Generic Duphaston (Dydrogesterone)

Introduction to Duphaston

Duphaston is a medication containing the active compound Dydrogesterone, available in a 10mg pill form. It is a synthetic progestogen, primarily used to treat various gynaecological conditions influenced by progesterone deficiency. Its therapeutic applications extend to managing menstrual irregularities, treating symptoms associated with menopause, and supporting pregnancies at risk of miscarriage or premature birth. Duphaston is the brand name for this specific formulation of Dydrogesterone.

Quick Reference Facts

Active Ingredient: Dydrogesterone Form: Pill (10mg) Primary and Off-Label Uses: Luteal phase defect, recurrent miscarriage, threatened miscarriage, endometriosis, painful menstruation, irregular periods, infertility, premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

What is Duphaston?

Duphaston is a pharmaceutical product classified as a synthetic progestogen. The active ingredient, Dydrogesterone, is a meticulously designed molecule that mimics the effects of the natural hormone progesterone. This medication is manufactured by Abbott Laboratories. Dydrogesterone is the generic name, and Duphaston is a well-established brand name under which it is marketed internationally. Its development has aimed to provide a progestogen with a beneficial clinical profile for a range of gynaecological and obstetric indications. As the generic version of medications containing Dydrogesterone, Duphaston offers a trusted formulation for patients.

How Dydrogesterone Works

Dydrogesterone, the active compound in Duphaston, functions by selectively binding to progesterone receptors in the reproductive organs. Unlike some other progestogens, Dydrogesterone does not appear to have significant androgenic or oestrogenic activity, making it a specific tool for addressing progesterone-related issues. In the uterus, it promotes a healthy secretory endometrium, which is crucial for embryo implantation and maintaining pregnancy. By supporting the uterine lining during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, it can help prevent conditions like irregular bleeding. It also has a calming effect on the uterine muscles, which can help to prevent premature contractions and thus reduce the risk of miscarriage or preterm labour. Dydrogesterone is metabolised in the liver and excreted through the kidneys. Its onset of action and duration are dependent on the dosage administered.

Conditions Treated with Duphaston

Duphaston is prescribed for a number of conditions where a deficiency or imbalance of progesterone is implicated. It is used to:

• Treat Luteal Phase Defect: This occurs when the corpus luteum does not produce enough progesterone during the second half of the menstrual cycle, potentially hindering implantation. Duphaston provides essential progesterone support, improving the chances of successful implantation and pregnancy.
• Manage Recurrent Miscarriage: In women with a history of recurrent miscarriages, where low progesterone levels are suspected as a cause, Duphaston can help maintain the uterine lining and support the early stages of pregnancy.
• Address Threatened Miscarriage: When vaginal bleeding occurs during early pregnancy, indicating a risk of miscarriage, Duphaston may be prescribed to help stop uterine contractions and preserve the pregnancy.
• Relieve Endometriosis: Endometriosis is a condition where uterine lining tissue grows outside the uterus. Dydrogesterone can help suppress the growth of this tissue and alleviate associated pain and bleeding.
• Alleviate Painful Menstruation (Dysmenorrhoea): By regulating hormonal cycles and supporting the endometrium, Duphaston can help reduce the severity of menstrual cramps and pain in some individuals.
• Correct Irregular Menstrual Cycles: Duphaston can be used to manage conditions like oligomenorrhoea (infrequent periods) or amenorrhoea (absence of periods) by supporting the natural hormonal fluctuations that regulate menstruation.
• Treat Infertility Related to Progesterone Deficiency: In certain cases of infertility where insufficient progesterone is a contributing factor, Duphaston can be used to prepare the endometrium for conception.
• Manage Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): While the exact cause of PMS is complex, fluctuations in hormone levels, including progesterone, are thought to play a role. Duphaston may help mitigate some of the physical and emotional symptoms.

Is Duphaston the Right Medication for You?

Duphaston is typically recommended for adult women experiencing gynaecological conditions linked to progesterone insufficiency. This includes women suffering from menstrual cycle irregularities, severe period pain, or symptoms associated with endometriosis. It is also frequently prescribed in obstetric care for women at risk of miscarriage, particularly recurrent miscarriage or threatened miscarriage during early pregnancy.

The decision to use Duphaston is based on a clinical assessment and often confirmed by hormonal testing or response to treatment. It is generally appropriate for women who have been diagnosed with conditions responsive to progesterone supplementation.

