-
Progesterone is a key pregnancy hormone with modulating effects
-
that are essential for successful reproduction.
-
For patients going through In Vitro Fertilization and other Assisted Reproductive Technologies,
-
progesterone supplementation is standard practice.
-
During oocyte retrieval, removal or disruption of the granulosa cells lining the follicle,
-
can impair progesterone production from the corpus luteum.
-
Use of GnRH analogues used to prevent early ovulation
-
can also suppress luteal function.
-
(First-Generation Progesterone Supplements)
-
Intramuscular injection of progesterone in an oil-based suspension is one common delivery method.
-
It is not approved by the FDA for women undergoing IVF or other ART treatments.
-
Oil-based injections have been associated with a number of side effects,
-
including pain at the injection site, inflammatory reactions and abscess formation.
-
The aid of another person is often required.
-
In 1997, Crinone progesterone gel 8% was approved by the FDA
-
for vaginal administration during ART treatment for infertile women with progesterone deficiency.
-
Crinone gel is a water-insoluble Polycarbophil emulsion that contains micronized progesterone.
-
Crinone is delivered once or twice a day to the vagina via a prefilled disposable applicator.
-
Once administered, the gel adheres to the vaginal wall through hydrogen bonds.
-
Vaginal moisture penetrates the emulsion,
-
beginning a slow process of progesterone release
-
and absorption by the vaginal epithelia.
-
Because it is bioadhesive and water insoluble,
-
the gel can remain adhered to the vaginal wall
-
even after the progesterone has been absorbed.
-
With each additional dose, 1.125 grams of gel are delivered and can contribute to build up.
-
This may require manual removal prior to embryo transfer.
-
If gel accumulates, vaginal discharge appearing as white globules
-
may occur as the gel is discarded and exits the body.
-
(ENDOMETRIN Vaginal Insert
Advancing the ART of Luteal Phase Support)
-
In 2007, endometrial progesterone vaginal insert was approved by the FDA
-
as an alternative to vaginal gel for women undergoing ART treatment.
-
ENDOMETRIN is a 100-milligram vaginal insert
-
administered two or three times daily
-
with a sterile disposable applicator.
-
In a moist environment, the bicarbonate delivery system of the insert is highly soluble.
-
Vaginal moisture penetrates the insert, causing an acid-based reaction.
-
The insert breaks down, releasing progesterone into the aqueous environment.
-
Progesterone, being a hydrophobic molecule, rushes towards the vaginal epithelia,
-
where it is absorbed by serum proteins and delivered to the endometrium via local circulation.
-
Unlike crinone, which is dosed 90 milligrams once daily,
-
ENDOMETRIN is dosed 100 milligrams two or three times daily
-
due to differences in the pharmacokinetic profile of the two products.
-
In a randomized open-label pharmacokinetic study with 18 women aged 18-40,
-
both doses of endometrium reached steady-state progesterone concentrations in about 24 hours,
-
while the gel did not reach steady state by the end of the fifth day.
-
Efficacy was not a parameter being examined in this PK study.
-
because of its bicarbonate formulation,
-
The majority of each ENDOMETRIN vaginal insert ends up as water and carbon dioxide, resulting in minimal discharge.
-
With the introduction of these FDA-approved vaginal progesterone preparations,
-
relying on painful intramuscular injections is no longer necessary.
-
Both FDA-approved vaginal preparations have been proven as efficacious as IM delivery of progesterone in randomized prospective trials.
-
However, only ENDOMETRIN provides rapid progesterone uptake
-
while causing no build-up and minimal discharge.
-
ENDOMETRIN progesterone vaginal insert is indicated to
-
support embryo implantation and early pregnancy by supplementation of corpus luteum function
-
as part of an Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) treatment program for infertile women.
-
Important Safety Information
-
ENDOMETRIN should not be used in individuals with any of the following conditions:
-
previous allergic reactions to progesterone or any of the ingredients of endometrium,
-
known missed abortion or ectopic pregnancy, liver disease,
-
known or suspected breast cancer,
-
active arterial or venous thromboembolism or severe thrombophlebitis,
-
or a history of these events.
-
The physician should be alert to the earliest signs of myocardial infarction,
-
cerebrovascular disorders, arterial or venous thromboembolism
-
(venous thromboembolism or pulmonary embolism),
-
thrombophlebitis or retinal thrombosis.
-
ENDOMETRIN should be discontinued if any of these are suspected.
-
Patients with a history of depression need to be closely observed.
-
Consider discontinuation if symptoms worsen.
-
ENDOMETRIN should not be recommended for use with other vaginal products (such as antifungal products)
-
as this may alter progesterone release and absorption from the vaginal insert.
-
The most common adverse reactions reported (greater than 5%)
-
were post-oocyte retrieval pain, abdominal pain,
-
nausea, and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.
-
Please see full prescribing information.