Duphaston
Duphaston
- Duphaston (dydrogesterone) is a prescription-only medicine in most countries and should be obtained with a valid prescription; in practice some pharmacies in certain regions may supply it without a receipt, but legally it is an Rx product and availability by pharmacy will vary by jurisdiction.
- Duphaston is used for conditions related to progesterone deficiency — e.g., luteal phase support in infertility, secondary amenorrhea, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, threatened or habitual abortion, endometriosis, PMS and dysmenorrhea — and works as a selective progestogen (progesterone receptor agonist) that stabilizes the endometrium and supports pregnancy maintenance.
- Usual adult doses vary by indication: secondary amenorrhea 10 mg twice daily (commonly days 11–25); luteal insufficiency 10 mg daily (days 14–25 or continuous); dysfunctional bleeding 10 mg twice daily for 5–7 days; threatened abortion often starts with 40 mg then 10 mg every 8 hours; habitual abortion 10 mg daily (often continued to ≥20 weeks); endometriosis 10–20 mg daily; dysmenorrhea/PMS 10 mg twice daily (days 5–25).
- Form of administration: oral tablets only (10 mg tablets, typically in blister packs).
- Onset time: absorbed orally with effects beginning within a few hours (Tmax typically around 2–3 hours), though clinical effects on bleeding or cycle regulation may take days to become apparent.
- Duration of action: plasma half-life is roughly 5–7 hours, but clinical effect depends on dosing schedule; a once- or twice-daily dosing regimen is commonly used and effects are maintained while treatment continues.
- Alcohol warning: avoid excessive alcohol; alcohol may worsen side effects (e.g., dizziness, nausea) and is inadvisable in patients with liver disease — use caution and discuss alcohol use with your prescriber.
- Most common side effec: menstrual irregularities (spotting or breakthrough bleeding); other common adverse effects include breast tenderness, headache, nausea, abdominal discomfort and fatigue.
- Would you like to try duphaston without a prescription?
Basic Duphaston Information
- INN (International Nonproprietary Name): Dydrogesterone
- Brand Names Available In Canada (English): Duphaston (international brand; local marketing in Canada not specified)
- ATC Code: G03DB01
- Forms & Dosages: Tablet, 10 mg strength, blisters usually containing 20 tablets
- Manufacturers In Canada (English): Global MAH listed as Laboratoires Abbott Products (Abbott/AbbVie); local manufacturers or suppliers not specified
- Registration Status In Canada (English): Not specified
- OTC / Rx Classification: Prescription-only (Rx)
Major National Pharmacy Chains (Shoppers Drug Mart, Rexall, London Drugs)
Where do patients usually look first when they need prescription hormone therapy?
Many Canadian patients start by checking national chains such as Shoppers Drug Mart (Pharmaprix in Quebec), Rexall, London Drugs and Jean Coutu in Quebec.
Independent community pharmacies are also commonly contacted for special orders and counselling.
In-store availability often depends on whether a product has a Canadian DIN or must be special-ordered or imported.
Quick checklist for pharmacy contacts:
- Call the local Shoppers Drug Mart / Pharmaprix to check stock and special-order capability.
- Ask Rexall about manufacturer-source and typical turnaround for special orders.
- Contact London Drugs for regional supply options, especially in Western Canada.
- Ask Jean Coutu teams in Quebec about language-specific packaging and import practices.
When speaking to a pharmacist, confirm whether the product has a Canadian DIN, expected special-order fees and expected collection time.
Patients often ask about alternatives such as micronized progesterone or medroxyprogesterone acetate when Duphaston is not immediately available.
Online Pharmacy Trends In Canada (Including Provincial Restrictions)
Are online pharmacies a good way to compare price and availability?
Both Canadian-licensed online pharmacies and international suppliers are commonly used by patients to compare pricing and availability for dydrogesterone.
Provincial rules vary about who can prescribe and whether pharmacies will import foreign-sourced products for patients.
Many Canadian pharmacies require a valid Canadian prescription before dispensing or shipping prescription-only products.
Some online sellers will offer imported Duphaston but may restrict this based on provincial import and prescribing rules.
Cross-border options from the United States are used by some patients but are subject to customs controls and health-product import regulations.
