Cyclogest (Progesterone)

How does it work?

Cyclogest pessaries contain the active ingredient progesterone, which is a naturally occurring female sex hormone.

Progesterone is essential for normal functioning of the reproductive system and its levels naturally fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle. If after ovulation an egg is not fertilised, the level of progesterone in the blood falls before a menstrual period starts. Some women find that using progesterone for 12 to 14 days before their period starts can relieve the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. However, it’s not fully understood how this works, as PMS has not been scientifically shown to be caused by a lack of progesterone in the bloodstream.

Progesterone can also be used to treat depression following childbirth (postnatal depression). The placenta produces progesterone throughout the pregnancy, and a drop in progesterone levels after the birth may be partly responsible for postnatal depresssion.

Cyclogest pessaries are inserted either into the vagina or rectum (back passage). In both cases, the pessaries melt and the progesterone from the pessaries is absorbed into the bloodstream via the the rich supply of blood vessels in these areas.

What is it used for?

• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS or PMT).
• Postnatal depression.

Warning!

• Cyclogest pessaries are for use in the vagina or rectum only and must not be taken by mouth.
• Cyclogest pessaries may damage latex (rubber) condoms and diaphragms (caps) and so make them ineffective at preventing pregnancy and STIs. You should use these pessaries in your rectum (like a suppository) if you are using one of these barrier forms of contraception.
• Cylogest pessaries should also be used rectally if you have a vaginal infection, recurrent urine tract infections, eg cystitis, or have recently given birth.
• Cyclogest pessaries should be used vaginally if you suffer from bowel inflammation (colitis) or any problems controlling your bowel movements, such as faecal incontinence.

Not to be used in

• Women with vaginal bleeding of unknown cause.
• Hereditary blood disorders called porphyrias.

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.

If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Use with caution in

• Decreased liver function.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

• The safety of this medicine during pregnancy has not been established. However, as progesterone is a naturally occurring hormone it is not expected to have any harmful effects. Seek medical advice from your doctor if you think you could have fallen pregnant while using this medicine.
• Progesterone passes into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding you should discuss this with your doctor before starting treatment.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Just because a side effect is stated here does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

• Changes in menstrual cycle, such as earlier or delayed periods.
• Discharge of oily pessary base from the vagina or rectum. You might want to use a panty liner to avoid leakage onto your underwear.
• Soreness of the rectum (with rectal use only).
• Diarrhoea and flatulence (with rectal use only).

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the medicine's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How can this medicine affect other medicines?

This medicine is not known to affect other medicines. However, it is important to tell your doctor or pharmacist what medicines you are already taking, including those bought without a prescription and herbal medicines, before you start treatment with this medicine. Similarly, check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new medicines while using this one, to make sure that the combination is safe.

Other medicines containing the same active ingredient

Crinone

Gestone

Utrogestan