PLEASE NOTE, this product page does not detail Lutigest’s labelled use as part of an in an assisted reproductive programme to help women become pregnant, and by patients who require additional progesterone to help them to become pregnant and then, to maintain their pregnancy. The Online Clinic does NOT prescribe Lutigest for this purpose.

Lutigest

Lutigest can be used off-label in women who prefer intravaginal delivery of the progesterone component of their hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

What is Lutigest?

Lutigest contains progesterone, one of the naturally occurring female sex hormones. Lutigest can be used off-label for patients who prefer intravaginal delivery of the progesterone component of HRT.

Lutigest used alongside oestrogen (another female sex hormone) act as an HRT. Menopause occurs usually between 45 and 55 years of age and is the time when menstrual periods stop. The peri-menopausal period (the time leading up to the menopause) is characterised by decreasing levels of the female sex hormones, progesterone and oestrogen. Signs and symptoms of the peri-menopause include hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, irritability, a low libido (sex drive), and vaginal dryness. HRT delivers progesterone and oestrogen, replacing the deficiency of these hormones as women approach the menopause. HRT can be used during the peri-menopause and post-menopause (the time following the menopause), to alleviate the distressing symptoms that may occur at these times.

Can I buy Lutigest?

The Online Clinic can prescribe Lutigest off-label as part of your HRT regiment. Please note that we do NOT prescribe Lutigest for pregnancy assistance. Click on the button below to proceed only if you are looking for Lutigest for hormone replacement therapy.

How to use Lutigest

Lutigest is a vaginal tablet containing 100 mg progesterone. The usual dose is 100 mg inserted into the vagina once daily at nighttime. Please note that this is the off-label dosage for HRT patients.

The tablets are inserted into the vagina using the vaginal applicator provided. One tablet is securely placed in the space at the end of the applicator. In a standing, sitting or on your back with knees bent position, the thin end of the applicator is then carefully inserted deep into the vagina. The applicator plunger is pushed to release the tablet. The applicator is then removed from the vagina, rinsed in warm water, dried, and kept for reuse.

Talk to a doctor if you use more tablets than instructed. If you forget a dose, then insert the tablet when you remember and continue as per schedule. Consult your doctor before you stop using Lutigest as suddenly stopping progesterone may cause changes in mood, increased anxiety, and susceptibility to seizures.

Who can use Lutigest?

Lutigest can be used in women. It can be used during the first three months of pregnancy, but not after that time, and should not be used during breast feeding. Please note that The Online Clinic does NOT prescribe Lutigest for pregnant patients. Lutigest is prescribed off-label as an HRT component only at this clinic.

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to progesterone or any of the other components of the tablet. Also do not use this medicine if you have unusual vaginal bleeding and have not been assessed by a doctor; a miscarriage and may have some tissue in the uterus or an ectopic pregnancy; breast cancer or cancer of the reproductive system; and/or the generic condition porphyria. If you have/have had any blood clots, or severe problems with your liver.

Before starting Lutigest let your doctor know if you have/have had migraine, epilepsy, heart or kidney problems, diabetes, or asthma.

It is important to also let your doctor know about all medicines that you are currently using, might use, or have recently used. This is because some other medicines can reduce the effect of progesterone (e.g., the antibiotic rifampin and anti-epileptic drug carbamazepine) or change the way it works (e.g., antifungal preparations)

Lutigest side effects

Immediately inform you doctor if you experience signs and symptoms of a blood clot such as lower leg pain, numbness in legs or arms, chest pain, difficulty breathing, cough, headaches, faintness, eyesight problems; or worsening depression while you are taking Lutigest or during the week after stopping this medicine.

Common side effects of this medicine are headache, vaginal disorders (e.g. discomfort, discharge, dryness, bleeding), cramps in your uterus, nausea, and abdominal pain and swelling. Uncommon side effects may include dizziness, sleeplessness, breast pain, swelling and tenderness, genital itching, diarrhoea/constipation, and rashes. Some people have also reported tiredness, vomiting, and an allergic reaction.

References

Lutigest 100 mg Vaginal tablets. Ferring Pharmaceuticals Ltd. West Drayton, UB7 7PS, UK. Oct 2014.