Patients are advised to verify pharmacy licences and to check whether provincial programs like ODB or PharmaCare will reimburse imported supplies.
For counselling, pharmacists commonly compare in-store versus online pricing and explain special-order fees and authenticity checks.
Price Ranges By Package Size (With Provincial Differences)
What should patients expect to pay for a blister of 20 tablets?
Duphaston is typically supplied as 10 mg tablets in blisters of 20 tablets.
The raw-data source does not specify fixed retail prices in Canada, so exact cost varies by supplier, pharmacy dispensing fees and any special-order charges.
Provincial drug plans generally require a Canadian DIN for routine reimbursement, so Duphaston ordered without a DIN is likely to have limited coverage under ODB, PharmaCare or RAMQ.
Price comparison by province (illustrative supply notes rather than fixed prices):
| Province | Typical Packaging | Price Note |
|---|---|---|
| Ontario | 10 mg x 20 tablets | Price varies; may require special-order fees and DIN for reimbursement |
| Quebec | 10 mg x 20 tablets | Availability via Jean Coutu/Pharmaprix may depend on importation; reimbursement requires DIN |
| British Columbia | 10 mg x 20 tablets | London Drugs and chains can special-order; PharmaCare coverage needs DIN |
| Alberta | 10 mg x 20 tablets | Dispensing fees and special-order surcharges likely; check private insurance |
| Other Provinces/Territories | 10 mg x 20 tablets | Prices vary regionally; customs/import rules apply for cross-border orders |
Ask your pharmacist for a written price estimate including dispensing fees before placing a special order.
Forum And Review Platforms (Reddit Canada, HealthBoards, AskDocs)
What are Canadians saying online about Duphaston?
Canadian patients post experiences on Reddit communities such as r/CanadaHealth and r/infertility, on HealthBoards and on fertility clinic portals.
Common discussion topics include sourcing the product, timelines for special orders, interactions with local pharmacies, and outcomes when using dydrogesterone for luteal support.
Typical excerpt-style patient comment:
"My clinic switched me to dydrogesterone for luteal support and I had fewer side effects than past progestins, but my local pharmacy had to special-order it and it took a week."
Other posts report variability in pharmacist familiarity with dydrogesterone and questions about provincial coverage.
Patients also trade tips on verifying authenticity when ordering from international pharmacies and on documenting prescriber rationale for reimbursement appeals.
Reported Benefits And Challenges From Canadian Patients
What do patients report about effectiveness and tolerability?
Patients commonly report benefits such as symptom relief from irregular bleeding and effective luteal support during IVF cycles.
Many users note perceived tolerability advantages over some synthetic progestins, with fewer androgenic complaints.
Challenges frequently mentioned include difficulty sourcing the product in Canada and inconsistent insurance coverage due to DIN issues.
Some patients experience variable counselling from pharmacists who may be less familiar with dydrogesterone than with norethisterone or medroxyprogesterone acetate.
Common patient question to pharmacists: whether an imported product will be reimbursed by ODB, PharmaCare or RAMQ and what paperwork is required.
Practical tip: keep copies of prescriber notes and shipment documentation when ordering imported Duphaston to support any reimbursement or pharmacovigilance requests.
INN And Brand Names Used In Canada
Which name will appear on a prescription or label?
The international nonproprietary name (INN) is dydrogesterone.
The internationally recognised brand name is Duphaston, commonly packaged as 10 mg tablets in blisters of 20.
Duphaston has been withdrawn from the UK (since 2008) and from the USA, but remains marketed in many European and Asian markets.
In Canada, brand marketing and distribution are not specified in the raw-data.
Prescribers may write the INN or the brand name depending on availability and clinic preference.
Definitions at a glance:
- INN: Dydrogesterone
- Brand: Duphaston (internationally recognised)
- Dosage Form: 10 mg oral tablets, blisters of 20
Legal Classification Under Health Canada
Is Duphaston available without a prescription in Canada?
Dydrogesterone is classified as prescription-only (Rx) in the jurisdictions listed in the raw-data.
For Canadian patients, confirm product registration via Health Canada’s Drug Product Database and look for a Canadian DIN before assuming routine marketing.
If no Canadian DIN exists, products may only be supplied through special access or import mechanisms with physician documentation.
Pharmacists should verify local registration status before dispensing and document the source when supplying an imported product.
Manufacturer note from the raw-data: global marketing authorisation holder is Laboratoires Abbott Products (Abbott/AbbVie), with local supply dependent on registration.
Approved Uses (Health Canada DIN Context)
What are the main clinical uses seen internationally that Canadian prescribers follow?
Worldwide indications include secondary amenorrhea, luteal phase support for infertility, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, threatened and habitual abortion, endometriosis, PMS/dysmenorrhea and as an adjunct in HRT.
Canadian prescribers often rely on Health Canada‑approved labelling where available, or adopt international evidence if a DIN is not present.
Provincial drug plans generally require a DIN for standard reimbursement, which affects coverage for Duphaston if unregistered domestically.
Typical regimens are adapted from international practice and fertility clinic protocols when used in assisted reproductive technologies.
Off-Label Patterns In Canadian Healthcare
Do Canadian doctors prescribe dydrogesterone off-label?
Off-label use in Canada mirrors international practice with frequent use for luteal-phase support in assisted reproduction and for early pregnancy support.
Family physicians, obstetricians and fertility clinics may prescribe dydrogesterone based on the published evidence and clinical need.
Pharmacists supplying imported or non‑DIN products should document sourcing, prescriber rationale and patient consent in the pharmacy record.
Summary table: Indications Versus Typical Regimens
| Indication | Typical Regimen |
|---|---|
| Secondary Amenorrhea | 10 mg twice daily, cycle days 11–25 |
| Luteal Phase Support | 10 mg daily, days 14–25 or continuous |
| Threatened Abortion | Initial 40 mg then 10 mg q8h, continued as needed |
Layman’s Explanation
How does dydrogesterone help in simple terms?
Dydrogesterone is a synthetic progestogen that mimics the action of natural progesterone to support the uterine lining.
This support helps sustain early pregnancy, stabilise menstrual cycles and reduce abnormal uterine bleeding in many patients.
Dydrogesterone typically has minimal androgenic or estrogenic effects, which contributes to good tolerability for many users.
Clinical Detail From Health Canada Resources
What is the pharmacology behind dydrogesterone?
Mechanism: dydrogesterone binds progesterone receptors to stabilise the endometrium, support the luteal phase and reduce abnormal uterine bleeding.
The ATC classification is G03DB01, grouping it among plain progestogens.
Pharmacists should note that dydrogesterone undergoes hepatic metabolism and should be avoided in patients with active or severe liver disease.
Short definition list:
- Progesterone: Natural hormone produced by the ovaries.
- Synthetic Progestogen: Molecule like dydrogesterone that acts on progesterone receptors.
- ATC: G03DB01 for dydrogesterone.
Standard Regimens Per Canadian Guidelines
How is dosing usually prescribed in practice?
Internationally accepted regimens include 10 mg twice daily for secondary amenorrhea (cycle days 11–25) and 10 mg daily for luteal insufficiency (days 14–25 or continuous).
Dysfunctional uterine bleeding is commonly managed with 10 mg twice daily for 5–7 days, while threatened abortion protocols may begin with an initial 40 mg dose followed by 10 mg every 8 hours.
For HRT adjunct use, a common regimen is 10 mg daily on days 11–25 when combined with oestrogen therapy.
Canadian prescribers adapt these regimens to local clinic protocols and patient-specific factors such as fertility treatment plans.
Adjustments By Patient Type (With Canadian Clinical Notes)
Who needs dose adjustments or extra caution?
Dydrogesterone is not recommended in severe hepatic impairment due to its hepatic metabolism.
No specific renal dose adjustments are listed, but caution is advised in renal impairment and in the elderly as with other progestogens.
Pediatric use is rare and should be managed by specialists.
For pregnant patients following habitual abortion protocols, many clinicians continue therapy through at least 20 weeks per international practice.
Practical counselling points: take with food if nausea occurs and take a missed dose when remembered unless it is almost time for the next dose.
Common (Health Canada-Approved List)
What side effects should patients expect?
