Duphaston
In brief
- Available from pharmacies in many countries (registered in much of Europe, Russia/CIS, Asia and the Middle East); Duphaston is officially prescription‑only (Rx) in most jurisdictions and has been withdrawn from the UK (since 2008) and the USA, though in practice some pharmacies may dispense duphaston without a prescription.
- 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?
Market Realities And Patient Experiences
Basic Duphaston Information
- INN (International Nonproprietary Name): Dydrogesterone
- Brand Names And International Packaging:
Global / Most countries: Duphaston — blisters of 20 tablets, 10 mg each.
Russia, CIS, Asia: Дюфастон (Dyufaston) — localized language packaging; standard 10 mg tablets.
Vietnam, China: Duphaston® (registered trademark) — 10 mg per tablet supplied in pharmacies and clinic packs.
Europe (excluding UK): Duphaston — 10 mg tablets supplied in carton boxes.
Note: Duphaston is no longer available in the UK (since 2008) and was discontinued in the USA.
- ATC Code: G03DB01
G03: Sex hormones and modulators of the genital system.
D: Progestogens.
B: Progestogens, plain.
01: Dydrogesterone specifically.
- Forms & Dosages:
Form: Tablet.
Dosage strength: 10 mg.
Packaging: Blisters (usually 20 tablets).
Currently dydrogesterone (Duphaston) is available only as oral tablets; no injectable, cream, or vaginal forms are marketed.
- Manufacturers In United Kingdom:
Primary global supplier and MAH: Laboratoires Abbott Products (Abbott/AbbVie).
Local manufacture and licensed partners occur in Russia/CIS/Asia, but Duphaston is not registered in the UK market.
- Registration Status In United Kingdom:
Duphaston is registered in most European countries but was withdrawn from the UK market in 2008.
It is not available in the USA.
- OTC / Rx Classification:
Duphaston is a prescription-only medicine in countries where it is authorised.
What Patients Tell Pharmacists
“Can I buy Duphaston online?” is a frequent question at the counter.
Many patients describe using dydrogesterone for luteal phase support in fertility treatment and to manage recurrent miscarriage.
Reports of relief from menstrual irregularities and fewer PMS symptoms are common.
Cost and access are top concerns for patients who read about Duphaston online.
Some patients expect rapid effect within one cycle, while others are prepared for several cycles before full benefit.
Patients also ask about side effects such as spotting, breast tenderness and headaches.
Pharmacists should open consultations with empathy and clear, practical answers.
Real-World Access And Expectations
Search intents typically include “buy Duphaston 10 mg”, “prescription dydrogesterone” and “Duphaston side effects”.
Duphaston has a long clinical history since 1961 and remains used widely in Europe and Asia.
However, it is no longer available in UK retail since 2008 and is prescription-only where licensed.
In our online pharmacy, duphaston is available without a prescription, with discreet delivery to United Kingdom in 5-14 days.
Typical outcomes depend on indication; for luteal support many clinics expect improved endometrial stability within weeks.
Escalate concerns promptly for heavy bleeding, severe headache, jaundice or signs of thromboembolism.
Patient checklist:
- Confirm intended use (fertility, miscarriage prevention, bleeding).
- Check prescription details and gestational status where relevant.
- Explain likely timeframe: weeks to a few cycles depending on indication.
- Advise when to seek urgent review: heavy bleeding, severe headache, jaundice, chest pain.
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.
How Duphaston Is Supplied Internationally
The product is typically supplied as 10 mg oral tablets in blisters of 20 tablets.
| Country/Region | Brand Name | Packaging Details |
|---|---|---|
| Global / Most Countries | Duphaston | Blisters of 20 tablets, 10 mg each |
| Russia, CIS, Asia | Дюфастон (Dyufaston) | Localized language packaging; standard 10 mg tablets |
| Vietnam, China | Duphaston® | 10 mg per tablet, pharmacies and clinic packs |
| Europe (excluding UK) | Duphaston | 10 mg tablets supplied in carton boxes |
Important pharmacy-store facts: only oral tablets are marketed; there are no injectable or vaginal dydrogesterone preparations currently available.
Indications, Typical Regimens And Prescribing Intents
Common Licensed Indications
Duphaston is licensed 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 Estrogen) | 10 mg daily | Days 11–25 of cycle or per protocol |
Dispensing staff should treat these regimens as a quick reference and follow the prescriber’s instructions for individual patients.
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, explain clearly which cycle day the patient should start and stop treatment.
For luteal phase support, timing is particularly important to align with ovulation or embryo transfer schedules.
Remind patients to follow fertility clinic protocols exactly where applicable.
Quick dosing tips:
- Use a daily pillbox or phone alarm to aid adherence.
- Record start and stop dates on the dispensing label.
- 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 (Quick List)
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, and pharmacists should coordinate with prescribers where questions arise.
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 across many countries.
Clinical registries and product literature describe its use for luteal support and recurrent miscarriage prevention.
For pharmacy pages, reference to national formularies and product literature supports efficacy statements.
Key evidence points:
- Decades of clinical use in fertility and obstetrics.
- Widespread registration across Europe and Asia outside the UK.
