Crinone
Crinone (progesterone) is a vaginal gel that's used in fertility treatments. It's also used to help restart menstrual periods. This medication contains progesterone, which is a hormone that's naturally made in the body. You insert Crinone (progesterone) into the vagina using a prefilled applicator. For fertility, it's inserted once or twice a day. And for menstrual periods, the medication is inserted every other day. Some possible side effects include headache, stomach pain, and vaginal discharge.
What is Crinone (progesterone)?
What is Crinone (progesterone) used for?
- Infertility
- Lack of menstrual periods
How Crinone (progesterone) works
Crinone (progesterone) contains the natural sex hormone progesterone. This medication restarts menstrual periods by helping to balance the natural levels of progesterone in the body. And when it's used for fertility treatments, Crinone (progesterone) prepares the uterus to receive and nourish an embryo.
Drug facts
Side effects of Crinone (progesterone)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Breast growth (40%)
- Sleepiness (27%)
- Constipation (27%)
- Nausea (22%)
- Headache (17%)
- Pain around the vaginal opening (17%)
- Nervousness (16%)
- Needing to urinate in the middle of the night (13%)
- Stomach pain (12%)
- Depression (11%)
- Lowered sex drive (10%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Joint pain
- Pain during sex
- Vaginal discharge
Note: Side effects were reported by people who used Crinone 8% gel once daily for fertility treatment.
Crinone (progesterone) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Blood clot and its complications: swelling or tenderness in the leg; chest pain; pain that spreads to the shoulder, arm, or jaw; sudden trouble talking or walking; sudden numbness on one side of the body; severe headache; trouble breathing
The following Crinone (progesterone) side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Rare
Signs of toxic shock syndrome—for cervical caps or diaphragms
Chills
confusion
dizziness
lightheadedness
muscle aches
sunburn-like skin rash that is followed by peeling of the skin
unusual redness of the inside of the nose, mouth, throat, vagina, or eyelids
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
Rare
For females and males
Skin rash, redness, irritation, or itching that does not go away within a short period of time
For females only
Cloudy or bloody urine
increased frequency of urination
pain in the bladder or lower abdomen
thick, white, or curd-like vaginal discharge—with use of cervical caps or diaphragms only
vaginal irritation, redness, rash, dryness, or whitish discharge
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Less common
Vaginal discharge (temporary)—with use of creams, foams, and suppositories
vaginal dryness or odor
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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Pros and cons of Crinone (progesterone)
Pros
- Comes with easy-to-use, prefilled applicators
- Used less often than the alternative progesterone vaginal insert
- Not as painful as progesterone injections
Cons
- Might cause breast growth and breast pain
- Might be uncomfortable to use for some
- Can cause messy discharge, so you might need to wear panty liners
- Not available as a lower-cost generic
Pharmacist tips for Crinone (progesterone)
- Crinone (progesterone) is available as a vaginal gel that comes in two different strengths: 4% and 8%. Using more of the 4% gel isn't the same as using the 8% strength. Don't use more Crinone (progesterone) than what your prescriber tells you.
- For fertility treatment: It's important to use Crinone (progesterone) for as long as prescribed. This helps raise your chances of getting and staying pregnant. Don't stop using this medication earlier than instructed. Tell your prescriber right away if you have any irregular menstrual bleeding; this can be a sign of a possible miscarriage.
- It's normal to see small, white drops in your vaginal discharge a few days after you use Crinone (progesterone). This is leftover gel that builds up after the medication has been absorbed. Wear a panty liner while you're using Crinone (progesterone) to help prevent this vaginal discharge from getting on your underwear.
- Don't use any other vaginal products within 6 hours of using Crinone (progesterone). Other vaginal products can affect how well the medication works.
How to use Crinone (progesterone):
- Take out the Crinone (progesterone) prefilled applicator from its packaging. Slide the plunger into the open end of the applicator, and then carefully remove the cap without pushing on the plunger.
- Lie on your back with your knees bent. Gently insert the applicator as far as you comfortably can into your vagina. Then, press the plunger all the way down to release the gel. Once you insert the medication into the vagina, you don't have to stay lying down.
- After you remove the applicator from your vagina, throw it away into the trash. It's okay if you see a small amount of gel left in the applicator.
Common questions about Crinone (progesterone)
Although irregular bleeding or spotting wasn't commonly reported during studies of Crinone (progesterone), it's still possible. Tell your prescriber if you have any abnormal vaginal bleeding. Your prescriber will want to make sure it isn't due to a more serious medical condition.
Yes. Cramps were a common side effect that was reported by people who took Crinone (progesterone) during clinical studies. Try an over-the-counter pain reliever, like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil), if you have cramps while you're taking Crinone (progesterone). Keep in mind that certain pain relievers, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), aren't recommended during pregnancy. Ask your prescriber or a pharmacist about a safe medication that you can take to help with cramps if you're taking Crinone (progesterone) and you're pregnant.
No, Crinone (progesterone) doesn't need to be refrigerated. Keep it at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit.
No. In fact, Crinone (progesterone) can help start menstrual periods again in some people who previously had periods that have stopped. Crinone (progesterone) is typically given along with estrogen to help mimic the natural rise and fall of hormones during the menstrual cycle. Crinone (progesterone) is only given on certain days during the menstrual cycle because taking progesterone every day can stop your period.
