Crinone Gel (Progesterone)

Do’s

• Crinone gel is strictly for vaginal application.
• Prepare the applicator as instructed, considering any special instructions for high altitudes.
• Use Crinone gel as prescribed by your healthcare provider, typically once or twice daily for infertility treatment. If pregnancy occurs, continue using it for 10-12 weeks as directed by your healthcare provider to support the pregnancy.
• Use Crinone gel as directed by your healthcare provider, typically every other day, up to a total of 6 doses, to help restore your menstrual cycle.
• If using other vaginal medications, separate their application from Crinone gel by at least 6 hours.
• Apply Crinone gel regularly at the same time(s) each day for maximum benefit.

Don'ts

• Avoid using Crinone gel anywhere other than the vagina.
• Don't improvise on applicator preparation: Follow the instructions for preparing the applicator exactly.
• Don't increase the dose, use it more often, or extend the duration of use beyond your healthcare provider's prescription. It won't improve your condition faster and might cause side effects.

Common Side Effects:

• Bloating
• Cramps
• Stomach pain
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Breast swelling/pain
• Pain around the vaginal area
• Drowsiness
• Tiredness
• Decreased interest in sex
• Joint pain
• Headache
• Vaginal discharge containing little white balls of gel
• Skin irritation at the application site
• Metallic taste in the mouth
• Watery eyes
• Redness, burning, stinging, or itching in the eyes

Serious Side Effects:

• Pains in the calves or chest
• Sudden shortness of breath or coughing blood
• Dizziness
• Slow/irregular heartbeat
• Muscle weakness
• Mental/mood changes
• Coldness/numbness/pain in the hands or feet
• Vision changes
• Signs of a kidney stone
• Yellowing of the eyes or skin
• Dark urine
• Unusual tiredness/weakness
• Easy bruising/bleeding
• Signs of infection
• Persistent eye redness or discharge
• Eye or eyelid swelling
• Eye pain
• Trouble breathing
• Sudden unexplained weight gain
• Chest pain
• Weakness on one side of the body
• Slurred speech
• Confusion
• Persistent dizziness
• Fainting

This is not an exhaustive list, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking Crinone gel,  contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Let your healthcare provider know if you have any allergies, including allergies to progesterone or any of the medication's ingredients.

Inform your healthcare provider about any pre-existing health problems, especially:

• Vaginal bleeding with unknown cause
• Personal or family history of cancer (particularly breast or cervical cancer)
• Incomplete miscarriage (tissue remaining in the womb)
• Blood clots
• Seizures
• Liver disease
• Migraines
• Asthma
• Heart disease
• Kidney disease
• Depression
• Diabetes

Inform your healthcare provider about all medications you take, including Crinone Gel, before any surgery.

Crinone Gel may affect your blood sugar levels. Monitor your blood sugar regularly and discuss any changes with your healthcare provider.

This medication may cause drowsiness. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or activities requiring alertness until the effects wear off. Limit alcohol and marijuana use, which can worsen drowsiness.

Crinone Gel can be used in pregnancy as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Discuss the details with your healthcare provider.

Crinone Gel passes into breast milk. Consult your healthcare provider before breastfeeding.

Crinone Gel may interact with other medications. Tell your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements you take before starting Crinone Gel.