Duphaston
In brief
- Duphaston is not currently licensed in the UK (withdrawn in 2008); where authorised, it is a prescription-only medicine.
- Duphaston contains dydrogesterone, a synthetic progestogen used for luteal support in infertility, secondary amenorrhoea, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, threatened and recurrent miscarriage, endometriosis, dysmenorrhoea and as part of HRT; it acts by binding progesterone receptors and mimicking natural progesterone without significant androgenic, oestrogenic or glucocorticoid effects.
- Usual doses vary by indication: commonly 10 mg once daily for luteal support, 10 mg twice daily for secondary amenorrhoea and dysfunctional bleeding, 40 mg initial then 10 mg every 8 hours for threatened abortion, 10 mg daily for habitual abortion (often continued to week 20), 10–20 mg daily for endometriosis and 10 mg twice daily for dysmenorrhoea/PMS; treatment duration depends on the condition.
- Administered orally as 10 mg tablets (typically blister packs of 20); no widely marketed injectable, vaginal or topical forms are available.
- Begins to be absorbed within hours, with plasma levels rising within about 1–3 hours and initial pharmacological effects starting within a few hours; noticeable clinical benefits may take several days depending on the indication.
- Effects are maintained with daily dosing; pharmacological activity generally persists across the day (practical dosing is once or twice daily) and clinical treatment courses are determined by the specific condition being treated.
- Avoid excessive alcohol; alcohol can worsen side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness and nausea and may increase hepatic strain—discuss alcohol use with your prescriber if relevant.
- The most common side effects are breast pain or tenderness, headache, nausea, abdominal discomfort and menstrual irregularities (spotting or breakthrough bleeding); most adverse effects are mild and resolve spontaneously.
- Would you like to try Duphaston without a prescription?
Legal status and availability in the UK
Duphaston is not currently licensed in the UK; it was withdrawn from the UK market in 2008. Where it is authorised, it is a prescription-only medicine.
In our online pharmacy, Duphaston is available without a prescription, with discreet delivery to the United Kingdom in 9–21 days.
Basic Duphaston information
- INN (international nonproprietary name): Dydrogesterone
- Brand names available in the United Kingdom: Duphaston (not currently marketed in the UK)
- ATC code: G03DB01
- Forms and dosages: Tablet 10 mg (oral tablets only)
- Manufacturers in the United Kingdom: Abbott (Duphaston)
- Registration status in the United Kingdom: Not licensed in the UK (withdrawn from the UK market in 2008)
- OTC / Rx classification: Prescription-only medicine where authorised
Product basics: active ingredient, ATC and packaging
Active substance and classification
Dydrogesterone is the active substance in Duphaston.
ATC code is G03DB01 which places it among progestogens, plain, within sex hormones and modulators of the genital system.
Dydrogesterone is a progestogen designed to mimic many effects of natural progesterone without marked androgenic, oestrogenic or glucocorticoid activity.
It is favoured in reproductive medicine for its endometrial stabilising properties.
Form and packaging
The product is typically supplied as 10 mg oral tablets in blisters of 20 tablets. Only oral tablets are marketed; there are no injectable or vaginal dydrogesterone preparations.
Indications, typical regimens and prescribing intents
Common indications
Dydrogesterone is used for a range of gynaecological and obstetric conditions.
Common indications include secondary amenorrhoea, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, luteal phase deficiency, threatened abortion and habitual abortion.
Other uses include endometriosis, dysmenorrhoea and use within combined HRT regimens.
Typical adult dosing by indication
| Indication | Typical adult dose | Standard regimen |
|---|---|---|
| Secondary Amenorrhoea | 10 mg twice daily | Cycle days 11–25 or as indicated |
| Luteal Phase Support / Infertility | 10 mg daily | Days 14–25 or continuous per protocol |
| Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding | 10 mg twice daily | Typically 5–7 days |
| Threatened Abortion | Initial 40 mg, then 10 mg every 8 hours | Continued as clinician directs |
| Habitual Abortion | 10 mg daily | Continued to at least 20 weeks of pregnancy |
| Endometriosis | 10–20 mg daily | Days 5–25 or continuous |
| Dysmenorrhoea / PMS | 10 mg twice daily | Days 5–25 of the cycle |
| HRT (With Oestrogen) | 10 mg daily | Days 11–25 of cycle or per protocol |
These regimens are a quick reference; always follow the prescriber’s instructions.
Dosing practicalities, missed dose and overdose advice
How to take Duphaston (practical)
Swallow Duphaston tablets with water.
Tablets may be taken with or without food.
For cyclical regimens, make sure you know which cycle day to start and stop treatment.
For luteal phase support, timing is particularly important to align with ovulation or embryo transfer schedules.
Follow fertility clinic protocols exactly where applicable.
Quick dosing tips:
- Use a daily pillbox or phone alarm to aid adherence.
- Note down the start and stop dates.
- Confirm if therapy should continue into pregnancy as per the prescriber.
Missed dose and overdose handling
If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered unless the next dose is near.
Do not double the dose to make up for a missed tablet.
In overdose, dydrogesterone has relatively low acute toxicity and there is no specific antidote.
Manage overdose symptomatically and seek medical advice if ingestion is significant or if severe symptoms develop.
For fertility protocols maintain strict timing and contact the clinic if multiple doses are missed.
Contraindications and high‑risk patient flags
Absolute contraindications
Known hypersensitivity to dydrogesterone or any tablet excipient.
Progestogen-dependent tumours.
Active or severe liver disease.
Unexplained vaginal bleeding prior to diagnosis.
When to consult a prescriber or specialist
Consult prescriber for patients with a personal or strong family history of thromboembolic disease.
