Generic Dydrogesterone (Dydrogesterone)

Introduction

Dydrogesterone is a synthetic progestogen used primarily to treat hormone-related disorders in women. It is supplied as a 10 mg oral tablet and belongs to the class of progestins, compounds that mimic the activity of the natural hormone progesterone. The medication is prescribed for several approved indications, including luteal-phase support in assisted reproduction, treatment of menstrual disorders, and prevention of miscarriage in women with threatened pregnancy. In some clinical settings it is also employed off-label for conditions such as endometriosis-related pain or prevention of preterm labour, although these uses have not received formal approval from regulatory agencies.

What is Dydrogesterone?

Dydrogesterone is the generic version of well-known medications, containing the active compound Dydrogesterone. It is marketed under brand names such as Duphaston and Femoston. Our online pharmacy provides this generic alternative as a cost-effective treatment option.

The drug was first synthesized in the s by the French laboratory Laboratoires Servier and later commercialized worldwide. It is formulated as a film-coated tablet containing 10 mg of the active ingredient together with standard excipients (lactose, microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, etc.). The product is classified as a synthetic progestogen, a subgroup of hormonal agents that act on progesterone receptors throughout the body.

How Dydrogesterone Works

Dydrogesterone binds selectively to the intracellular progesterone receptor (PR-A and PR-B isoforms) and activates the same genomic pathways as endogenous progesterone. Upon receptor activation, the drug modulates transcription of target genes that regulate the endometrium, cervical mucus, and hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis.

Key pharmacodynamic effects include:

• Endometrial transformation - promotes a secretory, implantation-compatible lining in the uterus.
• Suppression of ovulation - through negative feedback on gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and luteinizing hormone (LH).
• Stabilization of the myometrium - reduces uterine contractility, which is beneficial in threatened miscarriage.

After oral ingestion, peak plasma concentrations are reached within 2-4 hours. The drug has an elimination half-life of roughly 14-17 hours, allowing once-daily dosing for most indications. Metabolism occurs primarily via hepatic CYP3A4, and metabolites are excreted in urine and feces.

Conditions Treated with Dydrogesterone

1. Threatened or recurrent miscarriage - By supporting the luteal phase and maintaining a progesterone-rich uterine environment, Dydrogesterone reduces the risk of early pregnancy loss in women with documented progesterone deficiency.

2. Luteal-phase deficiency in assisted reproduction - In in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) cycles, the medication is given after embryo transfer to enhance endometrial receptivity and improve implantation rates.

3. Secondary amenorrhoea and irregular cycles - The progestogenic effect restores regular menstrual shedding in women whose cycles are disrupted by hormonal imbalance.

4. Endometriosis-associated pelvic pain (approved in some jurisdictions) - By inducing decidualisation of ectopic endometrial tissue, Dydrogesterone can alleviate pain and limit lesion progression.

5. Hormone-replacement therapy (HRT) for post-menopausal women - Often combined with an estrogen component (e.g., estradiol) to prevent endometrial hyperplasia while providing symptomatic relief.

In each of these approved contexts, Dydrogesterone’s ability to closely mimic natural progesterone while exhibiting a favourable side-effect profile underpins its therapeutic efficacy.

Off-Label and Investigational Uses of Dydrogesterone

• Prevention of preterm birth - Small-scale randomized trials have explored daily 10 mg Dydrogesterone from the second trimester to reduce cervical shortening. Results are promising but insufficient for regulatory approval.

• Management of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)-related anovulation - Some clinicians add Dydrogesterone after ovulation induction to stabilise the luteal phase, though evidence remains limited.

• Treatment of chronic pelvic pain unrelated to endometriosis - Observational studies suggest symptom relief, but robust controlled data are lacking.

• Adjunct therapy in breast-cancer patients undergoing tamoxifen - Early-phase research investigates whether Dydrogesterone can mitigate tamoxifen-induced endometrial changes.

All off-label applications should be undertaken only under the direct supervision of a qualified healthcare provider. The safety and efficacy of these uses have not been formally confirmed by agencies such as the FDA or EMA.

Is Dydrogesterone the Right Medication for You?

Dydrogesterone is best suited for adult women who:

• Have documented luteal-phase insufficiency, recurrent early pregnancy loss, or an IVF cycle requiring progesterone supplementation.
• Experience menstrual irregularities attributable to progesterone deficiency.
• Are undergoing HRT in which a progestogen is required to protect the endometrium.

The drug is contraindicated in individuals with:

• Known hypersensitivity to Dydrogesterone or any tablet excipient.
• Active or a history of thromboembolic disease, uncontrolled hypertension, or hepatic impairment.
• Hormone-dependent malignancies (e.g., breast or endometrial cancer).

Pregnant or breastfeeding women should only use Dydrogesterone when clearly indicated by a clinician, as safety data for the first trimester are limited.

Risks, Side Effects, and Interactions

Common

• Nausea, abdominal discomfort, and mild headache.
• Breast tenderness or swelling.
• Light-to-moderate menstrual spotting between periods.

Rare

• Mood changes, including irritability or depressive symptoms.
• Dermatologic reactions such as maculopapular rash.

Serious

• Venous thromboembolism (deep-vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism).
• Severe hepatic dysfunction (elevated transaminases, jaundice).
• Allergic anaphylaxis (rare, requires immediate medical attention).

Drug-Drug Interactions

• CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampicin, carbamazepine, St. John’s wort) may lower Dydrogesterone plasma levels, reducing efficacy.
• CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, erythromycin) can increase exposure and the risk of side effects.
• Anticoagulants - The pro-thrombotic potential of progestogens may potentiate warfarin or direct oral anticoagulants; monitoring of INR or clotting parameters is advised.

