Crinone Gel is a progestin medication made up of progesterone. This medication comes in a white and purple box (though appearance may sometimes vary) and comes with 15-90 applicators, each containing 8% progesterone!

Crinone Gel is a single-use polypropylene applicator filled with medication to treat infertility in females so they can become pregnant. Infertility is when there is not enough natural progesterone in the body during the menstrual cycle to allow pregnancy. It can also be used to restore the menstrual cycle in woman whose cycles have stopped.

Crinone Gel works to fix this condition by preparing the lining of the womb for a fertilized egg using progesterone, the hormone needed to maintain pregnancy.

Follow the directions given to you by your doctor. This medication is for use in the vagina only, do not digest this medication.

1.       Shake the applicator so the gel moves to the thinner side.

2.       Twist off and remove the cap (thin end)

3.       Refrain from pressing the air tank at the thick end to avoid the gel from flowing out.

4.       Lean back or lie down; knees bent and spread apart.

5.       Carefully insert the applicator into your vagina until your hand touches your body.

6.       Once fully inserted, press the air tank at the thick end to deliver the gel.

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to progesterone or any of the other in active ingredients found in Crinone Gel. This medication should not be used if you have unexplained vaginal bleeding or if you have porphyria, have (or might have) cancer in your breasts or genital organs, if you’ve had a recent miscarriage or if you have ever had blood clots due to swollen veins, a blocked blood vessel or a stroke.

It is also important to mention to your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease, heart problems or diabetes, asthma, epilepsy, reoccurring migraines or if you have ever had depression. This medication is not meant for the use in children or adolescences. Before using this gel, your doctor will need to do a smear test and check your breasts and pelvic area as well as other tests during the time you are using Crinone gel. If you are used this medication to help yourself get pregnant, you may be asked to continue using it through your pregnancy, otherwise this medication is not normally used during pregnancy. Use of this product while breast feeding is not recommended. Sorbic acid found in this medication may cause local skin reactions (like contact dermatitis) and can also be transmitted to a sexual partners genitals if skin to skin contact is made; ensure to practice safe sex while using this medication.

1 in 10 people experience the following side effects when using Crinone Gel:

• headache
• feeling very tired
• stomach or gut (gastro-intestinal) cramps
• breast tenderness.

1 in 100 people experience the following side effects when using Crinone Gel:

• bleeding between periods (spotting)
• irritation or other mild reactions in or around your vagina

This medication stays in the vagina for several days before disappearing. Those using Crinone Gel should be aware this may cause vaginal discharge to be brown or beige and clumpy or cloudy white. This should not alarm you.

How often should I use this product for it to be effective?

To treat infertility: once or twice a day till directed by your doctor to stop.

To restore the menstrual cycle: every other day, up to 6 doses.

Does this medication affect my blood sugar?

If you are a diabetic, it may affect your blood sugar. Check your blood sugar levels regularly when using Crinone gel and record the result to discuss with your doctor at your following checkups.

What drug interactions are possible with using this medication?

Some drug interactions that may occur while using Crinone gel include drugs affecting liver enzymes that remove progesterone from your body (such as rifampin, St. John's wort, azole antifungals including itraconazole, certain anti-seizure medicines including carbamazepine/phenobarbital/phenytoin).

How should I store Crinone Gel?

It is always important to keep medication out of reach of children and small pets. Ensure the medication has not expired and keep it below 25°C. Do not use the leftover gel from a past applicator; they are one-time uses and must be thrown out after each use, even if there is gel left over. Avoid throwing applicators in the toilet and other drains. Ask your pharmacists how to properly dispose of this product.