Discussion of how to properly stop duphaston during pregnancy. Taper Scheme

In the absence of pregnancy or problems with miscarriage, women are often prescribed hormone replacement therapy.

Duphaston, a drug that replenishes, is responsible for the onset of pregnancy and the creation of optimal conditions for the further development of the fertilized egg.

The “pregnancy hormone”, progesterone, is responsible for preparing the endometrium of the uterus to receive a fertilized egg. Almost the entire first trimester, enzyme production occurs due to the enzyme, which ensures the vital activity of the zygote.

Starting from the second trimester, the production of progesterone becomes one of the main tasks of the placenta. It turns out that the enzyme is necessary for the body throughout the entire period of bearing a child.

The hormone also plays an important role during conception, since the onset of ovulation depends on it. Thanks to progesterone, the muscles of the uterus relax, and it does not interfere with embryo implantation.

Therefore, it is so important to eliminate enzyme deficiency before conception and monitor its concentration during pregnancy if the woman has previously been diagnosed with miscarriage.

To compensate for the deficiency of the hormone, drugs were created that completely replicate the composition of the enzyme. Among them is Duphaston, a synthetic analogue of progesterone.

The drug is available in the form of coated tablets. Each form contains 10 mg of dydrogesterone, the active substance. In the list of auxiliary ingredients you can read about the presence of lactose monohydrate, colloidal silicon dioxide, magnesium stearate, corn starch. The shell consists of hypromellose, titanium dioxide, polyethylene glycol.

The drug goes on sale in cardboard packs containing a blister with 20 tablets.

Currently, there are several progesterone analogues. Why is Duphaston preferred in some cases?

When comparing the characteristics of this drug and, for example, the disadvantages and advantages of both drugs become clear:

Plant raw materials are used to produce Utrozhestan. The drug is a natural analogue of the enzyme, in contrast to the completely synthetic Duphaston. The structure and composition of Utrozhestan are identical to the hormone produced by the woman’s body.
The naturalness of Utrozhestan sometimes becomes a disadvantage, since the drug has a negative effect on the functionality of the liver and is contraindicated in diseases of the organ.
Unlike Utrozhestan, the synthetic analogue is considered practically harmless and can be safely taken during pregnancy.
Utrozhestan is available in the form of capsules, which can be taken intravaginally or orally. Duphaston is produced only in tablet form, which can make it difficult to take the drug in case of severe toxicosis.
Taking Duphaston does not cause side effects, such as drowsiness, irritability, or a constant feeling of weakness. But Utrozhestan has virtually no effect on weight.
While Utrozhestan can be used in exceptional cases while breastfeeding, Duphaston is prohibited, since the drug easily penetrates the mammary glands and is present in milk.

The doctor decides which progesterone analogue will be effective based on the woman’s medical history and depending on the course of pregnancy.

Planning pregnancy with Duphaston

Duphaston tablets are often prescribed. The drug is quickly absorbed into the blood from the digestive tract.

The maximum concentration of the enzyme in plasma is observed 2 hours after administration.

A special regimen has been developed according to which it is recommended to drink Duphaston, just at the stage of pregnancy planning, in order to ensure sufficient levels of progesterone.

During this time, take 1 tablet of Duphaston daily. If necessary, the dosage of Duphaston can be increased.

In order for the pregnancy to proceed normally, it is necessary to continue treatment for six months and only after that plan to conceive. This also applies to preparation for in vitro fertilization.

Before the course of treatment, a woman must undergo an examination to determine the level of progesterone in the middle of the 2nd phase of the cycle.

In order for the blood sample test to be accurate, you need to know when she ovulates. To do this, it is recommended to monitor your basal temperature.

If you have irregular periods, it is advisable to take blood samples twice to determine progesterone. The analysis will allow you to clarify the dosage of the drug and make the necessary changes to the dosage regimen.

Pregnancy with Duphaston occurs after 3-6 months of treatment.

The drug is taken every cycle, starting immediately from the 1st day following ovulation.

If pregnancy does not occur, after the next ovulation it is necessary to continue the course of treatment until conception occurs.

Stop taking it only after the arrival of menstruation, making sure there is no pregnancy. If a delay occurs, the drug should be continued, as abrupt withdrawal provokes.

If pregnancy has not occurred within a year after the first course, treatment tactics should be changed, a thorough diagnosis should be carried out, and a different progesterone analogue should be used. Cancellation of Duphaston in this case does not pose any danger.

