How It Works
Duphaston is an artificial hormone similar to human progesterone. It belongs to a group of hormones called progestogens, and is considered a Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). Duphaston works by regulating the healthy growth and normal shedding of the womb lining by acting on progesterone receptors in the uterus. Unlike many other progestational compounds, Dydrogesterone does not cause an increase in temperature and does not inhibit ovulation.

 

Dosage
Tablets (10 mg )

Dydrogesterone is usually taken on selected days during the menstrual cycle, depending upon the disorder that is being treated. See condition dosage below.

Absence of periods: The usual dose is 1 or 2 tablets once or twice a day, from the 15th to the 25th day of your menstrual cycle. Sometimes the tablets will be given from the 5th to the 25th day. Treatment will usually be for 3 to 6 months. If the tablets are to be given in combination with an oestrogen, then the usual dose is one tablet a day from the 11th to the 25th day. In patients with very irregular cycles who are given Duphaston to start bleeding, the usual dose is one tablet daily for 5 days.

 

Irregular bleeding: To stop bleeding, 1 or 2 tablets are given one or two times daily for 5-10 days. The maintenance dose to prevent further heavy bleeding is 1 or 2 tablets once or twice a day from the 11th to 25th day of the menstrual cycle (repeat when necessary).

Endometriosis: The usual dose is 1 or 2 tablets once or twice a day from the 5th to the 25th day of the menstrual cycle. Sometimes your doctor may recommend taking the tablets continuously.

Painful periods: The usual dose is 1 or 2 tablets given once or twice a day from the 5th to the 25th day of the menstrual cycle.

Supplement to Hormone Replacement Therapy: One tablet daily for 10-12 days per month is the usual dose for most patients. In the event of unacceptable bleeding patterns the dose may be increased to 2 tablets a day for 10-12 days.

Precautions
Consult a doctor before taking Duphaston if you are pregnant or breastfeeding; Duphaston may affect the development of an unborn baby if you take it during pregnancy. Duphaston passes into breast milk and may effect the development of nursing babies. Consult a doctor before taking Duphaston if you’ve ever had herpes during pregnancy or if you’ve ever had a certain type of miscarriage known as ‘missed abortion’.

 

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy.

 

Do not take Duphaston if you have any blood clotting problems, or have had a stroke or a heart attack, if you have liver or gall bladder disease, if you have ever had jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), if you have, or may have cancer of the breast or genitals, or some form of estrogen (female hormone) dependent cancer, if you have had liver cancer due to taking oral contraceptives. Consult a doctor before taking Duphaston if you have unusual vaginal bleeding, or if you know you have abnormal red blood cells (sickle cell anaemia)

 

It is important to tell you doctor about your medical history, especially a history of the following: epilepsy, migraine, asthma, heart or kidney problems, or depression.

Drug Interactions

Consult a doctor before taking Duphaston if you are taking any hormone replacement therapies, cancer medications, oral contraceptives, blood clotting medications, or other conjugated estrogen. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. Interaction between Duphaston and other medications is rare but Duphatone may still interact with or affect absorption of other medications. Always consult a doctor before beginning treatment with any new medications or supplements.

Adverse/Side Effects

The incidence of side-effects is remarkably low, but as with all medication there is the possibility of some side effects. The following minor side effects have been reported, if you experience these side effects and they don’t go away on their own or they become bothersome consult a doctor.
Side effects of Duphaston may include: gastro-intestinal disturbances, dizziness, headaches, allergic skin rashes or urticaria, changes in libido, acne, fluid retention, mass gain, swelling of the ankles or feet, mental depression and breast pain or tenderness, which may include discomfort or gynaecomastia. Alterations in liver function tests have been reported and less frequently jaundice.

 

In a small percentage of the treated cases, breakthrough bleeding may occur, which can be prevented by increasing the dosage.
If you experience an adverse reaction to the drug such as: breakthrough bleeding (increase dose), altered liver function with asthenia or malaise, severe and/or sudden headaches, shortness of breath, slurred speech, vision changes, soreness of the veins particularly in the legs or groin, heart or lung problems, depression, jaundice and abdominal pain, you should consult your doctor or medical practitioner contact your doctor immediately.

Overdose
If you suspect overdose, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
 

Storage Instructions
Store at room temperature, away from moisture and light, and out of reach of children and pets.