Susten 8% gel (Progesterone)

What is Susten 8% Gel?

Susten 8% Gel is a prescription medication containing micronized progesterone (8% w/w), a natural female hormone, in a vaginal gel form. Manufactured by Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., it is designed for intravaginal use to treat progesterone deficiency. The gel mimics the action of natural progesterone produced by the ovaries, supporting reproductive health by preparing the uterus for pregnancy, maintaining pregnancy, and regulating menstrual cycles. It is commonly used in fertility treatments and hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

Benefits

• Supports Fertility: Enhances uterine lining thickness for embryo implantation, increasing pregnancy success rates in assisted reproductive technologies (ART) like IVF.

• Maintains Pregnancy: Prevents uterine contractions, reducing the risk of miscarriage or preterm labor in women with progesterone deficiency.

• Regulates Menstrual Cycles: Restores periods in women with secondary amenorrhea due to low progesterone levels.

• Relieves Menopausal Symptoms: In HRT with estrogen, alleviates symptoms like hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and mood swings while preventing endometrial hyperplasia.

• Lower Systemic Side Effects: Vaginal application reduces gastrointestinal side effects compared to oral or injectable progesterone.

Susten 8% gel Uses

• Female Infertility: Provides luteal phase support in ART (e.g., IVF) to promote embryo implantation and sustain early pregnancy.

• Threatened Miscarriage: Supports pregnancy in women with a history of recurrent miscarriages due to low progesterone.

• Secondary Amenorrhea: Induces menstruation in non-menopausal women with absent periods caused by hormonal imbalances.

• Hormone Replacement Therapy: Used with estrogen to prevent endometrial hyperplasia in menopausal women and manage menopausal symptoms.

• Menstrual Disorders: Treats irregular or abnormal uterine bleeding, including conditions like endometriosis or premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

Side Effects

• Common: Breast tenderness, abdominal cramps, pelvic pain, vaginal discharge or itching, headache, drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, or constipation. These are typically mild and resolve over time.

• Serious (Rare): Allergic reactions (rash, swelling, difficulty breathing), blood clots (e.g., deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism), abnormal vaginal bleeding, or jaundice. Seek immediate medical attention if these occur.

• Other: Mood swings, hot flashes, urinary incontinence, or application site irritation. Consult a doctor if persistent or bothersome.

• Precautions: Contraindicated in patients with breast, uterine, or liver cancer, undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, blood clots, liver disease, or missed abortion. Use cautiously in patients with asthma, epilepsy, diabetes, kidney/heart conditions, or history of depression. Avoid concurrent use of tampons or other vaginal products 6 hours before and after application. Inform your doctor of all medications to avoid interactions (e.g., with ketoconazole, St. John’s Wort, or anticoagulants). Do not smoke or consume alcohol excessively, as these increase blood clot risk.