During conception and normal progesterone production, the dosage reduction of Duphaston should occur smoothly. How exactly the drug should be discontinued is decided by the doctor based on the tests of the pregnant woman.

Most often, taking the hormonal drug continues until 18-20 weeks, when the placenta has developed sufficiently and can independently supply the body with the enzyme.

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Brief characteristics of the drug

The “pregnancy hormone”, progesterone, is responsible for preparing the endometrium of the uterus to receive a fertilized egg. Almost the entire first trimester, the production of the enzyme occurs due to the corpus luteum, which ensures the vital activity of the zygote.

Therefore, it is so important to eliminate enzyme deficiency before conception and monitor its concentration during pregnancy if the woman has previously been diagnosed with miscarriage.

To compensate for the deficiency of the hormone, drugs were created that completely replicate the composition of the enzyme. Among them is Duphaston, a synthetic analogue of progesterone.

The drug goes on sale in cardboard packs containing a blister with 20 tablets.

Currently, there are several progesterone analogues. Why is Duphaston preferred in some cases?

When comparing the characteristics of this drug and, for example, Utrozhestan, the disadvantages and advantages of both drugs become clear:

Plant raw materials are used to produce Utrozhestan. The drug is a natural analogue of the enzyme, in contrast to the completely synthetic Duphaston. The structure and composition of Utrozhestan are identical to the hormone produced by the woman’s body.
The naturalness of Utrozhestan sometimes becomes a disadvantage, since the drug has a negative effect on the functionality of the liver and is contraindicated in diseases of the organ.
Unlike Utrozhestan, the synthetic analogue is considered practically harmless and can be safely taken during pregnancy.
Utrozhestan is available in the form of capsules, which can be taken intravaginally or orally. Duphaston is produced only in tablet form, which can make it difficult to take the drug in case of severe toxicosis.
Taking Duphaston does not cause side effects, such as drowsiness, irritability, or a constant feeling of weakness. But Utrozhestan has virtually no effect on weight.
While Utrozhestan can be used in exceptional cases while breastfeeding, Duphaston is prohibited, since the drug easily penetrates the mammary glands and is present in milk.

The doctor decides which progesterone analogue will be effective based on the woman’s medical history and depending on the course of pregnancy.

Prescription of Duphaston for threatened miscarriage

In the early stages of pregnancy, progesterone deficiency may begin. In this case, it is recommended to take Duphaston to maintain pregnancy and maintain the level of the required enzyme.

How to take Duphaston during pregnancy?

The drug is prescribed according to individual indications. Typically, the dose is 10 mg per day. But in special cases, the dosage can be increased to 30 or even 40 mg.

To prevent the death of the fetus, it is necessary to inform the doctor about nagging painful sensations at their first appearance.

with endometriosis - growth of the endometrium of the uterus beyond its limits;
for infertility associated with progesterone deficiency;
with frequent miscarriages due to progesterone deficiency;
if there is a threat of miscarriage;
with irregular periods;
in the presence of premenstrual syndrome;
with uterine dysfunctional bleeding;
with primary and secondary aminorrhea.

As hormone replacement therapy, Duphaston is prescribed for hormonal imbalance caused by decreased ovarian functionality, as well as in the absence of the corpus luteum.

The drug can be used prophylactically if a woman has a history of.

Duphaston is also used in the treatment of ovarian cysts. Progesterone is produced in small quantities by the adrenal glands, so if their functionality decreases, Duphaston can be used to adjust hormonal levels.

Personal experience
I took Duphaston twice - it was prescribed to me during my first and last pregnancy. The first time I was prescribed it was at almost 13 weeks. There were no special instructions, but due to past unsuccessful experiences, the doctors simply played it safe.
I read somewhere that the drug can cause miscarriage in the late stages. This is wrong. I took the course until the 20th week inclusive. A friend was also prescribed Duphaston until the 27th week, because... the fetus was positioned incorrectly and blocked the bottom of the pharynx. In each case, the appointment is individual. I took 2 tablets for the first month, then 1 tablet. The drug is expensive, so they allowed me to reduce the dose, and there was no need to take it so often.
In the second case, I voluntarily refused Duphaston. By this time there are already three children. I didn’t want to stuff the fetus with various hormones, especially since there were enough vitamins. They prescribed it to me as an additional complex. I just didn’t want to take hormonal pills. From 6 to 13 weeks, as the drug was prescribed, I took regular folic acid instead.
As far as I remember, Duphaston can be prescribed to those who are at risk of miscarriage. It’s a pity that I didn’t take it when I really needed it. Therefore, girls, be careful and attentive to your health and what is prescribed to you.
Tatiana, 29.

