Reporting of side effects
As with all medicines, Gestone® may cause side effects, although you may not experience all or any of them. For a full list of possible side effects, please refer to the Patient Information Leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/ or to Nordic Pharma at pv.uk@nordicpharma.com or call 01182 210150. If any of the side effects occur suddenly, or gradually, or without explanation, that you are concerned about, please seek medical attention immediately. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine. It is important to read the product package leaflet provided with your medicine.
This website is intended only for patients in the UK who have been prescribed Gestone®

I want to know more
about Gestone®

(progesterone for injection)

This information is provided by the marketing authorisation holder to support administration of Gestone® following prescription from your specialist/healthcare professional; always follow the instructions and guidance given to you by your healthcare professional and please refer to them if you have any questions.

It is important to read the product package leaflet provided with your medicine. This information is not a substitute for the product package leaflet. The package leaflet contains additional important information on the use of the medicine.

What is Gestone®

is an intramuscular injection that contains progesterone.1,2 Progesterone is a hormone produced by the body during a typical menstrual cycle and during pregnancy to maintain the lining of the uterus.2,3

What is the role of progesterone?

The progesterone level rises in the second half (“luteal phase”) of a typical menstrual cycle when a follicle in the ovary becomes corpus luteum (CL) after it releases an egg. It is the CL that produces progesterone, to promote thickening of the endometrium in preparation to receive a fertilised egg. If implantation does not occur, progesterone falls and the endometrium thins, with the endometrial cells shed during menstruation.4,5

If implantation does occur, progesterone remains high to maintain the thickened endometrium to support implantation and nourishment of the growing embryo as well as preventing endometrial shedding and uterine contractions. These functions help to maintain the pregnancy.3

In the early weeks of pregnancy, progesterone continues to be produced by the CL in the ovary. From about week 10, the placenta takes over.3 Gestone® is usually prescribed for 8–16 weeks, and your specialist will decide what is the appropriate length of time for you to ensure your progesterone level is adequate until placental progesterone production is established.1

View  more

Why have I been prescribed Gestone®?

Gestone® is prescribed for women who are undergoing assisted reproductive treatment (ART), such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF).1,2 As part of your treatment, you will have received hormones such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) to produce and release eggs; these disrupt your usual cycle and may mean that the CL does not produce enough of the progesterone needed to support the endometrium. Gestone® is prescribed to supplement your natural production and help ensure you have an appropriate level of progesterone.3

Gestone® may also be prescribed in women to help early pregnancy to continue in cases where the body is not producing enough progesterone, where there have been 3 or more unexplained miscarriages, and for the treatment of dysfunctional uterine bleeding.1,2

View  more

Correct administration of Gestone®

Gestone® is given as an intramuscular injection, injected deep into the buttock.
A video on the correct injection technique with Gestone® can be found below.

How frequently will I need
to administer Gestone®?

Read more
For women undergoing ART, Gestone® will usually be administered between 2 and 7 times per week. Your specialist will decide the most appropriate dose and frequency for you, and you should always follow the directions they have given.

Treatment will normally begin from approximately Day 15, or the day of your embryo or gametes transfer, and continue until Week 8–16 of your pregnancy. After this, and following successful implantation, your placenta will take over and begin to secrete its own progesterone.3 If you have any questions about the frequency of your Gestone® injections, please contact your clinic or specialist.

What is the correct dose of
Gestone® for me?

Read more
The dose of Gestone® that you have been prescribed may vary depending on what your doctor thinks is best for you, and is typically between 25–100 mg. In some cases, you may be prescribed a higher dose of up to 200 mg. The dose for dysfunctional uterine bleeding is 5–10mg daily for 5–10 days, up until 2 days before anticipated onset of menstruation. If you have any questions about the dose of your Gestone® injections, please contact your clinic or specialist.

How do I inject
Gestone®?

Read more
Gestone® is given by injection deep into the buttock. Your doctor or nurse will train you in the correct injection technique and help you gain confidence. You will have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have. Following this, Gestone® is often administered within the comfort of your own home.

The video below demonstrates how to inject Gestone® correctly and safely at home. It is important to follow the correct injection technique to ensure you are getting the most out of your treatment. If you have any additional queries regarding the injection technique with Gestone®, please contact your clinic or specialist.

What to expect with Gestone®

As with all medicines, Gestone® may cause side effects, although you may not experience all or any of them. For a full list of possible side effects, please refer to the Patient Information Leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/ or to Nordic Pharma at pv.uk@nordicpharma.com or call 01182 210150. If any of the side effects occur suddenly, or gradually, or without explanation, that you are concerned about, please seek medical attention immediately.

