. It is not medical advice. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine. PakVita is not responsible for any harm.