When is it canceled?

Until 12 weeks of pregnancy, progesterone synthesis belongs to the corpus luteum, then the placenta assumes this role.
Therefore, some experts believe that Duphaston should be discontinued at this stage of pregnancy. The manufacturer of the drug in the official instructions indicates the need for treatment with Duphaston up to 20 weeks of gestation. Since the formation of the placenta is completed around the 16th week of pregnancy, and from this time the work of the feto-placental complex begins.

At what time Duphaston should be discontinued is decided by the attending obstetrician-gynecologist. If the prescription of the drug was caused by a state of threatened miscarriage in the early stages, then the drug is discontinued after the disappearance of all symptoms, approximately at 12 weeks. If repeated episodes occur, therapy is resumed again and gradual withdrawal of the drug begins from the 16th week of pregnancy. Sometimes the doctor decides to extend treatment until week 20.

Pregnant women after IVF complete treatment with Duphaston from the 20th week of pregnancy. The same applies to pregnant women with a history of 2 or more episodes of miscarriage.

The Duphaston withdrawal regimen depends on the reason for the prescription and is recommended by the treating obstetrician-gynecologist.

For recurrent miscarriages and in women after IVF

From the date of prescription, the drug is taken 2 tablets per day: 1 tablet every 12 hours. From week 20, the number of tablets is reduced to 1 per day. Either half a tablet every 12 hours, or 1 tablet every 24 hours. That is, if a woman took Duphaston before 20 weeks, 1 tablet at 8 am and 8 pm, then after this period - half a tablet at 8 am and 8 pm.

Or after taking a dose at 8 pm, the next tablet should be taken at 2 pm, and then for a week, 1 tablet once a day at the prescribed time. This pattern is maintained over the next week.

Contraindications for use

Duphaston is safe for the developing fetus, but the drug has side effects that lead to discomfort for the woman:

on the ingredients included in the drug;
increased destruction of red blood cells;
migraine;
a slight decrease in liver functionality, manifested by jaundice of the skin and mild pain in the area of the right hypochondrium;
breakthrough bleeding that disappears with increasing dosage of the drug;
high sensitivity of the mammary glands;
hives;
peripheral edema.

Is Duphaston harmful?

Contraindications to taking Duphaston are lactation and hypersensitivity. The drug is prescribed with caution if there is skin itching or allergies during previous pregnancies, since sometimes Duphaston can provoke Quincke's edema.

Treatment with Duphaston allows a woman to conceive a long-awaited child and eliminate the threat of spontaneous abortion at an early stage. However, if there are significant side effects, you should consult a gynecologist who will prescribe a different progesterone analogue.

The drug Duphaston is often prescribed during pregnancy. The main purpose of its use is elimination, because such a violation in itself is very dangerous and can lead to short-term consequences. The medicine is prescribed exclusively by a doctor and taken according to his recommendations.

How to properly stop taking Duphaston during pregnancy?

As a rule, the duration of taking this drug is quite long. In most cases, a woman is prescribed to drink Duphaston until 20-22 weeks of gestation. After this, she is told that she needs to stop taking the medication. Then the question arises as to how it is necessary to discontinue Duphaston during pregnancy.

The thing is that this drug is hormonal, and it is unacceptable to stop taking it at once, like any other drug. As a result of such cancellation, a sharp decrease in the level of the hormone progesterone will occur in the woman’s body, which can provoke a miscarriage.

That is why the withdrawal of Duphaston during pregnancy is carried out according to the scheme proposed by the doctor. It all depends on the dosage in which the pregnant woman took this drug.

Let's look at a small example. Let's say a woman was prescribed to drink 2 (morning, evening) Duphaston tablets daily. In this case, drug withdrawal is carried out as follows: for 10 days, the pregnant woman drinks only one tablet in the morning. Then, for the next 10 days, the expectant mother takes 1 tablet of Duphaston in the evening. After 20 days, stop using the medicine. This scheme is only an example, and in each specific case, how to cancel Duphaston during pregnancy is decided solely by the doctor.

When is Duphaston discontinued in pregnant women?

Before starting to gradually discontinue Duphaston during pregnancy, doctors prescribe a blood test for hormones. Only after it is established that progesterone levels have returned to normal, do they begin to discontinue the drug.