Although both Crinone and Endometrin contain the hormone progesterone and are inserted into the vagina, they have a few differences. For one, Crinone is a gel that's already filled into applicators and Endometrin comes as a vaginal insert (tablet) that you have to place into an applicator. In addition, the dosing is completely different. And although both Crinone and Endometrin are FDA-approved as a fertility treatment, Crinone is also approved to treat a lack of periods. Talk with your prescriber if you have more questions about the differences between these two medications.
Crinone and Prometrium both contain the same active ingredient: progesterone. Crinone is a gel that's placed in the vagina and it's sometimes used to help with fertility. Prometrium (progesterone) is a capsule that's swallowed and isn't FDA-approved for use as a fertility treatment. Unlike Crinone, Prometrium can be taken to protect the uterus in people who've reached menopause and are taking estrogen medications for menopausal symptoms. Follow up with a healthcare professional to learn about other differences between Crinone (progesterone) and Prometrium (progesterone).
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Risks and warnings for Crinone (progesterone)
Crinone (progesterone) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Blood clots
- Risk factors: History of blood clots
Tell your prescriber before you start treatment with Crinone (progesterone) if you have a history of blood clots or medical problems caused by a blood clot (e.g., heart attack, stroke). You can't use this medication if you've had any kind of blood clot before.
Be aware of the signs and symptoms of a blood clot. Blood clots can sometimes lead to serious problems like heart attack or stroke. Call 911 or seek medical attention right away if you have pain in your legs or arms, chest pain, sudden severe headaches, trouble breathing, or sudden changes in your speech or vision. These can be signs of a blood clot.
Not FDA-approved for preventing miscarriage
Some fertility specialists might use progesterone and other forms of progesterone to help prevent a miscarriage (pregnancy loss). Crinone (progesterone) isn't FDA-approved to prevent miscarriages and hasn't been proven to work well for this purpose. Speak with your prescriber about your options for preventing miscarriages and follow your prescriber's recommendations very carefully.
Fluid buildup
- Risk factors: Heart failure | Kidney problems
It's possible for Crinone (progesterone) to cause extra fluid to build up in your body, especially in your legs, ankles, and feet. This is because progesterone plays a role in regulating fluid levels in the body.
Fluid buildup might be more likely to happen if you have certain medical conditions, like kidney problems or heart failure. The extra fluid can also worsen these conditions. Tell your prescriber if you have problems with fluid buildup or swelling before you start using Crinone (progesterone). Call your prescriber or get medical help right away if you notice unexplainable swelling, rapid weight gain, or sudden trouble breathing.
Worsening depression
- Risk factors: History of depression
Progesterone might play a role in causing negative emotions like depression. Research suggests that it's more likely due to changing progesterone levels in the body, such as during treatment with Crinone (progesterone). Tell your prescriber if you have or have had depression. Be aware of any changes in your mood or worsening symptoms of depression like feelings of hopelessness, fear, or despair. Speak to your prescriber if this happens while you're using Crinone (progesterone).
Possible rise in blood sugar levels
- Risk factors: Diabetes or prediabetes
Progesterone can raise blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, it's possible for Crinone (progesterone) to make it harder for you to control your blood sugar. Let your prescriber know if you have diabetes or any problems with your blood sugar levels before you start using this medication.
Crinone (progesterone) dosage
Applicator| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.45g of 8% | 15 applicators | $480.63 | $32.04 |
| 1.45g of 4% | 6 applicators | $120.06 | $20.01 |
Typical dosage for Crinone (progesterone)
- Fertility treatment: Insert 1 applicatorful (90 mg) of the 8% gel into your vagina 1 to 2 times a day. Your prescriber might recommend that you continue using the medication for up to 10 to 12 weeks if you successfully become pregnant.
- Lack of menstrual periods: Insert 1 applicatorful (45 mg) of the 4% gel into your vagina every other day for up to 6 doses. If needed, the dose can be raised to 1 applicatorful (90 mg) of the 8% gel every other day for up to 6 doses.
Interactions between Crinone (progesterone) and other drugs
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking any of these medicines, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
Using medicines in this class with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with a medication in this class or change some of the other medicines you take.
Using medicines in this class with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Apalutamide
- Aprepitant
- Armodafinil
- Artemether
- Bexarotene
- Bosentan
- Brigatinib
- Carbamazepine
- Cenobamate
- Clobazam
- Conivaptan
- Dabrafenib
- Darunavir
- Dexamethasone
- Efavirenz
- Elagolix
- Elvitegravir
- Encorafenib
- Enzalutamide
- Eslicarbazepine Acetate
- Etravirine
- Fosaprepitant
- Fosnetupitant
- Fosphenytoin
- Griseofulvin
- Isotretinoin
- Ivosidenib
- Lesinurad
- Lorlatinib
- Lumacaftor
- Mitotane
- Modafinil
- Mycophenolic Acid
- Nafcillin
- Netupitant
- Nevirapine
- Oxcarbazepine
- Phenylbutazone
- Phenytoin
- Pitolisant
- Prednisone
- Primidone
- Red Clover
- Rifabutin
- Rifampin
- Rifapentine
- Secobarbital
- St John's Wort
- Sugammadex
- Tazemetostat
- Topiramate
- Ulipristal
How much does Crinone (progesterone) cost?
$120.06
Crinone (progesterone) contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Crinone (progesterone) will not be safe for you to take.
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding that hasn't been evaluated by a healthcare professional
- Liver problems
- Breast cancer
- Cancer of any genital organ (e.g., ovarian, cervical)
- Missed abortion
- Blood clotting problems
What are alternatives to Crinone (progesterone)?
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