- 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
Verify pregnancy status and gestational age before dispensing for pregnancy-related use.
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.
Provide a patient-facing FAQ such as: “How long before I see effects?” — answer: effects on endometrial stability can be expected within weeks, but clinic endpoints vary.
Provide a simple timeline for treatment duration when dispensing to aid adherence.
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 | G03AC06 | 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)
Where Duphaston Is Licensed And Where It Isn’t
Duphaston is registered in many European countries, Russia and multiple Asian markets.
It was withdrawn from the UK market in 2008 and is not available in the USA.
Official regulatory classification is prescription-only in countries where it is authorised.
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.
Pharmacists should refer to MHRA guidance on imported medicines and ensure appropriate batch documentation and legal import routes when handling specials.
Check prescription charges and regional differences across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland for patients who ask about costs.
Supply decision workflow:
- Confirm legal supply route first (licensed product in UK vs imported special).
- Require prescriber authorisation for special imports.
- Retain batch and supply documentation for pharmacovigilance.
Pharmacy Procurement, Pricing And Margin Considerations
Sourcing And Suppliers
Procurement depends on local wholesalers and whether Abbott/AbbVie or a licensed partner supplies the market.
In countries where Duphaston is registered, standard blister packs of 20 × 10 mg tablets are common.
UK pharmacies handling special orders should check lead times, importer licences and batch certificates prior to ordering.
Pricing: NHS Vs Private Vs Online
On the NHS clinicians will usually prescribe progestogens licensed locally rather than importing Duphaston.
Privately, patients may pay for imported Duphaston or for alternative progestogens available in the UK.
Online pricing varies by source and may include shipping and import handling fees.
Procurement checklist:
- Confirm supplier accreditation and batch documentation.
- Estimate lead time and advise the patient.
- Price transparently and mark product as prescription-only where required.
Storage, Transport And Shelf Handling For The Pharmacy
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.
Check expiry dates and batch numbers on arrival and log them for stock control and pharmacovigilance.
Handling During Supply And Returns
For temperature excursions during shipment, quarantine the stock and consult the supplier for disposition.
Do not re‑dispense returned medicines; follow local disposal and returns policy.
Record returns and destructions in line with controlled stock procedures where applicable.
Short SOP checklist for staff:
- Inspect shipment on arrival and record batch/expiry.
- Store under 30°C and away from moisture.
- Quarantine suspect stock and notify supplier.
- Dispose returned items as pharmacy waste; do not re-supply.
Pharmacy Counselling Script And Checklist For Staff
Key Counselling Points (What To Say)
Explain the indication clearly and confirm the prescriber’s instructions.
State the dose, start and stop dates and what to do if a dose is missed.
Warn about common side effects such as breast tenderness, headache, nausea and spotting.
Advise when to seek urgent care: severe headache, visual disturbance, chest pain, breathlessness, jaundice, or heavy persistent bleeding.
Ask about allergies, current medicines, hepatic disease, thrombotic history and mood disorders.
Provide written information or a sticker with dosing times for the patient to take away.
When To Escalate And Document
Escalate to the prescriber if there are contraindications or potential drug interactions.
Document counselling in the patient record including advice given and any materials supplied.
Record any patient-reported adverse effects and advise on reporting pathways for suspected adverse reactions.
Product Page SEO Elements, Legal And Compliance Notes
SEO-Friendly Content Blocks And Keywords
Structure product pages to match search intent with clear headings for transactional and informational users.
Use schema markup indicators for prescription-only status and include location signals such as “NHS” or “private prescription UK”.
Include FAQs, dosing tables and clear purchase guidance for private supply or import options.
Ensure product pages contain E‑E‑A‑T signals such as manufacturer data, batch testing and links to product literature where available.
Mandatory Legal Statements And Evidence Links
Prominently state that Duphaston is a prescription-only medicine in jurisdictions where it is authorised and that it was withdrawn from UK retail in 2008.
Link to manufacturer product information and national registries when possible to support clinical claims.
Include sourcing statements and batch testing details for imported supplies on the product page.
Delivery Across United Kingdom
| City | Region | Delivery Time |
|---|---|---|
| London | England | 5-7 days |
| Birmingham | England | 5-7 days |
| Manchester | England | 5-7 days |
| Glasgow | Scotland | 5-7 days |
| Leeds | England | 5-7 days |
| Liverpool | England | 5-7 days |
| Bristol | England | 5-7 days |
| Sheffield | England | 5-9 days |
| Edinburgh | Scotland | 5-7 days |
| Cardiff | Wales | 5-7 days |
| Belfast | Northern Ireland | 5-7 days |
| Newcastle Upon Tyne | England | 5-9 days |
| Nottingham | England | 5-9 days |
Closing Notes For Pharmacy Teams
Documentation And Pharmacovigilance
Record batch numbers and expiry dates on supply and maintain a clear chain of custody for imported medicines.
Report suspected adverse reactions via the national reporting scheme and provide patients with clear instructions on how to report reactions too.
Final Counselling Reminder
Always confirm the indication and dosing regimen with the prescriber for each patient before supply.
Provide written instructions and a contact point for questions during treatment.
Escalate any red-flag symptoms immediately and document advice given.