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Many women face problems conceiving or complications during pregnancy. Scientists have found that one of the factors that provokes such deviations is hormonal imbalance or progesterone deficiency in a woman’s body. To solve these problems, as well as for the treatment and prevention of infertility, normalization of ovulation, doctors prescribe Duphaston
during pregnancy or before its onset
.

Discussion of how to properly stop duphaston during pregnancy. Taper Scheme

Preparations that are analogues of progesterone are used in obstetric practice when there is a threat of spontaneous abortion and to prevent recurrent miscarriage.
According to the results of numerous pharmacological and medical studies, the best progesterone drug is Duphaston .

The drug is prescribed from the first day of determining pregnancy to women with recurrent miscarriage and pregnant women after the IVF procedure. In other cases, the use of Duphaston is necessary when there is a threat of spontaneous abortion caused by a lack of progesterone.

Is it possible to cancel Duphaston on your own?

Duphaston is prescribed to pregnant women from the first weeks of pregnancy if there is a lack of production of the hormone progesterone. From the beginning of pregnancy, this function is performed by the corpus luteum of the ovaries. However, many women, especially those pregnant through IVF, experience insufficiency of the luteal phase (hypofunction of the corpus luteum). In this case, artificial supply of progesterone from the outside is necessary for the normal development of pregnancy.

Duphaston - instructions for use during pregnancy

The ovaries and adrenal glands in a woman’s body play one of the main roles - they produce the steroid hormone progesterone, which is necessary for normal menstruation and successful conception. However, for various reasons, malfunctions of these systems may occur, which will lead to a decrease in the level of the hormone in a woman’s blood. In this case, for successful gestation of the fetus, the drug Duphaston

It is an analogue of the hormone progesterone of natural origin and is well accepted by the woman’s body. The drug does not affect the functioning of the liver, but at the same time normalizes the tone of the smooth muscles of the uterus without disrupting the menstrual cycle and ovulation.

This effect on the body increases the chances of successfully bearing a baby: it prevents the risks of miscarriages or embryo freezing. If a woman has been diagnosed with increased uterine tone, then in 85% of cases the child can be saved when taking these pills.

Composition and release form

The medicine is sold in cardboard packs of 20 or 14 tablets.

In addition to the blisters, the box contains detailed instructions for use. The tablets themselves are small, round with a division in the middle. On the back of the package there is information about the manufacturer, storage rules and composition are indicated. According to this, 1 tablet contains:

Effect of the drug

When using the medicine, the deficiency of natural hormones is compensated, due to which the percentage of spontaneous miscarriage in the first weeks of pregnancy, the risks of developing fetal defects and deviations in the formation of the placental layer are significantly reduced. Additional intake of synthetic progesterone into the body normalizes a woman’s hormonal levels and ensures normal nutritional and oxygen balance for the fetus.

Absorption of active components into the blood occurs in the intestinal mucosa. The maximum concentration of substances is achieved 1.5-2 hours after taking the medication. The half-life of the active components occurs in the liver, and the remaining medication is excreted by the kidneys along with urine. The duration of their complete elimination is 70 hours.

Indications for use

The main indication for prescribing Duphaston is a deficiency of natural progesterone in the body.

Before starting treatment, a woman must undergo tests to confirm suspicions.
According to the instructions, it is advisable to take the tablets:

in the treatment of menstrual cycle disorders - delayed menstruation, normalization of the second stage of the cycle;
with severe premenstrual syndrome – abdominal pain, lower back pain, migraines;
if there is a threat of termination of an early pregnancy;
with endometriosis;
for the treatment of infertility;
to preserve the fetus;
with threatened or habitual abortion.

Duphaston in early pregnancy

During pregnancy, the medicine will compensate for the lack of progesterone and take over its functions.

The drug will support the activity of the corpus luteum during conception, relax the endometrium of the uterus, and have an immunosuppressive effect so that the body does not perceive the fertilized egg as a foreign body. If at the beginning of pregnancy there are signs of spontaneous abortion or other threat of miscarriage, taking a synthetic hormone is useful for maintaining the pregnancy.

In the later stages

The duration of taking the tablets is determined by the doctor. As a rule, the medication is prescribed before conception and it is recommended to continue taking it until 16-20 weeks of pregnancy. However, if there are certain indications, the doctor may prescribe Duphaston in late pregnancy. One of the reasons is increased uterine tone, when there is a risk of premature birth. In any case, the drug should be stopped before 36 weeks of pregnancy.

