Crinone is a vaginally administered progesterone gel. Crinone coats the lining of the vagina, creating long-lasting release of progesterone. This helps prepare the uterus for implantation of the embryo and helps with maintenance of pregnancy.

Crinone is used in fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). It is used to support part of the menstrual cycle called the luteal phase (i.e., after ovulation). It may be used in women (people with a uterus) who use their own egg or who use a donor egg.

Crinone comes as a pre-filled, ready-to-use disposable applicator that is used in the vagina. The applicator has a twist-off top and contains 1.45 grams of gel and delivers 1.125 grams of gel.

• Store at room temperature (15-25°C)
• Do not expose it to extreme heat or cold
• Keep in a safe place out of the reach of children
• Do not use after the expiry date, which is printed on the label

Once you’ve used the Crinone applicator, discard it in a household waste container.

Crinone progesterone vaginal gel is inserted into the vagina using the pre-filled disposable applicator. For more detailed instructions on how to use it, download the step-by-step administration guide or refer to the package insert that comes with Crinone.

If you forget to use Crinone, simply skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not administer 2 doses at the same time to make up for a forgotten dose.

If you accidentally use too much Crinone, contact your clinic or another healthcare professional, hospital emergency department, or regional poison control centre immediately, even if there are no symptoms.

Yes. It is normal to see some gel left inside the applicator after you have applied Crinone. This is because each applicator contains a little more gel than is actually released.

This is likely due to a build-up of the gel. Usually, Crinone stays attached to the walls of the vagina after application, but sometimes the gel builds up. This is common and not harmful. Do not be concerned if you notice globules in your vaginal discharge after using Crinone for several days. Gel build-up is less likely to happen if you apply the gel in the morning.

If build-up of Crinone happens to you and you find it bothersome, contact your fertility clinic.

Do not use Crinone if you:

• Are allergic to progesterone or to any of the other ingredients in Crinone
• Have abnormal vaginal bleeding
• Have porphyria − a group of disorders that affect the production of hemoglobin in the blood; you may have been born with porphyria or it may have developed during your lifetime
• Have or think you have breast cancer or a cancer of the genitals
• Have or think you have a cancer that is considered “progesterone-dependent”
• Have, or have a history of:
  • A thrombophlebitis − when blood clots form due to inflammation and blocked veins; it typically happens in the veins of the leg
  • A thromboembolic disorder − when you have problems with blood clots
  • A stroke
• Are pregnant but your baby has died in your womb
• Are breastfeeding (feeding a baby your own milk)

To help avoid side effects and ensure proper use, talk to your doctor before you take Crinone. Tell your doctor about any health conditions or problems you may have, including if you:

• Have a blood clotting condition or are at increased risk for blood clots. This might include conditions like thrombophlebitis, cerebrovascular disorders, pulmonary embolism, and retinal thrombosis
• Develop jaundice − when your skin and the whites of your eyes become yellow
• Experience changes in the levels of liver enzymes in your blood
• Have any of the following: 
  • Depression
  • Epilepsy
  • Migraines
  • Asthma
  • Heart problems
  • Kidney problems
  • Diabetes

Other warnings you should know about:

Before starting treatment, your doctor will do a physical examination. They will check your breasts (or soft chest tissue) and the organs in your pelvis, and will do a Pap smear.

As with all medications, there may be side effects with Crinone. Side effects that have been reported with Crinone include: 

• Cramps
• Breast (chest) tenderness or pain
• Headache
• Pain
• Bloating
• Nausea
• Vaginal (genital) discharge
• Drowsiness or sleepiness
• Spotting (bleeding between periods)
• Vaginal (genital) irritation
• Application site reactions

This is not a complete list of side effects. Refer to the package insert for more information about possible side effects with Crinone, including serious side effects.

If you experience any unusual symptoms or side effects while taking Crinone, report them to your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

No drug interactions with other drugs have been reported. However, Crinone should not be used at the same time as other vaginal products. If you need to use other products that go into the vagina, use Crinone either 6 hours before or 6 hours after using these other products.