Unlicensed progestogens

Updated on 01 Dec 2023
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If a woman is using a combined HRT regime, this can be prescribed as oestrogen with a separate progestogen. The below are unlicensed progestogens for use in HRT. Women should be informed if a progestogen is not licensed.

UNLICENSED PROGESTOGENS

Brand	Progestogen	Formulation	Dose	Vegan suitable
Provera	Medroxy -progesterone (2.5, 5, 10mg)	Tablets	Sequential regime: 1x 10mg tablet taken for 12 consecutive days in each cycle Continuous regime: 2.5mg tablet taken daily	No
Norethisterone	Norethisterone (5mg)	Tablets	Sequential regime: 1x 5mg tablet taken for 12 consecutive days in each cycle Continuous regime: 0.5-1mg taken daily NOTE: off-license use of norethisterone in the POP can be prescribed. For example, 3x Noriday 0.35mg daily will provide 1.05mg of norethisterone	No
Lutigest	Micronised progesterone 100mg	Vaginal pessary	Avoid in patients with allergy to peanuts or soya Sequential regime: 2x 100mg pessaries inserted vaginally for 12-14 consecutive days in each cycle Continuous regime: 1x 100mg pessary inserted vaginally each day	No
Cyclogest	Micronised progesterone 200mg	Vaginal pessary	Avoid in patients with allergy to peanuts or soya Sequential regime: 1x 200mg pessary inserted vaginally for 12-14 consecutive days in each cycle Continuous regime: Half a 200mg pessary inserted vaginally each day	Yes
Cerelle or Cerazette	Desogestrel 75mcg	Tablets	2x 75mcg tablets taken daily	No
Dimetrum	Dienogest 2mg	Tablets	2mg daily	No

Note:

Early studies have reported that use of Desogestrel 150mcg is effective as the progestogen component of HRT. This dose is also used to provide endometrial protection in certain CHC pills such as Gedarel and Marvelon.
The lower dose of 75mcg should not be relied on to provide adequate endometrial protection.

References and Further Information:

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