Contraindications and indications for Duphaston

It is categorically excluded that Duphaston was prescribed without tests or did not explain why it was prescribed, since this would be a violation of the rights of the expectant mother and an abuse of the powers of doctors. It is worth noting that the appointment may not be for every representative of the fair sex, since this requires special indications. A woman's body contains a hormone called progesterone, which is produced by the ovaries during the second phase of the menstrual cycle. There are some reasons why the number of this organ decreases.

This can lead to:

Excessive physical activity
Professional sport,
Chronic inflammatory process in the reproductive system,
Individual characteristics of the body.

The drug must be used strictly according to the doctor’s recommendation in order for it to be beneficial, and this must be done in case of: predisposition to miscarriage, predisposition to premature birth, chronic endometritis, threat of miscarriage, threat of frozen pregnancy, especially in the early stages.

There are also contraindications in which it is necessary to stop taking the drug if it was prescribed due to negligence.

Namely, you need to stop or better not start drinking this medicine when:

Diabetes mellitus
Individual intolerance,
Heart diseases,
Quincke's edema,
A symptom such as an allergy.

If a person has previously taken a drug that contains an estrogen-containing component, then this drug should be excluded from treatment. It is worth noting that the consumption of synthetic progesterone cannot affect weight gain, since metabolic problems do not begin, and there is no effect on blood pressure or blood clotting.

The drug should be taken strictly as recommended by the doctor, and should also be avoided.:

Smoking,
Alcohol,
Hard physical labor.

In return, you need to take regular walks in the fresh air, drink vitamin complexes and try not to get nervous, as this negatively affects the fetus and can provoke premature birth or miscarriage even while taking Duphaston.

How to take Duphaston correctly

The dosage of Duphaston and the course of treatment are selected individually by the doctor in accordance with test data, the general picture and the patient’s complaints. As a rule, when planning a pregnancy, taking the drug begins several weeks before conception and continues until the 16th week. If the level of hormones has decreased in the later stages of pregnancy, treatment is continued until 24-25 weeks.

According to the instructions, the tablet dosage regimen is as follows:

When the endometrium grows, take 1 tablet of Duphaston 2-3 times a day, constantly or from the last day of the menstrual cycle to the 25th day.
If the level of estrogen hormones is high, but the level of the hormone progesterone is low in the luteal phase, take 1 tablet of the medicine from the moment of ovulation to the 25th day of the cycle. The recommended course of treatment is 6 months, and after conception - throughout the entire first trimester of pregnancy.
If there is a threat of miscarriage, spontaneous abortion or other pathologies, 4 tablets are prescribed for the first time, then 1 tablet 3 times a day until the problem is eliminated.
To prevent or eliminate uterine bleeding, doctors recommend taking 1 tablet 2 times a day for 7 days.

Skipping a drug dose

You need to take the pills regularly, without missing a single day.

If, while treating certain problems, you accidentally forgot to take Duphaston, according to the instructions, you need to drink the prescribed dose of the drug within the next 6 hours. If more time has passed since taking the recommended dose, then you should not take an additional tablet, you need to continue treatment according to the prescribed regimen.

How to stop Duphaston during pregnancy

Cancellation of hormonal therapy should be gradual and only on the recommendation of the attending physician, when the level of progesterone, according to laboratory indicators, has returned to normal. Abruptly stopping any hormonal medications can lead to side effects and cause irreversible reactions in the body. Duphaston should be discontinued during pregnancy according to the following scheme:

If a woman previously took 2 tablets per day, then the dosage of the drug should be reduced to 1.5 tablets.
After a week, the same dosage should be reduced to 1 tablet and so on until the medication is completely stopped.

Application of Duphaston

It is the doctor who should inform you about how to take the drug correctly, even in the first trimester, even in the second and third. Due to the fact that Duphaston is a hormonal drug, such tablets are prescribed to be taken strictly as prescribed. It is strictly prohibited to replace it with an analogue or reduce the dosage on your own. As a rule, Duphaston is prescribed at the beginning of pregnancy to prevent miscarriage, which occurs with severe and sudden bleeding.

When registering, it is mandatory:

An inspection is being carried out
An anamnesis is collected about what complications there may be or have previously been,
Data on diseases not only of the mother, but also of relatives is recorded.

The dosage of the drug, the method of application and even how many days the treatment will be carried out depends on the individual characteristics of the body and is calculated separately for each woman. Duphaston really helps and can be used for prevention. However, in some cases the woman needs to take one tablet, and in some cases the number reaches as many as 8 tablets per day. Also, how long the course will be taught depends on the same factor, but on average it is taken up to 16 weeks, and if there are certain indications, the course is extended to 20 weeks.