Frequently asked questions

Why have I been prescribed Gestone®?
As part of ART, you are treated with hormones such as FSH and LH to produce and release multiple eggs. This disrupts the body’s cycle and may mean that the CL in the ovary does not produce progesterone as it otherwise would. As pregnancy progresses, the placenta takes over progesterone production. Gestone® is prescribed for the earlier weeks of pregnancy to help ensure you have adequate progesterone levels until placental progesterone production is established.5,6 Alternatively, you may have been prescibed Gestone® to treat dysfunctional uterine bleeding.1
Is the use of Gestone® new in ART?
Gestone®, and other medications containing progesterone, have been used as part of ART programmes for many years and clinics have a great deal of experiencing in using them.6
What should I do if fragments of glass get into the ampoule when I open it?
Discard the ampoule: empty the contents into a tissue and put the used tissue and the empty ampoule into the sharps bin. Then start the injection process again using a fresh ampoule. Ensure you do not touch the raw edge of the ampoule or any glass fragments.
What should I do if I or my partner cut ourselves accidently while opening the ampoule?
Clean any cut with an injection wipe and cover with a suitable plaster before proceeding.
What type of needle should be used for the injection?
Injection needles are available in different sizes depending on the type of medication and the site of the injection. Your clinic will have provided the appropriate needles for you to administer Gestone®. You should always use the supplies advised by your clinic.
What do I do if the sharps bin is full?
Contact your clinic, homecare provider or pharmacist. They will advise you how to dispose of the full sharps bin and how to obtain a new, empty one. You are advised to do this before the bin is completely full.
What happens if there is blood in the syringe?
Once the needle is inserted at the injection site, pull the plunger back a little to make sure that the needle has not hit a blood vessel. If you see blood come into the syringe, remove the needle immediately and do not inject.7 Discard the needle and syringe and start again by opening another ampoule and drawing it up into a new syringe, using a new needle. If this happens, choose a different injection site on the other side for the new injection.
Is a Gestone® injection painful?
Gestone® is an oil-based injection that is administered into the gluteal (buttock) muscle, and you may experience some discomfort.1,8 Please contact your clinic if you have any concerns.
What should I do if the skin around the injection gets sore and inflamed?
A small amount of pain or redness is not unusual after an intramuscular injection.8 Your clinic can advise how best to manage them if you are experiencing discomfort; they may suggest a cold compress and advise whether over-the-counter pain relief medication is appropriate in your individual case.8 You should seek advice from your clinic before taking any medication that has not been prescribed for you.
What if I feel unwell after an injection?
If you have any concerns, please contact your clinic or specialist.
How long will I need to do these injections for?
Gestone® is prescribed to ensure that you have enough progesterone to support the endometrium (lining of the uterus) in the early weeks of pregnancy, until the placenta has taken over from the CL as the main producer of progesterone. Your clinic or specialist will advise you how long the injections need to continue; this is usually from the day of embryo transfer until between week 8–16 of pregnancy.1
What should I do if I run out of Gestone®?
Your clinic will tell you how, and when, to request supplies of Gestone®. You are advised to contact them in plenty of time before the supplies you have run out so that you are not left without. This also applies to equipment such as needles and syringes required to administer the Gestone®. If you do run out or have any other questions or concerns about receiving supplies, please contact your clinic.

References

  1. Gestone® Summary of Product Characteristics. 2023.
  2. Gestone® Patient Information Leaflet. 2023.
  3. Cable JK, Grider MH. Physiology, Progesterone. May 2023. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK558960/. [Accessed Novembe
  4. Jain M, Singh M. Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Techniques. June 2023. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK576409/. [Accessed November 2023].
  5. Netdoctor. Gestone® (progesterone). Available at: https://www.netdoctor.co.uk/medicines/a8721/gestone-progesterone/. [Accessed November 2023].
  6. Labarta E, Rodríguez C. Progesterone use in assisted reproductive technology. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol. 2020;69:74–84.
  7. CIA Medical. How to Aspirate a Needle Before an Injection (And Why It’s Done). Available at: https://www.ciamedical.com/insights/how-to-aspirate-a-needle/. [Accessed November 2023].
  8. Pharmacy Times. Injection-Site Reactions and How to Manage Them. Available at: https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/injection-site-reactions-and-how-to-manage-them. [Accessed November 2023].

Reporting of side effects

If you experience any side effects, contact the clinic where you are receiving treatment and talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in the Patient Information Leaflet. Report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/.

You can also report side effects to Nordic Pharma at pv.uk@nordicpharma.com or call 01182 210150. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

For UK patients

The information on this site is intended for patients in the UK who have been prescribed Gestone®.

If you are a patient prescribed Gestone® in the UK, please

If you are not a patient prescribed Gestone® but would like further information, please refer to the Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) and Patient information leaflet (PIL) linked below.

Date of preparation: December 2023. Job code: GES/23/001a