Contraindications exist for Duphaston. It is not suitable for individuals with a known hypersensitivity to Dydrogesterone or any of its inactive ingredients. Conditions such as severe liver dysfunction, a history of jaundice during pregnancy or previous progestogen use, and certain tumours that are progesterone-dependent should be carefully evaluated. It is essential to discuss your complete medical history, including any past allergic reactions or existing health conditions, with your healthcare provider to determine if Duphaston is a safe and appropriate treatment option for your specific situation.

Buying Duphaston from Our Online Pharmacy

Accessing essential medications like Duphaston can sometimes present challenges related to cost, availability, or convenience. Through our online pharmacy service, we aim to provide a reliable and accessible solution for obtaining Duphaston, ensuring that patients have consistent access to this vital treatment.

Why Choose Our Service?

We understand that managing health conditions requires dependable access to prescribed medications. Our service is designed to bridge potential gaps in availability often encountered with brand-name or even generic medications. By facilitating access to high-quality Duphaston, we empower patients to manage their gynaecological health effectively without unnecessary barriers. We are committed to offering a streamlined way to procure your necessary medication.

Quality & Safety Assurance

The integrity and safety of the medications we supply are paramount. We partner with licensed international pharmacies and trusted suppliers who operate under recognised regulatory frameworks. This ensures that all products, including Duphaston, meet rigorous quality standards for authenticity, purity, and potency, assuring you of receiving a safe and effective medication.

Pricing & Access

One of the significant benefits of utilising our pharmacy service is the potential for considerable cost savings. Duphaston, as the generic equivalent of medications containing Dydrogesterone, is often available at a more affordable price. We strive to offer competitive pricing, making essential treatments more accessible for a wider range of patients who might find traditional channels prohibitive.

Discreet Delivery

Respecting patient privacy is a core principle of our service. All orders are processed and dispatched with the utmost discretion. Medications are shipped in plain, unmarked packaging to ensure complete privacy during transit and upon arrival. We offer reliable delivery options to the UK, with express delivery typically within 7 days or standard airmail in approximately 3 weeks, ensuring your medication reaches you conveniently and without drawing undue attention.

Use: Dosing, Missed Dose, Overdose

Dosing Information

The typical dosage for Duphaston (Dydrogesterone 10mg) varies significantly depending on the condition being treated and individual patient needs. It is crucial to follow the specific dosing regimen prescribed by your healthcare provider. For example:

• In cases of luteal phase defect, recurrent miscarriage, or threatened miscarriage, doses may range from 10mg taken two or three times daily, starting from ovulation or early pregnancy symptoms.
• For endometriosis or menstrual irregularities, a common regimen might involve 10mg taken twice daily for specific periods of the menstrual cycle or continuously.

Dydrogesterone tablets can be taken with or without food. It is generally recommended to swallow the tablets whole with water.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Duphaston, take it as soon as you remember, provided it is not close to the time for your next scheduled dose. If it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to compensate for a missed one. If you are unsure about what to do, consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Overdose

Information on specific overdose symptoms or toxicity with Dydrogesterone is limited. However, if a significantly larger than prescribed dose is taken, you should seek immediate medical attention. While an overdose is unlikely to be life-threatening, it is best to be cautious. Contact your local poison control centre or emergency medical services for guidance.

Practical Precautions

• Alcohol: While direct interactions between Dydrogesterone and alcohol are not extensively documented, it is generally advisable to limit alcohol consumption while taking any medication. Excessive alcohol intake can affect overall health and potentially interact with the metabolism of medications.
• Operating Machinery: Dydrogesterone can sometimes cause dizziness or affect concentration. If you experience these side effects, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until they subside.
• Consistency: Taking Duphaston at the same times each day can help maintain a consistent level of the medication in your body, which is often important for its effectiveness, especially in pregnancy support.