If, after completing the course, no effect on the body is noted, then it is worth undergoing an additional examination, discontinuing this drug and using its substitute to avoid termination of pregnancy, treatment of which can be carried out up to 32 weeks. Between therapy, to maintain pregnancy at its best, from time to time, you need to consume medications containing vitamins, as well as those that can reduce stomach irritation after eating or reduce shortness of breath with minimal physical exertion.

Side effects and overdose

Pregnancy with Duphaston, as a rule, proceeds without consequences for the mother and child. However, in rare cases, side effects may occur that can be easily eliminated by adjusting the dosage. Among the negative reactions there are the following cases:

If you take too small a dose, spotting from the uterus may appear.
Sometimes there is breast tenderness, discomfort in the epigastric region and headaches.
Very rarely, skin rashes, fluid accumulation - swelling of the limbs and other allergic reactions are possible.
Some women experience decreased or increased sexual desire when taking hormonal medications.
There have been no cases of Duphaston overdose during pregnancy.

How does it affect pregnancy?

Long-term studies of the drug have confirmed the positive aspects of taking duphaston during pregnancy.

The drug used in the planning stage prepares the uterus and its inner layer for conception, and then helps in the successful conception, implantation and development of the fetus until the placenta finally develops and takes over the functions of producing hormones.

When using duphaston, a significant reduction in the percentage of spontaneous abortion in the first weeks of pregnancy was revealed, and the risks of fetal malformations and various abnormalities of the placenta are also reduced.

The additional supply of progesterone can help the area of the future placenta create hormonal, nutritional and oxygen balance for the fetus.

Due to this, children born while taking duphaston have normal weight and physical and psycho-emotional health at birth.

Contraindications

Duphaston and pregnancy are two inseparable concepts. However, the drug is prescribed with caution if a pregnant woman has a history of liver dysfunction - jaundice, severe itching. The second most important indicator for drug withdrawal is the tendency to allergic reactions to one or more substances from the composition. The drug should be stopped if the pregnancy is frozen, bleeding of unknown origin or ectopic pregnancy occurs. It is strictly forbidden to take pills if you have:

Rotor or Dubin-Jones disease;
severe liver diseases;
malignant neoplasms of the mammary glands or genital organs;
severe thrombophlebitis or a tendency to thrombosis.

Duphaston's analogues

Synonymous drugs should not only differ from Duphaston in price, but also have similar properties and principles of action on the body of a pregnant woman. Moreover, some medications may have a distinctive composition, which is a plus for those who suffer from individual intolerance to dydrogesterone or other substances. If there is a risk of miscarriage or disturbances in the formation of the placenta, the doctor may prescribe one of the following analogues of Duphaston:

Duphaston;
Dydrogesterone;
Utrozhestan;
Progesterone;
Lutein;
Ingesta.

Duphaston price

You can buy the drug at any pharmacy at an affordable price or order home delivery of the medicine from the online store. Upon receipt of the goods, you are required to provide the seller with an original prescription from a doctor. How much Duphaston costs in Moscow pharmacies is shown in the table:

Pregnancy does not always go smoothly. There are situations when girls need medical help. Threatened miscarriage in 70% of cases occurs in the first trimester. This happens for several reasons. One of them is a lack of the hormone progesterone. In this case, Duphaston can help.

This is a synthetic analogue of progesterone. Many girls are wary of taking medications during pregnancy. In the article we will find out whether there are contraindications to its use, side effects, read the instructions, and find out the correct withdrawal plan.

Indications for taking the drug

Duphaston is prescribed during pregnancy only if there is a threat of miscarriage. The symptoms are:

Nagging pain in the lower abdomen;
Bloody discharge;
Uterine tone.

The appointment is made by the doctor after a preliminary examination. If time permits (after 4 weeks), a vaginal ultrasound is performed. The gynecologist must make sure that the fetus has a heartbeat and there is no placental abruption. If the period is short, a specialist conducts an examination in a gynecological chair. In this case, it is clear that the pharynx is closed, the uterus is only slightly increased in size.

An hCG test is also required. It is he who shows the level of progesterone in the blood. If there is a threat of miscarriage, it is carried out every 2 days, positive dynamics should be observed. If the indicators decrease or remain unchanged, the amount of the drug must be increased.

If a woman took Duphaston while planning a pregnancy, abruptly stopping it can lead to serious problems. The withdrawal regimen should be selected by the treating gynecologist.

