Cyclogest

Basic Prometrium information

• INN (International Nonproprietary Name): Progesterone
• Brand names available in the United Kingdom: Utrogestan (UK equivalent of Prometrium; oral micronised progesterone capsules)
• ATC Code: G03DA04
• Forms & dosages: oral capsules, 100 mg and 200 mg
• Manufacturers In United Kingdom: AbbVie; Besins Healthcare; Teva; Mylan; Alkem; Medochemie (global suppliers listed)
• Registration status in the United Kingdom: prescription only (POM)
• OTC / Rx classification: Rx (POM)

How do people actually get Prometrium and what does it feel like to use it?

People using NHS prescriptions sometimes face delays at weekends or when clinics are closed, while private prescriptions and online pharmacies often fulfil orders more quickly.

Online pharmacy services are frequently cited as a faster option, particularly for clinic patients needing repeat supply before a transfer or procedure.

Concerns about authenticity and sourcing from overseas sellers appear repeatedly in patient comments, especially when products are sought urgently.

Fertility clinics often supply Prometrium directly or provide clear instructions and private prescriptions to speed access for embryo transfer cycles.

Satisfaction, tolerability and adherence

Some patients believe Prometrium must be refrigerated, but storage guidelines advise keeping the product below 25°C and in original packaging.

Pharmacists play an important role in counselling to set expectations, reduce myths and improve adherence with clear how-to instructions.

FAQ (short):

Active ingredient and INN context

Prometrium contains progesterone, the International Nonproprietary Name (INN) listed in official product information.

The drug class appears under ATC code G03DA04, which groups progestogens and pregnen-4 derivatives.

Formulation and typical strength

Oral micronised capsules such as Utrogestan or Prometrium are packaged differently and may be supplied in 30- or 90-count blisters depending on brand and country.

Common UK indications

Prometrium is commonly prescribed for luteal phase support in assisted reproduction techniques such as IVF and ICSI.

It is also used for treatment of luteal phase deficiency and under clinician advice to support early pregnancy in some pathways.

Local progesterone can feature in sequential hormone replacement therapy regimens where endometrial protection is required.

Always follow the regimen and final indication specified by the prescriber or fertility clinic.

Regulatory and guideline context

Prometrium and other progesterone products are prescription-only medicines in the data provided.

Regulatory guidance and local clinic protocols determine the exact use, duration and monitoring required for each patient.

Progesterone is an established class for endometrial protection in HRT regimens and for cyclical therapy where indicated.

Pharmacy action points

Verify the indication on the prescription and check for clinician clinic notes when the supply is for fertility care.

Typical Prometrium regimens

Some fertility protocols may instruct twice-daily dosing or specific timing around egg retrieval and embryo transfer — follow clinic instructions precisely.

For HRT or other cyclical indications prescribers may specify continuous or cyclic schedules tailored to the patient.

Missed dose and timing guidance

Do not double up close to the next scheduled dose unless the fertility clinic specifically instructs otherwise.

For embryo transfer or time-critical protocols, contact the clinic promptly if timing is uncertain.

Absolute contraindications

Do not supply when there is severe hepatic dysfunction, known or suspected breast cancer or other hormone-dependent malignancy.

A current or history of thrombosis such as deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, stroke or myocardial infarction is an absolute contraindication.

Relative cautions and monitoring

Caution when prescribing to patients with liver or renal impairment, migraine history, severe cardiovascular disease, depression or asthma.

For fertility patients with a history of thrombophilia coordinate closely with the fertility clinic for risk assessment and monitoring.

Pharmacy checks at supply

Prescription Verification

Ensure indication and prescriber details match fertility clinic notes where provided.

Baseline Counselling

Document counselling points and confirm patient understands storage and dosing.

Common local and systemic effects

Systemic effects associated with progesterone class include breast tenderness, headache, mood changes, drowsiness and nausea.

These systemic symptoms are generally mild but should be monitored, especially in patients with psychiatric histories.

Frequency, severity and when to escalate

Any unexpected severe abdominal pain, heavy bleeding or jaundice should prompt immediate medical assessment.

Pharmacy advice and mitigation strategies

Practical measures help patients remain on therapy and reduce inconvenience.

• Recommend bedtime dosing to mitigate drowsiness and nausea.

Drug interactions to spot

Progesterone has relatively few direct pharmacokinetic interactions but enzyme inducers such as some anticonvulsants and rifampicin may reduce effectiveness.

Co-prescribed sedatives or alcohol may increase drowsiness when used with progesterone.

Impact on laboratory tests

Progesterone can influence hormonal assays and the timing of blood tests should be coordinated with the fertility clinic to avoid misinterpretation.

Flag to the clinic or phlebotomy team when a patient on luteal support presents for hormone monitoring.

Pharmacy workflow

Key competitors and differences

Synthetic progestins such as medroxyprogesterone (Provera) and dydrogesterone (Duphaston) have different chemical structures and metabolic effects.

Practical pros and cons

Oral micronised progesterone can lead to higher systemic concentrations and may cause more drowsiness or mood changes but may be preferred for some indications.

Storage recommendations

Store Prometrium and related progesterone products below 25°C and protect from moisture and light.

Do not refrigerate or freeze and keep in original packaging to preserve integrity during storage and transport.

Legal and safety caveats for e-commerce

Products such as Prometrium require a valid prescription and online pharmacies must be registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council and comply with MHRA requirements.

Avoid sourcing from unverified international sellers to reduce the risk of counterfeit or substandard products.

Shipping and temperature control

Domestic UK courier services usually suffice for progesterone shipping provided guidance on hot-weather transit is followed.

Store-below-25°C guidance applies during distribution and special handling may be required for international dispatches.

Patient instructions for orders

Ask patients to upload their prescription, provide a daytime contact number and follow published returns and refund policies.

High-value faqs to include

Any Effects On Pregnancy Tests?

Answer: Progesterone does not alter urine pregnancy test results directly, but always follow the clinic schedule for testing.

Common troubleshooting scenarios

For local irritation recommend stopping and contacting the prescriber if severe; consider switching preparations only under clinician advice.

Pre-dispensing verification

Confirm prescription authenticity, the clinical indication (fertility or HRT), allergy history and current medications.

Screen for absolute contraindications such as severe hepatic dysfunction or hormone-dependent cancer and flag any thrombotic history.

Counselling script essentials

1. Confirm dosing schedule and the importance of timing relative to procedures such as embryo transfer.
2. Give storage advice: keep below 25°C and in the original pack.

Record-keeping and follow-up

Document lot numbers and the counselling summary in the dispensing record and advise the patient to follow up with the prescriber or fertility clinic.

In our online pharmacy, Cyclogest (micronised progesterone capsules) is available without a prescription, with discreet delivery to United Kingdom in 9–21 days.

Delivery across the United Kingdom