Progesterone Vaginal Gel (Crinone®)

What is this medication for?

Crinone® contains a hormone called progesterone. When the gel is inserted into your vagina, the progesterone is slowly released into your body throughout the day.
Crinone® is used to give you extra progesterone when you are having an assisted fertility procedure, to help you get pregnant. You may also be asked to continue using Crinone® to support your pregnancy.

How should I take or use this medication?

Do not stop using your medication without checking with your healthcare professional.

How to use Crinone® 
 

	Step 1: Getting your applicator ready Remove the applicator from the packaging. Grip the applicator by the thick end between your thumb and index finger. Face the thin end of the applicator down to the ground and shake the applicator down to move all the gel inside to the thin end. The applicator contains a plastic ball to help the gel to move down to the tip of the applicator. The ball also helps to control the release of the gel. The applicator is designed so that the ball cannot exit it.
	Step 2: Opening your applicator Grip the applicator by the flat part of the thick end. Twist off and remove the cap from the opposite thin end. To stop the gel from flowing out before use, do not press the air tank at the thick end at this stage.
	Step 3: Inserting your applicator Lean back or lie down with your knees bent and spread apart. Carefully insert the applicator well into your vagina, until your hand touches your body. Press the air tank at the thick end of the applicator firmly to deliver the gel from the applicator into your vagina.
	Step 4: After using your applicator Throw away the applicator, including the small amount of gel that is left inside. Use each applicator only once. You do not have to stay lying down once you have applied the gel. This is because activities like walking may help to spread the gel onto the walls of the vagina.

The applicator is designed in such a way that an exact amount of gel is delivered. It is expected that a small amount of gel will be left in the applicator. This can be thrown away as you will have received all of the medicine that you need.

What should I do if I forget to take or use this medication?

If you forget to use a dose, use it as soon as you remember if it is not close to the next dose. If you missed a dose, contact your nurse or doctor immediately for advice. Do not use two doses together to make up for the missed dose. 

What precautions should I take when taking or using this medication?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

• You are allergic to Crinone® or any of the other ingredients of this medication.
• You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies.
• You have any unexplained vaginal bleeding
• You have porphyria (a rare condition where the body is unable to break down certain substances in the blood that is passed down in families)
• You have a history of or current medical conditions such as liver problems, stroke, heart disease, blood clots, migraine headaches, epilepsy (fits), or cancer

If you have any questions about this medication, please discuss with your healthcare professional.

What are some common side effects of this medication? ​

Crinone® is generally well tolerated. Some patients may experience the following : 

•  Breast tenderness
  • This is generally mild.
• Vaginal discharge (beige to brownish clumpy or cloudy white discharge)
  • Crinone® gel can stay in your vagina for several days. You may get a beige to brownish clumpy or cloudy white discharge during this time. This discharge can cause irritation, pain or swelling of the vagina, but this is nothing to worry about.

Discuss with your healthcare professional if any of them continues, worsens, or affects your daily life.

What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately? 

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:
•    Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
•    Difficulty in breathing
•    Itchy skin rashes over your whole body
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

You can also find out about drug allergies by watching these videos:

For videos in 中文, Melayu and தமிழ், click here 

What food or medication should I avoid when I take or use this medication?

Do not use Crinone® at the same time as any other medicines that are inserted into your vagina. 

How should I store this medication?

Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children.

How do I throw away this medication safely? ​

Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin.