Indications
Dienogest is used to treat endometriosis. It belongs to a group of medicines called progestins. These medicines reduce the effects of estrogen on tissues such as the endometrium (the lining of the uterus) and the breast. Estrogen makes the endometrium grow, and Dienogest cuts down that growth effect. This is how it helps ease the pelvic pain that women with endometriosis experience.
⚠️ Always consult a registered physician before taking any medicine.
Pharmacology
Dienogest acts as an agonist at the progesterone receptor (PR). Its affinity for the receptor is weak and comparable to that of progesterone, but its progestagenic effect in the endometrium is very potent, and after prolonged use it causes endometrial atrophy. It has antiproliferative, immunologic and antiangiogenic effects on endometrial tissue.
Dienogest lowers the body's own production of oestradiol, so the trophic effects of oestradiol on both the eutopic and ectopic endometrium are suppressed. When dienogest is given continuously, it creates a hyperprogestogenic and moderately hypoestrogenic endocrine environment, and this leads to initial decidualization of the endometrial tissue. It also acts as an antagonist at androgen receptors, which improves androgenic symptoms such as acne and hirsutism [A16570].
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
There isn't much data on the use of Dienogest in pregnant women. Animal studies, and data from women who were exposed to Dienogest during pregnancy, show no special risks for the pregnancy, for the development of the embryo or fetus, for the birth, or for the child's development after birth. Even so, Dienogest should not be given to pregnant women, because endometriosis doesn't need to be treated during pregnancy.
Treatment with Dienogest is not recommended during breastfeeding. Its physicochemical properties and animal data point to Dienogest passing into breast milk. A decision has to be made either to stop breastfeeding or to stay off Dienogest therapy, weighing the benefit of breastfeeding for the child against the benefit of the treatment for the woman.
⚠️ Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Dosage Reference
⚠️ Reference ranges from official sources only. Consult your doctor for personalized dosing.
Side Effects & Interactions
Side Effects
No side-effect data recorded yet.