How to take Duphaston correctly

Instructions for use of the drug are developed individually in each specific case. The doctor assesses the general condition of the patient and the fetus, and only after that makes a prescription.

As a rule, treatment proceeds according to the following scheme:

If there is a threat of miscarriage, when there is placental abruption, heavy bleeding is prescribed 40 mg of Duphaston once. This should stop the symptoms. Then 10 mg every 8 hours;
In case of habitual miscarriage, when a woman has miscarriages more than 2-3 times, the doctor may prescribe Duphaston before conception. You should take 10 mg of the drug 2 times a day.

If the hCG test indicates an insufficient concentration of progesterone in the blood, the dose is increased. That is why treatment must be carried out inpatiently, so that there is access to an ultrasound machine and laboratory at any time.

There are women who self-medicate and, at the first symptoms of a threatened miscarriage, begin to take Duphaston on their own. This cannot be done without a doctor's prescription. If the progesterone level is normal, the drug will only worsen the situation and cause heavy bleeding.

When and how to take care during pregnancy?

"Duphaston" is one of the most popular drugs in the practice of obstetricians and gynecologists, as it is prescribed to women for various problems, ranging from menstrual irregularities and endometriosis, to the threat of miscarriage. Taking this drug requires strict adherence to the dosage prescribed by the doctor. In addition, it must be canceled correctly so as not to cause negative consequences for the expectant mother and child.

Features of the medicine

The medication is presented in round tablets in a white shell, the main ingredient of which is dydrogesterone. This substance is similar in its structure and properties to progesterone, a hormone that is produced in the female body and contributes to the successful bearing of a child. The dosage of dydrogesterone in 1 tablet is 10 mg. The drug is sold by prescription, receives many good reviews and is considered safe for the fetus, therefore it is allowed at any stage of pregnancy.

When is it prescribed for pregnant women?

Most often, Duphaston is prescribed to expectant mothers with a threat of miscarriage, which is manifested by increased uterine tone and spotting. This situation is usually caused by a lack of progesterone, and Duphaston is designed to replace it. The drug begins to act within 2 hours after administration, eliminates dangerous symptoms and allows pregnancy to develop normally.

If a woman has already had early miscarriages in the past or her pregnancy has stalled, then after determining the level of progesterone in the blood and confirming its deficiency, Duphaston is prescribed even before conception. After a positive test, the medicine is not discontinued, but continues to be taken throughout the first trimester or longer. In such a situation, Duphaston will prepare the inner lining of the uterus for implantation and contribute to better consolidation of the embryo.

The use of tablets is also justified for various pathologies that affect the lining of the uterus, for example, endometriosis or fibroids. Such diseases can interfere with the attachment of the fertilized egg, so after treatment with Duphaston, the likelihood of pregnancy increases.

Another common indication for taking the drug is the IVF protocol. When using this artificial insemination technique, Duphaston increases the chances of implantation of the implanted embryos.

How is it used?

The tablets are taken according to an individually selected regimen, which depends on the reason for the prescription. For example, if an expectant mother suddenly develops symptoms of a threatened miscarriage, she needs to immediately drink 4 tablets, and then take 1 tablet every 8 hours until the condition returns to normal.

If a woman has previously had problems with pregnancy, she is prescribed Duphaston twice a day, one tablet, and when preparing for IVF, the medicine is often taken 10 mg three times a day. These are the most common uses, but they may vary for an individual woman based on her condition, age, progesterone levels and other factors.

Why is it being phased out gradually?

When a doctor prescribes Duphaston to a pregnant woman, he always draws the attention of the expectant mother to the fact that withdrawal should be slow and careful. Particular attention is required when stopping treatment if there is a threat of miscarriage, since abrupt cessation will threaten the resumption of dangerous symptoms and deterioration of the condition. If the drug is prescribed for infertility, it should never be stopped when the woman finds out that she is pregnant.

If you stop taking the pills without gradual withdrawal in the first trimester, this will increase the contractile activity of the myometrium and increase the risk of embryo rejection, which will provoke bleeding and miscarriage. However, even in the second trimester it is unacceptable to stop taking the medicine. Such actions can cause placental insufficiency, which can also result in termination of pregnancy. And therefore it is important to gradually discontinue the medication at any time.

When can I cancel?

Even if the expectant mother’s health is normal and there are no complaints, Duphaston therapy is not stopped before 12 weeks of gestation. While the placenta is still forming and has not taken on the task of producing progesterone, stopping the medication is fraught with an increase in tone and other dangerous changes. For this reason, the use of a natural hormone substitute, such as Duphaston, is indicated throughout the first trimester.

