Crinone is considered by some to be an effective treatment for women having trouble conceiving because of either a progesterone deficiency or secondary amernorrhea. The progesterone and progestins in Crinone has been used to prevent miscarriage, as some believe the drug supports embryo implantation and to maintain pregnancy; though, no adequate evidence has been uncovered proving effectiveness for this purpose.

How to Use Crinone

Crinone comes in gel form as a bioadhesive vaginal medication, containing micronized progesterone in a carrier vehicle of oil in water emulsion. It is partially soluble in both the oil and water phase of the vehicle, with the majority of the progesterone existing as a suspension. Physically, Crinone has the appearance of a soft, white to off-white gel and is contained in a polyethylene vaginal applicator designed for a single use.

Crinone is available in varying strengths of 4% gel (45 mg) and 8% gel (45 mg), both in single use vaginal applicators. The lesser strength Crinone 4% is used primarily as a treatment for secondary amenorrhea, dosed every other day for a total of 6 doses. The stronger Crinone 8% is used a secondary option for women who did not respond to Crinone 4%. For infertility treatment, Crinone 8% is advised to be used twice daily for 10-12 weeks. Crinone shows no sign of having any positive or negative reaction to any other drug.

The majority of the side effects are normal and harmless, such as vaginal discharge containing little white balls of gel secreting from the vagina. Other, less comfortable side effects include: pain, dizziness, headache, vaginal discharge, bloating, and vaginal itching. Serious side effects have been known to arise because of related thrombotic disorders like cerebrovascular disorders and pulmonary embolism—the earliest manifestation of which should be immediately reported to a physician.

Detectable amounts of the drug progesterone has also been identified in the milk of breast feeding mothers, again concluding the safety and effectiveness of the drug not completely established.

References

Crinone. (2000-2014). Retrieved from www.news-medical.net: http://www.news-medical.net/drugs/Crinone.aspx

Crinone Side Effects Center. (2014). Retrieved from www.rxlist.com: http://www.rxlist.com/crinone-side-effects-drug-center.htm

When Clomid Does Not Achieve Ovulation. (2014). Retrieved from www.rxlist.com: http://www.rxlist.com/crinone-drug.htm