dydrogest (DYDROGESTERONE)
Introduction to Dydrogest
Dydrogest is a medication primarily used to address hormonal imbalances, particularly those involving progesterone. Dydrogest is prescribed to manage conditions associated wit... See More

What is Dydrogest?
Dydrogest is a progestogen used to treat conditions like dysmenorrhoea, endometriosis, irregular menstrual cycles, and pre-menstrual syndrome. It is also used in hormone replacement therapy to counteract estrogen's effects on the endometrium. Dydrogest works by causing full secretory transformation of the estrogen-activated endometrium, reducing the risk of endometrial hyperplasia or carcinogenesis.

What is the usual dose of Dydrogest?
For adults, the dosage of Dydrogest varies based on the condition being treated. For dysmenorrhoea, it's 10 mg twice a day from day 5 to 25 of the cycle. For endometriosis, it's 10 mg two to three times daily from day 5 to 25 of the cycle, or continuously. For irregular menstrual cycles, it's 10 mg twice a day from day 11 to 25 of the cycle. For pre-menstrual syndrome, it's 10 mg twice a day from day 12 to 26 of the cycle. The dosage may be increased if necessary. There is no relevant use for Dydrogest before menarche, and the safety and efficacy in adolescents aged 12-18 years have not been established.

How do I take Dydrogest?
Dydrogest is taken orally, and it is recommended to take the daily dose at the same time each day, either in the morning or evening. When taking two tablets daily, one should be taken in the morning and one in the evening. There are no specific food restrictions mentioned, but taking the medication with food may help reduce nausea.

For how long do I take Dydrogest?
The duration of Dydrogest use depends on the condition being treated. For example, in the treatment of dysmenorrhoea, it is used from day 5 to 25 of the menstrual cycle. For hormone replacement therapy, it is used during the last 14 days of each 28-day cycle. The treatment duration should be adjusted according to the severity of symptoms and clinical response, as advised by a healthcare professional.

What is Dydrogest used for?
Dydrogest is indicated for treating progesterone insufficiencies, such as dysmenorrhoea, endometriosis, irregular menstrual cycles, and pre-menstrual syndrome. It is also used in hormone replacement therapy for non-hysterectomised women with menopause symptoms and in managing dysfunctional bleeding or secondary amenorrhoea when used with estrogen.

Is Dydrogest effective?
Dydrogest is an orally active progestogen that effectively causes full secretory transformation of the estrogen-activated endometrium. This action significantly reduces the increased risk of endometrial hyperplasia or carcinogenesis induced by estrogens. Clinical trials have shown that Dydrogest is effective in relieving symptoms of dysmenorrhoea, premenstrual syndrome, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, and irregular cycles, with effects comparable to those in adults.

How does one know if Dydrogest is working?
The benefit of Dydrogest is evaluated through clinical response and symptom relief in conditions like dysmenorrhoea, endometriosis, and pre-menstrual syndrome. Regular follow-up examinations and medical history reviews are recommended to assess the effectiveness and safety of the treatment. Adjustments in dosage or treatment duration may be made based on the severity of symptoms and individual patient response.

How does Dydrogest work?
Dydrogest is an orally active progestogen that causes full secretory transformation of the estrogen-activated endometrium. This action significantly reduces the increased risk of endometrial hyperplasia or carcinogenesis induced by estrogens. It does not have estrogenic, androgenic, thermogenic, anabolic, or corticoid effects, making it a targeted treatment for progesterone insufficiencies.

Who should avoid taking Dydrogest?
Important warnings for Dydrogest include hypersensitivity to the active substance, known or suspected progestogen-dependent tumors, unexplained vaginal bleeding, and severe liver diseases. It is contraindicated in patients with thrombophlebitis and thromboembolic diseases. Patients should be monitored for conditions like porphyria, depression, and liver function abnormalities. Dydrogest should not be used in pregnancy or while breastfeeding without medical advice.

Can I take Dydrogest with other prescription drugs?
Dydrogest's metabolism may be increased when used with substances that induce CYP enzyme activity, such as anticonvulsants (e.g., phenobarbital, phenytoin, carbamazepine) and certain antibiotics (e.g., rifampicin, rifabutin). Herbal preparations like St John's wort may also affect its metabolism. These interactions can lead to reduced effectiveness of Dydrogest, so it's important to inform healthcare providers of all medications being taken.

Can Dydrogest be taken safely while pregnant?
Dydrogest is not authorized for use during pregnancy. Although more than 10 million pregnancies have been exposed to Dydrogest without evidence of harmful effects, some progestogens are associated with an increased risk of hypospadias. Due to confounders, no definitive conclusion can be drawn. It is important to consult a healthcare professional before using Dydrogest during pregnancy.

Can Dydrogest be taken safely while breastfeeding?
There are no data on the excretion of Dydrogest in breast milk, but experience with other progestogens suggests they pass into breast milk in small amounts. The risk to the baby is unknown, so it is recommended not to take Dydrogest while breastfeeding unless advised by a healthcare professional.

How should I store Dydrogest?
Dydrogest does not require special storage conditions. However, it should be kept in its original packaging to protect it from moisture and light. It is important to store the medication out of reach of children and to dispose of any unused product in accordance with local requirements or return it to the pharmacy to prevent environmental contamination.

Does Dydrogest make people tired or drowsy?
Dydrogest may rarely cause mild somnolence and/or dizziness, especially during the first hours after use. If someone experiences these side effects, they should avoid activities that require full alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until they know how the medication affects them. If the side effects persist or worsen, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for further guidance.

Does Dydrogest cause stomach upset?
Common gastrointestinal side effects of Dydrogest include nausea and vomiting. If these side effects occur, it is recommended to take the medication with food to help reduce nausea. If symptoms persist or become severe, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for further advice and management.

Does Dydrogest affect mood?
Dydrogest may cause a depressed mood as a side effect. If someone experiences changes in mood, irritability, or anxiety while taking this medication, they should discuss these symptoms with their healthcare provider. The provider may adjust the dosage or suggest alternative treatments to manage these side effects.

Does Dydrogest affect appetite?
During treatment with Dydrogest, symptoms such as loss of appetite may occur. If someone experiences a significant change in appetite, they should monitor their dietary intake and consult a healthcare professional if the change persists or affects their health. The healthcare provider may offer dietary advice or adjust the medication if necessary.

Does Dydrogest cause weight gain?
Weight gain is a reported side effect of Dydrogest. If someone notices a significant change in weight, they should monitor their diet and exercise routine. Consulting a healthcare professional is advisable if the weight change is concerning or affects their health, as the provider may offer guidance on managing weight or consider adjusting the medication.

Does Dydrogest cause headaches?
Headache and migraine are common side effects of Dydrogest. If someone experiences headaches while taking this medication, they should ensure they are well-hydrated and consider using over-the-counter pain relief if needed. If headaches persist or are severe, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation and management.

Does Dydrogest limit driving?
Dydrogest may rarely cause mild somnolence and/or dizziness, especially during the first hours after use. People taking this medication should be cautious when driving or operating machinery until they know how the medication affects them. If they experience dizziness or drowsiness, they should avoid such activities to ensure safety.
Available in 2 variations

Dydrogest 10mg Tablet 10s
Dydrogesterone (10mg)
strip of 10 tablets

Dydrogest 20mg Tablet ER
Dydrogest 20mg Tablet ER
Dydrogesterone (20mg)
strip of 10 tablet er