Dusphaston has been taken off the market in some countries for commercial reasons.
Duphaston is the brand name for the synthetic hormone dydrogesterone, which is similar to the hormone progesterone. A woman's body produces progesterone during her menstrual cycle so she develops a healthy womb lining. When a fertilized egg fails to attach to the womb lining, progesterone levels in the body decrease and the lining sheds. Because dydrogesterone is similar to progesterone, doctors often prescribe it to women suffering from certain menstruation problems.
Uses
Because Duphaston controls the growth and normal shedding of the womb lining, women take it to: resume bleeding when periods are absent; manage irregular bleeding caused by hormonal imbalance; ease painful periods not caused by a specific condition such as fibroids or infection; and treat endometriosis, which occurs when tissue in other areas of the body act like the cells lining the uterus. Pregnant women who have suffered many miscarriages take this drug to maintain the womb lining in order to prevent miscarriage. Some menopausal women take Duphaston as part of hormone replacement therapy, or HRT, to keep the womb line from overgrowing.
Side Effects
Taking Duphaston causes side effects in some patients. Mild side effects include: headache; nausea; dizziness; breast tenderness; acne; swelling of your ankles or feet; and changes in weight and changes in body and facial hair. If you're concerned about any of these side effects, report them to your doctor so he can determine the next step in your treatment. Seek immediate medical attention if you suffer from the following severe side effects: change in your menstrual cycle such as pattern, length, spotting, or no bleeding; severe or sudden headache; fainting; difficulty breathing; slurred speech; blurred vision, soreness in your veins; depression; severe stomach pain; jaundice; rash; or heart or lung problems.
Precautions
Duphaston increases the chances of stroke, heart attack or blood clotting in women with a history of these medical conditions. If you're pregnant or planning to get pregnant, don't take this drug if you have herpes or a missed abortion, which occurs when the fetus dies but the body still "thinks" the fetus is alive. Also avoid taking dydrogesterone if you have liver or gallbladder disease, breast or genital cancer, liver cancer caused by oral contraceptives or sickle cell anemia.
Overdose
Duphaston is not an addictive drug, but you can overdose on the medication if you don't follow your doctor's instructions. If you miss one or more doses, don't take all of the pills you missed at once. In the event of an overdose, immediately call the Poison Control Center or go to the emergency room. Overdose symptoms include: feeling sick and vaginal bleeding. However, some people experience no symptoms. Even if you have no symptoms, seek immediate medical treatment.