Seek specialist advice for uncontrolled hypertension, severe renal impairment or diabetes requiring close metabolic monitoring.
Discuss psychiatric history since a history of depression is a relative caution and may need monitoring.
Pregnant patients on habitual abortion protocols should continue only under obstetric supervision.
Red flags checklist:
- New or worsening severe headache or visual changes.
- Signs of thrombosis: unilateral leg pain, swelling, sudden breathlessness.
- Symptoms of liver injury: jaundice, dark urine, abdominal pain.
Side effects, prevalence and monitoring
Common and expected reactions
| Side effect | Typical frequency / action |
|---|---|
| Breast Tenderness | Common. Advise reassurance and symptom monitoring. |
| Headache / Migraine | Common. Evaluate severity; seek review for severe or persistent headaches. |
| Nausea | Common. Take with food if it helps. |
| Abdominal Discomfort | Common. Usually self-limiting. |
| Menstrual Irregularities (Spotting) | Common. Counsel that breakthrough bleeding often settles after a cycle or two. |
| Mild Oedema | Uncommon. Monitor and review if progressive. |
| Fatigue | Common. Reassure and monitor mood. |
Most side effects are mild and resolve spontaneously.
When side effects require urgent review
Arrange immediate review for signs of thromboembolism such as sudden breathlessness, chest pain or unilateral leg swelling.
Seek urgent assessment for jaundice or other signs of liver dysfunction.
Refer for emergency care for severe allergic reactions including facial swelling or airway compromise.
Persistent heavy vaginal bleeding or severe abdominal pain warrants prompt clinical assessment.
Pharmacology and mechanism — clinical context (concise)
How dydrogesterone works
Dydrogesterone is an oral progestogen that acts on progesterone receptors in the endometrium.
It supports the luteal phase and promotes endometrial stability which is helpful in luteal insufficiency and miscarriage protocols.
Compared with some synthetic progestins it lacks marked androgenic, oestrogenic or glucocorticoid effects.
It does not generally inhibit ovulation at standard doses and therefore can be used when preserving natural cycles is desired.
Clinical evidence highlights
Dydrogesterone has a long clinical history since 1961 and is widely used in assisted reproductive technologies.
Clinical registries and product literature describe its use for luteal support and recurrent miscarriage prevention.
Key evidence points:
- Decades of clinical use in fertility and obstetrics.
- Favourable tolerability profile compared with some alternatives.
Use in pregnancy and fertility pathways
Luteal support and miscarriage prevention
Dydrogesterone is commonly prescribed for luteal phase support in assisted conception and for recurrent miscarriage prevention.
Typical luteal support dosing is 10 mg daily, often continued according to clinic protocol.
In habitual abortion protocols the usual approach is 10 mg daily continued to around 20 weeks of gestation, as directed by the obstetrician.
Threatened abortion regimens may start with an initial higher dose and then step down per clinician instructions.
Counselling the fertility patient
Pregnancy status and gestational age should be confirmed before use for pregnancy-related indications.
Confirm precise dosing and duration with the fertility clinic or prescriber.
Explain expected treatment duration and the requirement for obstetric follow-up while on therapy.
How long before I see effects? Effects on endometrial stability can be expected within weeks, but clinic endpoints vary.
Alternatives, competitors and switching advice
Key comparator molecules
| Molecule | Form | ATC | Key uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Norethisterone | Tablets and other forms | G03AC01 | Endometriosis, HRT, contraception |
| Medroxyprogesterone | Oral and injectable | G03DA02 | Amenorrhoea, bleeding control |
| Micronised Progesterone | Oral, vaginal, soft gel capsules | G03DA04 | HRT, infertility support |
How to advise on switching
Ensure the alternative chosen matches the clinical indication.
Some alternatives are unsuitable for luteal phase support, so confirm with the prescriber before switching.
Discuss differences in side-effect profiles and routes of administration.
When moving from dydrogesterone to a different progestogen, document the reason and counsel the patient about any changes in dosing timetable.
Availability, licensing and regulatory status (UK focus)
Licensing in the UK
Duphaston was withdrawn from the UK market in 2008 and is not licensed in the UK.
Practical implications for UK patients
For UK patients needing dydrogesterone, options include prescribing alternative progestogens available on the NHS or arranging licensed imported supplies via specials where appropriate.
Imported medicines follow MHRA guidance, with appropriate batch documentation and legal import routes.
Storage
Recommended storage conditions
Store Duphaston tablets below 30°C, protected from moisture and heat.
Keep blister packs in the original carton until dispensing to protect from light and humidity.
Counselling points
Make sure you understand the indication and the prescriber’s instructions, including the dose, start and stop dates and what to do if a dose is missed.
Common side effects include breast tenderness, headache, nausea and spotting.
Seek urgent care for severe headache, visual disturbance, chest pain, breathlessness, jaundice or heavy persistent bleeding.
Tell your prescriber about allergies, current medicines, liver disease, thrombotic history and mood disorders.
Suspected adverse reactions can be reported via the Yellow Card scheme.
Delivery across the United Kingdom
| City | Region | Delivery Time |
|---|---|---|
| London | England | 9–21 days |
| Birmingham | England | 9–21 days |
| Manchester | England | 9–21 days |
| Glasgow | Scotland | 9–21 days |
| Leeds | England | 9–21 days |
| Liverpool | England | 9–21 days |
| Bristol | England | 9–21 days |
| Sheffield | England | 9–21 days |
| Edinburgh | Scotland | 9–21 days |
| Cardiff | Wales | 9–21 days |
| Belfast | Northern Ireland | 9–21 days |
| Newcastle Upon Tyne | England | 9–21 days |
| Nottingham | England | 9–21 days |
