Duphaston tablets contain the active ingredient dydrogesterone, which is a synthetic hormone similar to the naturally occurring sex hormone, progesterone.
![](http://dev.lynchspharmacy.com/sites/default/files/caution-drowsiness%2Cblurred%20vision%2Cdizziness_22.jpg)
What is it used for?
- Abdominal pain and bleeding during preganancy (threatened miscarriage) or history of miscarriages (habitual abortion)
- Abdominal pain associated with menstrual periods (dysmenorrhoea)
- Absence of menstrual periods when taking oestrogens
- Endometriosis
- Female infertility
- Irregular menstrual bleeding when taking oestrogens
- Irregular menstrual cycles
- Premenstrual syndrome
How does it work?
- Duphaston tablets contain the active ingredient dydrogesterone, which is a synthetic hormone similar to the naturally occurring sex hormone, progesterone. It is used in a wide range of menstrual disorders that are thought to result from a lack of progesterone in the body.
- In women, progesterone is responsible for the development of a healthy womb lining (endometrium) that is necessary for pregnancy.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.
- There are no known harmful effects when this medicine is used during pregnancy.
- Small amounts of this medicine may pass into breast milk, however there are no known harmful effects when it is used by breastfeeding mothers.
Side effects
Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.
- Headache
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Bloating
- Skin reactions such as rash and itch
- Breast tenderness
- Menstrual spotting between periods
The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer.
For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.
How can this medicine affect other medicines?
- There are no reported significant interactions with this medicine.
References:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dydrogesterone
http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/medicines/a6626/duphaston-discontinued-in-the-uk-march-2008/
http://www.medicines.ie/31942_duphaston-10mg-film-coated-tablets
http://www.hpra.ie/img/uploaded/swedocuments/~db5_Oe1473cc1ea6248bca768c3611a6d293b-2151419-28082014144118-635448336793226250.pdf