Common side effects include breast tenderness, headache or migraine, nausea, abdominal discomfort, spotting or menstrual irregularities, mild oedema and fatigue.
Most reactions are mild to moderate and resolve spontaneously over time.
Advise patients that cycle changes can occur early in treatment and usually stabilise with continued use.
Rare But Serious (With Canadian Pharmacovigilance Data)
Which conditions make dydrogesterone unsafe?
Absolute contraindications include allergy to dydrogesterone, progestogen-dependent tumours, active or severe liver disease and undiagnosed vaginal bleeding.
Relative risks requiring monitoring include a history of depression, personal or strong family history of thromboembolic disease, uncontrolled hypertension, renal impairment and diabetes mellitus.
Serious adverse events are rare but should prompt immediate medical review.
Patients should be advised to report adverse events to their provincial health authority and to Health Canada’s Canada Vigilance Program.
Alternatives Table (With DIN References)
What comparable medicines exist in Canada that pharmacists commonly stock?
| Molecule/Brand | Formulation | Common Indications |
|---|---|---|
| Norethisterone | Oral tablets | Endometriosis, HRT, bleeding control |
| Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (Provera) | Oral, injectable | Amenorrhea, abnormal uterine bleeding |
| Micronized Progesterone (Prometrium) | Oral, vaginal formulations | HRT, infertility support |
Pharmacists should populate DIN columns from local pharmacy systems when dispensing, as DINs were not specified in the raw-data.
Pros And Cons List
How does dydrogesterone compare to alternatives?
Pros: preserves ovulation at standard doses, low androgenic and glucocorticoid activity, long clinical history and good data in assisted reproductive technologies.
Cons: limited local availability in some markets, possible need for importation and less familiarity among some Canadian pharmacists compared with medroxyprogesterone or norethisterone.
Alternatives may offer easier provincial reimbursement and multiple formulations such as vaginal progesterone or injectable medroxyprogesterone acetate.
Major Canadian Or International Studies 2022–2025
What recent evidence informs current use?
Recent meta-analyses and RCTs between 2022 and 2025 continued to assess dydrogesterone’s role in luteal support and miscarriage prevention.
Findings point to benefits for early pregnancy maintenance in selected populations and favourable tolerability compared with some other progestogens.
Canadian-centred trials are fewer, so many Canadian clinics rely on international randomised controlled trial data and observational registries.
Fertility clinics increasingly consider dydrogesterone because of patient comfort and reduced androgenic effects.
Practical Impact For Pharmacists
How should pharmacists use this emerging evidence?
Monitor evolving clinical guidance and document evidence when advising on special-order or imported dydrogesterone requests.
Keep a short annotated bibliography or trial timeline in the pharmacy file to support prescriber discussions and reimbursement appeals.
Common Patient Questions In Canada
Patients ask the same practical questions at the counter. Below are concise answers to the most frequent queries.
- Can I get Duphaston on provincial drug plans? Coverage requires a Canadian DIN; without one, reimbursement is unlikely and special-authority paperwork may be needed.
- Is it safe in pregnancy? Dydrogesterone is used widely for early pregnancy support; follow obstetric guidance for duration and dosing.
- What if my pharmacy can’t supply it? Ask about special-order from the manufacturer, authorised importation or discuss alternatives with the prescriber.
- Can I buy online from abroad? It is possible but carries customs, authenticity and counselling risks; ensure a valid prescription and verify the pharmacy licence.
- How fast do side effects appear? Side effects often appear within days to weeks; report severe symptoms immediately.
In our online pharmacy, duphaston is available without a prescription, with discreet delivery to Canada (English) in 5-14 days.
Health Canada Approval Process
How does a drug become routinely marketable in Canada?
Health Canada requires a New Drug Submission (NDS) and issuance of a Drug Identification Number (DIN) for routine marketing and listing.
If Duphaston lacks a Canadian DIN, clinicians may rely on special access or importation mechanisms to supply it for specific patients.
Pharmacists must confirm local registration status using Health Canada’s Drug Product Database before dispensing or advertising a prescription product.
Document prescriber rationale and patient consent when arranging special-access or imported therapies to support regulatory compliance and reimbursement claims.
DIN Number Relevance
Why does a DIN matter for patients and pharmacies?
