Endometrin is a drug inserted into the vagina, containing micronized progesterone. It is used for many purposes, including luteal support, helping to facilitate embryo implantation, and as part of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) treatment for infertile women in relation to corpus luteal functioning. Other forms of progesterone come as a pill or in intramuscular injections, but may contain sesame seed oil or peanuts, for which Endometrin does not (2012).

How Endometrin Works

Endrometrin contains the female hormone progesterone, which is needed to prepare the lining of the uterus so it can receive the fertilized egg. In ART, it is especially important because the hormone helps you become and stay pregnant. When this medication is administered, it is meant to supplement the other fertility treatments women are taking, which tend to decrease progesterone levels (Endometrin Vaginal, 2005-2014).

How to Use Endometrin

Endometrin is a 100-mg insert to be taken vaginally for two or three times a day, although dosage is based on your medical condition and response. This effervescent tablet is made to dissolve and deliver progesterone directly to the vaginal tissue. In in-vitro, a woman starts taking Endometrin the day after egg retrieval, which continues for up to 10 weeks’ total duration.

To use this medication, unwrap the applicator then position a single insert into the designated space at the end of the device, which should fit snuggly and securely. Then place the applicator into the vagina, either while you are standing, sitting, or lying on your back with bent knees. The thin end of the applicator is gently placed well into the vagina, followed by its removal and disposure. Applicators are intended for a single use only (Administration Instructions for ENDOMETRIN, 2012).

The effectiveness and safety of Endometrin was demonstrated in the largest US trial to date, on over 1,200 women. Endrometrin is considered one of the safest IVF drugs to take, but only physicians that are thoroughly familiar with infertility treatment should prescribe the drug. In some clinical trial studies, adverse reactions have occurred at a rate greater or equal to 2% of the test subjects, which include: uterine spasms and vaginal bleeding. To a lesser degree, vaginal irritation, itching, burning and discomfort, urticaria, and peripheral edema were also reported.

It is important not to use any other vaginal products while using Endometrin. Be care to also avoid other medications such as St. John’s wort, azoles, itraconazole, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, and phenytoin, because they may interact with Endometrin (Endometrin, 2014).

References

Administration Instructions for ENDOMETRIN. (2012, April ). Retrieved from Ferring Fertility: https://www.ferringfertility.com/endometrin/administration/files/admin_instructions.pdf

Endometrin. (2012, July 29). Retrieved from Wikipedia : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endometrin

Endometrin. (2014). Retrieved from RxList: http://www.rxlist.com/endometrin-side-effects-drug-center.htm

Endometrin Vaginal. (2005-2014). Retrieved from Web MD: http://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-148607/endometrin-vaginal/details#uses