Safety Information

⚠️ Who Should Not Take Duphaston

Duphaston is contraindicated in individuals with the following conditions:

• Hypersensitivity: Known allergy or sensitivity to Dydrogesterone, or any of the inactive ingredients in the pill.
• Jaundice: A history of jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes) that occurred during pregnancy or previous progestogen therapy.
• Liver Disease: Severe liver disease or impaired liver function.
• Progesterone-Dependent Tumours: Suspected or confirmed hormone-dependent tumours, such as certain types of breast or genital cancers.
• Undiagnosed Vaginal Bleeding: Unexplained vaginal bleeding for which a specific diagnosis has not yet been established.
• Rotor Syndrome and Dubin-Johnson Syndrome: Specific rare genetic disorders affecting liver function.
• History of Itching (Pruritus): Particularly if it occurred during pregnancy and/or previous use of sex hormones.

It is crucial to inform your healthcare provider of your full medical history, including any of these conditions, before starting Duphaston.

Common Side Effects

Like all medications, Duphaston can cause side effects, though not everyone will experience them. The most commonly reported side effects, which are usually mild and transient, include:

• Headache: Affecting a noticeable number of users.
• Nausea or Vomiting: Particularly when first starting the medication.
• Dizziness: Can impact daily activities.
• Abdominal Pain or Discomfort: Mild gastrointestinal upset.
• Breast Tenderness: Similar to premenstrual symptoms.
• Irregular Bleeding or Spotting: This can occur, especially during the initial phases of treatment or with certain dosing regimens.

If any side effects persist or are bothersome, consult your healthcare provider.

Serious Side Effects (Seek Immediate Medical Help)

Although rare, some serious side effects require urgent medical attention. You should stop taking Duphaston and seek immediate medical help if you experience any of the following:

• Signs of an Allergic Reaction: Such as rash, itching or swelling (especially of the face, tongue or throat), severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing.
• Severe Liver Problems: Symptoms may include persistent nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine, or severe abdominal pain.
• Thromboembolic Events: Though less commonly associated with Dydrogesterone compared to some other progestogens, symptoms like sudden severe headache, vision disturbances, speech problems, chest pain, shortness of breath, or leg pain and swelling should be reported to a doctor immediately.

Drug & Food Interactions

While Dydrogesterone is generally considered to have fewer interactions than some other progestogens, it is still important to discuss all medications and supplements you are taking with your healthcare provider.

• Enzyme Inducers: Certain medications, particularly those that induce liver enzymes (e.g., some anti-epileptic drugs like phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital; and certain antibiotics like rifampicin), can increase the metabolism of Dydrogesterone, potentially reducing its effectiveness.
• Enzyme Inhibitors: Conversely, medications that inhibit certain liver enzymes might theoretically increase Dydrogesterone levels, although this is less commonly reported.
• Other Hormonal Therapies: If you are using other hormonal treatments, discuss potential interactions with your doctor.
• Grapefruit Juice: While not a drug interaction per se, grapefruit juice can affect the activity of certain metabolic enzymes. Though not a primary concern with Dydrogesterone, it is always prudent to check with your healthcare provider about consuming large quantities of grapefruit juice with any medication.

Always provide a complete list of your current medications, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements, to your healthcare provider.

Off-Label and Investigational Uses of Duphaston

While Duphaston has established indications, its properties may lead to use in certain situations that are not formally approved by regulatory bodies. These off-label uses are based on clinical observation, extrapolated evidence from similar compounds, or ongoing research.

• Support for IVF Cycles: Dydrogesterone is sometimes used as a luteal phase support in women undergoing in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatments. Clinical studies suggest it can help optimise endometrial receptivity for embryo implantation.
• Management of Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding (AUB): In cases of heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding not caused by structural abnormalities, Dydrogesterone may be used to regulate cycles and reduce bleeding volume, alongside other treatment strategies.
• Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): While not a primary indication, some research and clinical practice explore Dydrogesterone's role in alleviating specific PMS symptoms, particularly mood-related and physical discomforts attributed to hormonal fluctuations.

It is critical to understand that efficacy and safety data for these off-label uses may be less robust than for approved indications. Treatment for off-label conditions should only be undertaken under the strict supervision of a qualified healthcare professional who can weigh the potential benefits against the risks.

Storage & Handling

Duphaston pills should be stored correctly to maintain their efficacy and safety.