A DIN is essential for electronic prescribing, provincial reimbursement and routine pharmacy stocking.
Many provincial programs such as the Ontario Drug Benefit, BC PharmaCare and RAMQ rely on a DIN for listing and payment.
When a DINed product is unavailable, discuss potential coverage denials with patients and outline the paperwork and timelines required for special-authority applications.
Infographic Ideas For Canadian Context
Which visuals help patients decide and follow treatment?
Suggested visuals: a quick facts card showing INN, brand and form; a dosing flowchart for amenorrhea, luteal support and threatened abortion; and a pharmacy pathway map showing in-store, special-order and import routes with provincial flags for ODB, PharmaCare and RAMQ.
A safety checklist graphic should list contraindications, common side effects and when to call emergency care.
Accessibility note: provide text alternatives and bilingual English/French labels for Quebec audiences.
In-Store Vs. Online Canadian Purchase Tips
Where should patients buy Duphaston in Canada?
In-store: ask a pharmacist about product registration, brand alternatives, special-order processes and full price including dispensing fees.
Online: prefer licensed Canadian pharmacies and verify their pharmacy college licence and requirement for a valid prescription.
Cross-border purchases from the United States are used by some, but customs checks and authenticity risks apply.
Proper Storage With Canadian Climate Considerations
How should patients store Duphaston at home and in transit?
Store below 30°C and away from moisture and heat.
In cold Canadian winters, avoid freezing during transit and keep tablets in the original blister until use.
In summer, avoid leaving packages on car dashboards or in direct sunlight.
Dispose of unused tablets via pharmacy take-back programs rather than household waste.
Guidelines For Proper Use
What should prescribers and pharmacists document and communicate?
Prescribers should document indication, regimen and expected duration on the prescription and clinical notes.
Pharmacists should verify product authenticity, counsel on missed-dose instructions (take when remembered unless close to next dose) and provide overdose guidance (symptomatic treatment and seek care for significant overdose).
For imported or non‑DIN products, keep records of source, batch number, patient consent and any reported outcomes to support pharmacovigilance and reimbursement requests.
Printable counselling checklist items: confirm pregnancy status if indicated, review concomitant medications, explain common side effects and set a follow-up plan with the prescriber.
Delivery Across Canada (English)
| City | Region | Delivery Time |
|---|---|---|
| Toronto | Ontario | 5-7 days |
| Montreal | Quebec | 5-7 days |
| Vancouver | British Columbia | 5-7 days |
| Calgary | Alberta | 5-7 days |
| Edmonton | Alberta | 5-7 days |
| Ottawa | Ontario | 5-7 days |
| Winnipeg | Manitoba | 5-7 days |
| Quebec City | Quebec | 5-7 days |
| Halifax | Nova Scotia | 5-7 days |
| Victoria | British Columbia | 5-7 days |
| Hamilton | Ontario | 5-9 days |
| Kitchener | Ontario | 5-9 days |
| London | Ontario | 5-9 days |
| Saskatoon | Saskatchewan | 5-9 days |
Buying And Storage Advice
What practical steps reduce risk when purchasing and storing duphaston?
When buying in-store, ask the pharmacist if the product has a Canadian DIN or if it will be special-ordered, and request a full price quote including dispensing fee.
When buying online, use licensed Canadian pharmacies and require a valid prescription and verifiable contact details.
If considering cross-border or international online purchases, check customs limits, import regulations and product authenticity carefully.
Storage quick reference: keep below 30°C, avoid moisture and heat, protect from freezing during winter transit and keep tablets in original blister until use.
Return unused medication to a pharmacy take-back program for safe disposal.
Canadian Doctor/Pharmacist Advice Style
How should clinicians communicate with patients about dydrogesterone?
Document the indication, regimen and expected duration clearly on the prescription and in the patient record.
Pharmacists should confirm authenticity of the product, counsel on missed-dose rules and advise on potential interactions with other medications.
Monitor patients with relevant comorbidities such as liver disease, thromboembolic risk or a history of depression.
For imported or non‑DIN products, keep detailed dispensation logs including source, batch number and patient consent to support follow-up and pharmacovigilance reporting.