Since complete formation of the placenta usually occurs by the 16th obstetric week, the pills are discontinued in most cases at 16-20 weeks.

However, some patients require longer use, then a gradual dose reduction begins only from week 20 or even later. In any case, the exact date when you need to start reducing the dosage should be checked with your obstetrician-gynecologist.

How to stop taking it?

The regimen according to which it will take place varies from woman to woman, as it depends on the dosage, the duration of pregnancy, and the indications for taking the hormonal substance. For some patients, the drug is discontinued within a week, while others need to carefully reduce the dosage over 2 or 3 weeks. If any warning signs occur when the dose is reduced, it is necessary to return to the previous dosage, at which the expectant mother’s condition was normal.

Here is one example of refusal to take Duphaston, in which a woman took the drug 20 mg per day during 18-20 weeks of pregnancy. When the doctor says that the dosage can be reduced, you must:

for three days, take a whole tablet in the morning and only half in the evening, that is, the total amount per day will be 15 mg;
for the next three days, reduce the daily dose by another 5 mg, taking half a tablet in the morning and another half in the afternoon;
then they refuse one of the doses, leaving only the morning dose of 5 mg or taking the drug in the evening at the same dosage;
after 3 days of taking 5 mg, they refuse the medicine altogether, but in some cases they take a quarter of a tablet for another three days.

If the daily dose was 30 mg, then withdrawal is carried out in a similar way, reducing by 1 tablet every week or by half every 3-4 days. If Duphaston did not help, and it was not possible to maintain the pregnancy, stopping therapy abruptly is also not recommended.

Such patients should reduce the dosage by 1 tablet per day. For example, if a woman took 3 tablets a day, then on the first day of withdrawal she should take 2 tablets, on the second day - only one tablet, and on the third day - half.

Analogs

Not all women tolerate treatment with Duphaston well. In some expectant mothers, this medicine provokes unpleasant side effects or an allergic reaction. In such cases, the medication should also be discontinued, and an analogue that will be better tolerated should be selected instead. If a pregnant woman experiences symptoms of hypersensitivity or other negative reactions, it is best to consult a doctor to prescribe an appropriate withdrawal regimen.

How to properly stop the drug

Taking Duphaston directly depends on how the pregnancy progresses. The need is usually present until 16-20 weeks. During this period, the placental layer is actively formed, which begins to independently produce and synthesize progesterone. In severe cases, the drug is taken up to 35-36 weeks.

How to cancel Duphaston? Under no circumstances should you suddenly stop taking the pills. This threatens miscarriage. The body must undergo adaptation. The regimen is prescribed by a gynecologist. As a rule, the dosage is halved within a week. In this case, a specialist monitors the process using ultrasound and blood test results.

If everything was done correctly, there are no consequences of drug withdrawal.

How long does it take to stop treatment?

Until 12 weeks of pregnancy, the corpus luteum fully performs the function of providing the body with progesterone. Starting from the 12th week, the placenta forms and takes on the task of producing the hormone. However, the complete process of placenta formation can be completed by 16 weeks, and it will be fully strengthened by 20 weeks.

In this regard, the official instructions recommend stopping taking Duphaston after the process of placenta formation is complete, namely at 20 weeks. Doctors make a decision based on the diagnosis and condition of the patient.

Before 12 weeks of pregnancy, discontinuation of the drug is highly undesirable. As a rule, Duphaston intake begins to be reduced from the 16th week. However, if there is a threat of miscarriage, the medication is extended until the symptoms that pose a risk to pregnancy have passed.

If a woman has experienced miscarriages and premature births in the past due to a lack of progesterone, then the withdrawal of Duphaston may be postponed to a later date. Sometimes it is necessary to take the drug until the last weeks of the 3rd trimester. When discontinuing Duphaston, a woman is tested for progesterone concentration before completion of therapy, during the withdrawal period and after the end of treatment.

Side effects

While taking Duphaston, patients may experience the following side effects:

Flatulence, gas formation, constipation. This is due to the fact that the drug affects intestinal motility;
Headaches are possible. Mainly found in patients suffering from migraines;
Sharp pain in the abdomen, slight jaundice. This is especially common when the drug interacts with alcohol. The liver is under a lot of stress;
A sharp decrease in hemoglobin in the blood;
An allergic reaction in the form of itching, rashes on the body. In rare cases - Quincke's edema.

If any of the above side effects occur, you should immediately consult a doctor.