Alnagest 200 SR Tablet

Alnagest 200 SR Tablet is also prescribed along with estrogen as a part of hormonal replacement therapy for preventing endometrial hyperplasia (thickening of the lining of the uterus).  It should be taken with food. It should be taken at the same time each day to get the most benefit. You should continue taking it for as long as your doctor has told you to, even if you feel well. 

The most common side effects include abdominal bloating, abdominal pain, dizziness, headache, depression, breast tenderness, hot flushes, vaginal discharge, joint paint, and urinary incontinence. Side effects are more common during the first few weeks and usually lessen as your body gets used to the medicine. You may also experience bleeding or spotting between your periods, consult with your doctor if it happens frequently. 

Before taking this medicine, inform your doctor if you have, or have had, breast cancer, unusual bleeding in the vagina, or liver disease. You will probably have several tests both before and during treatment to check your womb.  Also, tell your doctor what other medicines you are taking as some may affect, or be affected by, this medicine. In general, it is advisable to avoid alcohol and smoking.

Hormone replacement therapy
Treatment of Female infertility

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Alnagest 200 SR Tablet is to be taken with food.

Alnagest 200 SR Tablet is a progesterone (female hormone). It helps to establish and maintain pregnancy. It also prevents the increase in thickness of the endometrium (lining of the uterus) caused by estrogen.

If you miss a dose of Alnagest 200 SR Tablet, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

Alnagest 200 SR Tablet is a natural progesterone available as a micronized formulation which helps in better absorption of this medicine.

It is used as a part of hormone replacement therapy generally in combination with an estrogen.

It may also be used in the treatment of problems related to menstrual periods such as amenorrhea (absence of periods).

It also helps in the maintenance of pregnancy in women who are at higher risk of miscarriage.

It should be taken with food.

It may cause sleepiness or drowsiness. If this happens to you, do not drive or use machinery.

Q. What is Alnagest 200 SR Tablet?

Alnagest 200 SR Tablet is a type of progesterone hormone which is extracted from plants, but its property matches with the human progesterone. This medicine undergoes a process called micronization where the size of the natural progesterone is reduced. The small size of the progesterone particles enhances its dissolution and absorption. This provides better availability of Alnagest 200 SR Tablet in the body and decreases its side effects.

Q. What is Alnagest 200 SR Tablet used to treat?

Alnagest 200 SR Tablet is used to treat various disorders. It is given to women with secondary amenorrhea (no menstruation for 3 months in women who have had their menses before). It is used to support pregnancy, prevent premature labor, and treat bleeding disorders that may occur before menopause. It may be used as a part of fertility treatment and may be given as hormone replacement therapy after menopause. It is also given to relieve symptoms of premenstrual syndrome and painful bleeding like in dysfunctional uterine bleeding.

Q. Can you take Alnagest 200 SR Tablet every day?

Yes, Alnagest 200 SR Tablet can be taken every day. It is usually prescribed to be taken once daily in the evening or at bedtime. The usual duration of prescription may vary from 10-12 days a month to 25 days a month. However, the number of days for which you will need to take this medicine in each cycle will be suggested by your doctor depending upon your health condition.

Q. Does Alnagest 200 SR Tablet cause weight gain?

Yes, taking Alnagest 200 SR Tablet may cause weight gain. The weight gain may be due to water retention and may not be a serious sign. However, contact your doctor in case your weight gain is worrying you. The risk of weight gain is generally less if Alnagest 200 SR Tablet is taken with estrogen as a combined pill. But, do not start any hormonal therapy without consulting your doctor.

Q. Is Alnagest 200 SR Tablet safe?

Yes, Alnagest 200 SR Tablet is safer as compared to the normal synthetic progesterone. Its smaller size helps the body absorb it easily and reduces the side effects like fluid retention, reduction of HDL cholesterol levels, headaches and mood disturbance.

Q. How is progesterone beneficial for fertility and pregnancy?

Progesterone is a very crucial hormone in fertility. It is the hormone secreted by the ovaries that helps prepare the uterus for pregnancy and maintain it. Alnagest 200 SR Tablet (natural micronized form of progesterone) is given as a medicine in cases of infertility to support the uterus in preparing itself for the pregnancy and to prevent the abortions in some cases. It is also used to prevent premature labor.

In Hormone replacement therapy

Hormone placement therapy (HRT) is a treatment to relieve symptoms of menopause such as hot flushes, night sweats, mood swings, vaginal dryness, and reduced sex drive. Since menopause can last for several years, this treatment can make a big improvement to your daily life and mood. Progesterone is one of two important hormones (the other being is estrogen) used in this treatment. However, it may not treat all your symptoms, consult with your doctor. You should use this medicine as it is prescribed, and for as long as it is prescribed by your doctor.

In Treatment of Female infertility

Alnagest 200 SR Tablet contains progesterone, a female hormone that is important in the regulation of ovulation and menstruation. It is used to cause menstrual periods in women who have not reached menopause but are not having periods due to a lack of natural progesterone in the body. This medicine helps to prepare the uterus for pregnancy by causing the uterus lining (endometrium) to thicken. This increases the chance of a successful pregnancy. You should use the medicine as prescribed for it to be effective. You may be asked to continue with this treatment for a period after becoming pregnant.show moreshow less

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Urinary incontinence

Joint pain

Vaginal discharge

Hot flushes

Breast tenderness

Depression

Dizziness

Abdominal pain

Headache

Alcohol:CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Alnagest 200 SR Tablet. Please consult your doctor.

Pregnancy:SAFE IF PRESCRIBED

Alnagest 200 SR Tablet is safe to use during pregnancy. Most studies have shown low or no risk to the developing baby.

Breast feeding:SAFE IF PRESCRIBED

Alnagest 200 SR Tablet is safe to use during breastfeeding. Human studies suggest that the drug does not pass into the breastmilk in a significant amount and is not harmful to the baby.

Driving:UNSAFE

Alnagest 200 SR Tablet may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.

Kidney:CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

There is limited information available on the use of Alnagest 200 SR Tablet in patients with kidney disease. Please consult your doctor.

Liver:CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

There is limited information available on the use of Alnagest 200 SR Tablet in patients with liver disease. Please consult your doctor.

Chrousos GP. The Gonadal Hormones & Inhibitors. In: Katzung BG, Masters SB, Trevor AJ, editors. Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. 11th ed. New Delhi, India: Tata McGraw Hill Education Private Limited; 2009. pp. 706-707.

Medscape. Progesterone . view

Progesterone. London, UK: Besins HealthcareLtd.; 2003 . view

Apgar S, Greenberg G. Using Progestins in Clinical Practice. Am Fam Physician. 2000;62:1839-46. view