• Temperature: Keep the medication at room temperature, typically between 15°C and 30°C (59°F and 86°F). Avoid extremes of temperature.
• Light and Humidity: Store Duphaston pills in their original packaging to protect them from light and moisture. Do not store them in a bathroom or near a sink, as humidity can degrade the medication.
• Expiry Information: Check the expiry date on the packaging. Do not use Duphaston pills that have passed their expiry date.
• Safe Disposal: If you have any unused or expired Duphaston pills, do not dispose of them down the toilet or in household waste. Ask your pharmacist for advice on how to safely dispose of medications, or look for local medication take-back programmes.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Using Duphaston

• Can I take Duphaston with grapefruit juice? While grapefruit juice is known to interact with some medications by altering their metabolism, its significant impact on Dydrogesterone is not widely reported. However, it is prudent to limit consumption of large amounts of grapefruit juice with any medication and consult your healthcare provider if you have concerns.

• Is it safe to take Duphaston while traveling across time zones? When travelling across time zones, it is important to maintain your regular dosing schedule as closely as possible to ensure consistent hormone levels. If your travel schedule significantly disrupts your timing, consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist for advice on how to adjust your medication schedule.

• What should I do if I experience dizziness while taking Duphaston? Dizziness is a possible side effect of Duphaston. If you experience dizziness, it is advisable to avoid activities requiring alertness, such as driving or operating heavy machinery, until the symptom subsides. Ensure you are well-hydrated and consider taking Duphaston with food if it is not already.

Product Information

• What do Duphaston tablets look like? Duphaston 10mg tablets are typically film-coated and round, often white or off-white in colour, and may bear an identification mark from the manufacturer. Specific visual characteristics can vary slightly by batch or region, so always refer to the packaging.

• Are there any different formulations of Duphaston available? Duphaston is primarily available as a 10mg oral pill. Other formulations or dosage strengths may exist in different markets or for specific specialised uses, but the 10mg pill is the most common.

Safety & Regulations

• Will Duphaston show up on a drug test? Duphaston contains Dydrogesterone, which is a synthetic progestogen. Standard drug tests typically screen for illicit substances or common prescription medications like opioids, benzodiazepines, or amphetamines. Dydrogesterone is generally not included in routine drug screening panels.

• Can I take Duphaston safely if I have a history of blood clots? Individuals with a history of thromboembolic events (blood clots) should exercise caution. While Dydrogesterone is generally considered to have a lower risk of causing blood clots compared to some older progestogens, a thorough risk assessment by your healthcare provider is necessary.

• Is Duphaston safe to use during breastfeeding? Information on the excretion of Dydrogesterone into breast milk and its effects on a nursing infant is limited. It is generally recommended to use Duphaston with caution during breastfeeding, and the decision should be made by a healthcare provider weighing the benefits against potential risks.

• How should Duphaston be stored in different climates? Duphaston should be stored at room temperature, away from excessive heat and moisture. It is important to keep it in its original packaging and protected from direct sunlight, regardless of the climate, to ensure its stability and effectiveness.

Glossary

Progestogen: A class of hormones that promote the effects of progesterone in the body. They are crucial for the menstrual cycle, pregnancy maintenance, and embryonic development. Progestogens can be natural (like progesterone) or synthetic.

Endometrium: The inner lining of the uterus, which thickens each menstrual cycle in preparation for the possible implantation of a fertilised egg. If pregnancy does not occur, this lining is shed, resulting in menstruation.

Luteal Phase: The phase of the menstrual cycle that occurs after ovulation and before the start of menstruation. This phase is dominated by the hormone progesterone, produced by the corpus luteum, which prepares the endometrium for potential pregnancy.

Thromboembolic Event: A medical event that involves the formation or movement of a blood clot within the circulatory system, potentially blocking blood flow to vital organs like the lungs, brain, or legs.

Bioequivalence: The concept that a generic drug is the same as a brand-name drug in terms of its dosage form, safety, strength, route of administration, quality, performance characteristics, and intended use, indicating that it will produce the same clinical effect.

Disclaimer

The information provided about Duphaston is intended for general knowledge and informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice and cannot replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. All decisions regarding treatment, including any use of Duphaston, especially for off-label conditions, must be made under the direct supervision of a doctor or other appropriate medical practitioner who can assess your individual health status, medical history, and specific needs. We assume that individuals accessing this information are responsible adults capable of making informed choices about their health. Our online pharmacy service aims to provide convenient and accessible options for obtaining medications like Duphaston, particularly for those facing access or cost challenges through traditional channels. Always consult your doctor before beginning, altering, or discontinuing any medication regimen and to ensure Duphaston is the correct and safe choice for you.