Drug-Food Interactions

• Grapefruit juice can inhibit CYP3A4 metabolism and modestly raise drug concentrations; patients should limit large amounts.
• No significant interactions with common dietary components have been identified.

Use: Dosing, Missed Dose, Overdose

Standard dosing varies by indication:

• Threatened miscarriage / luteal-phase support: 10 mg orally once daily, typically starting after a positive pregnancy test and continuing until weeks 12-14 of gestation.
• Irregular cycles or secondary amenorrhoea: 10 mg daily for 10-14 days each month, timed to the luteal phase (after ovulation).
• HRT combination therapy: 10 mg daily taken in the evening, concomitantly with an estrogen preparation.

Missed dose: If a dose is forgotten within 12 hours, take it as soon as remembered. If more than 12 hours have passed, skip the missed dose and resume the regular schedule. Do not double-dose.

Overdose: Signs may include severe nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or fainting. In case of suspected overdose, seek immediate medical attention or contact a poison-control centre. Supportive care is the mainstay of treatment.

Practical considerations:

• Tablets can be taken with or without food; however, taking them with a small amount of food may reduce gastric irritation.
• Alcohol does not directly affect drug metabolism but excessive intake may exacerbate nausea.
• Operating heavy machinery is permissible; however, patients who experience dizziness or severe headache should avoid hazardous activities until symptoms resolve.

FAQ

• **Can I travel internationally with Dydrogesterone tablets? Yes. Carry the medication in its original packaging with a copy of the prescription or a physician’s letter if required by customs. Keep the tablets in a sealed container to protect them from moisture and temperature extremes.

• **Does Dydrogesterone require refrigeration? No. Store the tablets at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and humidity. The recommended storage range is 15 °C-30 °C (59 °F-86 °F).

• **What do the imprints on the tablet look like? Generic 10 mg Dydrogesterone tablets typically bear the imprint “10 MG” on one side and a manufacturer code on the other. Appearance may vary slightly between licensed suppliers.

• **Are there any animal-derived ingredients in the formulation? The standard tablet contains lactose and magnesium stearate, which are of plant or mineral origin. Patients with severe lactose intolerance should discuss alternatives with their clinician.

• **Is Dydrogesterone detectable on standard drug-screening tests? Routine employment or sports drug panels do not target progestogens, so Dydrogesterone is generally not reported as a positive finding.

• **Can I take Dydrogesterone while using hormonal contraceptives? Concurrent use may diminish the contraceptive’s efficacy because Dydrogesterone can alter the hormonal milieu. It is advisable to consult a healthcare professional before combining these agents.

• **What is the historical significance of Dydrogesterone? Developed in the s, Dydrogesterone was one of the first synthetic progestogens designed to retain the beneficial effects of natural progesterone while minimizing androgenic activity. Its favorable safety profile contributed to widespread adoption in reproductive medicine.

• **How does Dydrogesterone compare with micronised natural progesterone? Both agents act on progesterone receptors, but Dydrogesterone has higher oral bioavailability and a more predictable pharmacokinetic profile. Micronised progesterone is often administered vaginally or orally but may cause more gastrointestinal side effects.

• **Are there any special considerations for women with liver disease? Because Dydrogesterone is metabolised by the liver, patients with moderate to severe hepatic impairment should avoid its use or be monitored closely for elevated liver enzymes.

• **What should I do if I experience unexpected heavy bleeding while on Dydrogesterone? Consult a medical professional promptly. While breakthrough bleeding can occur, sudden heavy bleeding may signal an underlying pathology that requires evaluation.

Glossary

Progestogen

A class of hormones that mimic the activity of natural progesterone, influencing the menstrual cycle, pregnancy maintenance, and endometrial development.

Luteal Phase

The post-ovulatory segment of the menstrual cycle (approximately days 15-28) characterized by progesterone secretion from the corpus luteum.

CYP3A4

A liver enzyme responsible for metabolising many drugs, including Dydrogesterone; its activity can be altered by other medications or foods.

Endometrial Decidualisation

The transformation of the uterine lining into a secretory state suitable for embryo implantation, driven primarily by progesterone signaling.

Buying Dydrogesterone from Our Online Pharmacy

Dydrogesterone is readily available through our online pharmacy. By sourcing the medication from a verified network of licensed overseas suppliers, we are able to keep prices close to the manufacturer’s cost while maintaining strict quality standards.

• Affordability: Generic Dydrogesterone is offered at a fraction of the price of branded equivalents, helping patients manage long-term therapy costs.
• Verified quality: Every batch is sourced from GMP-certified manufacturers and undergoes independent testing to confirm potency and purity.
• Discreet delivery: Orders are packaged in plain, unmarked envelopes and shipped via reliable carriers, with options for express (≈ 7 days) or standard airmail (≈ 3 weeks) delivery.
• International access: For patients living in regions where Dydrogesterone is unavailable or subject to stock shortages, our pharmacy broker service provides a safe conduit to obtain the medication legally and securely.

We operate as a pharmacy-broker service, partnering with overseas licensed pharmacies to ensure that each order complies with local regulations while protecting your privacy. Your health decisions remain private, and our support team is available to answer any logistical questions you may have.

Disclaimer

The information presented about Dydrogesterone is intended for general educational purposes and should not replace personalized medical advice. All therapeutic choices, including those involving off-label applications, must be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. This content assumes that readers are capable adults who can evaluate health information responsibly. Our online pharmacy provides a channel to obtain Dydrogesterone for individuals who encounter limited availability through conventional pharmacies or who seek cost-effective generic alternatives. Always discuss any medication changes with your clinician before initiating, modifying, or discontinuing treatment.