What You Should Know About Crinone Side Effects

If you've been prescribed Crinone (Progesterone vaginal gel), you're probably wondering what side effects to expect — and which ones are serious enough to warrant a call to your doctor. That's a smart question to ask before starting any medication.

Crinone is a vaginal progesterone gel used primarily for fertility treatment (ART/IVF luteal phase support) and secondary amenorrhea. Like all medications, it can cause side effects. Most are mild and manageable, but some require immediate medical attention.

Here's what the FDA labeling and clinical data tell us.

What Is Crinone?

Crinone is a brand-name prescription medication that delivers micronized progesterone directly to the uterine lining through a vaginal gel. It comes in two strengths — Crinone 4% (45 mg) and Crinone 8% (90 mg) — and is manufactured by Merck Serono.

For a deeper look at how this medication works, see our guide on how Crinone works.

Common Side Effects of Crinone

The following side effects were reported in clinical trials and are listed in the FDA-approved prescribing information. Most are mild to moderate and tend to improve as your body adjusts to the medication:

• Bloating — A very common complaint, especially during fertility treatment
• Abdominal pain or cramps — Mild stomach discomfort is frequently reported
• Headache — One of the most common side effects across all progesterone formulations
• Dizziness or drowsiness — Progesterone can make you feel sleepy; use caution when driving
• Breast tenderness or swelling — A direct effect of progesterone on breast tissue
• Nausea — Usually mild and may improve with time
• Constipation or diarrhea — GI changes are common with progesterone use
• Vaginal discharge or gel residue buildup — Unique to vaginal gel formulations like Crinone; clumpy discharge is normal
• Vaginal burning or itching — Local irritation at the application site
• Fatigue or tired feeling — Progesterone is known to cause sleepiness
• Joint or muscle pain
• Mood changes — Including irritability and emotional sensitivity
• Increased nighttime urination
• Pain during intercourse — Related to the gel and local irritation

Important: Many of these symptoms — especially bloating, breast tenderness, and fatigue — can overlap with early pregnancy symptoms. If you're undergoing IVF, don't assume a symptom means the treatment worked or didn't work. Wait for your beta-hCG blood test.

Serious Side Effects: When to Call Your Doctor

While rare, Crinone can cause serious side effects that require immediate medical attention. Contact your doctor right away — or go to the emergency room — if you experience any of the following:

• Sudden severe headache, numbness, or weakness on one side of the body — These could be signs of a stroke
• Chest pain or pressure spreading to your arm or shoulder — Possible signs of a blood clot or heart issue
• Sudden vision changes or vision loss — Could indicate retinal thrombosis
• Pain, swelling, warmth, or redness in one leg — Signs of deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
• Shortness of breath or rapid breathing — Could signal a pulmonary embolism
• Signs of liver problems — Including yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine, clay-colored stools, or persistent loss of appetite
• Unusual vaginal bleeding — Bleeding that's unexpected or heavier than normal
• Breast lumps — Any new lump should be evaluated
• Severe depression or mood changes — Beyond normal emotional ups and downs
• Significant swelling in hands, ankles, or feet

The prescribing information warns that physicians should be alert to the earliest signs of thrombotic disorders, including thrombophlebitis, pulmonary embolism, cerebrovascular events, and retinal thrombosis.

Side Effects in Specific Populations

Pregnancy

Crinone is specifically used during early pregnancy as part of fertility treatment. However, progesterone should only be used during pregnancy under the supervision of your fertility doctor. Do not use Crinone during pregnancy for purposes other than what your doctor prescribed.

Breastfeeding

Progesterone passes into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, talk to your doctor about whether Crinone is safe for your situation.

Liver Impairment

If you have liver disease or impaired liver function, use Crinone with caution. Progesterone is metabolized by the liver, and impaired function could lead to higher-than-expected drug levels.

Driving and Alertness

Crinone can cause drowsiness and dizziness. Be careful when driving or operating machinery, especially when you first start using it or when your dose changes.

How to Manage Common Side Effects

Most side effects from Crinone are mild enough to manage at home. Here are some practical tips:

For Vaginal Discharge and Gel Buildup

Gel residue buildup is one of the most talked-about side effects of Crinone. Some tips:

• Wear a panty liner to protect your clothing
• Your doctor may recommend gentle removal of excess gel buildup every 2-3 days (but don't douche)
• This side effect is cosmetically annoying but not harmful

For Bloating and Abdominal Discomfort

• Stay hydrated
• Eat smaller, more frequent meals
• Gentle walking can help with bloating
• Avoid gas-producing foods if bloating is severe

For Headaches

• Ask your doctor which over-the-counter pain relievers are safe to take (especially if you're undergoing IVF or may be pregnant)
• Stay hydrated and get adequate rest

For Drowsiness and Fatigue

• Apply Crinone at bedtime if your doctor allows once-daily dosing
• Plan your schedule around peak drowsiness
• Avoid driving if you feel impaired

For Mood Changes

• Know that mood swings are a recognized side effect of progesterone — you're not imagining it
• Talk to your partner or support system about what you're experiencing
• If mood changes become severe or include thoughts of self-harm, contact your doctor immediately

When Side Effects May Be a Sign of Something Else

Because Crinone is often used during fertility treatment, it can be hard to tell whether a symptom is from the medication, the IVF process itself, or an early pregnancy. Here's a general guide:

• Bloating + breast tenderness + fatigue: Could be Crinone side effects OR early pregnancy — wait for your blood test
• Spotting or light bleeding: May be breakthrough bleeding from progesterone, implantation bleeding, or a sign of a problem — report it to your doctor
• Severe pelvic pain or cramping: Could indicate ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) if you've recently had egg retrieval — contact your clinic

Final Thoughts

Crinone is generally well-tolerated, and most side effects are mild and temporary. The vaginal gel residue is perhaps the most unique side effect — annoying, but harmless. The serious side effects are rare but important to know about so you can act quickly if something doesn't feel right.

If you're experiencing side effects that are hard to manage, talk to your doctor about whether an alternative progesterone formulation might work better for you. And if cost is a concern, check out our guide to saving money on Crinone.

Ready to fill your prescription? Use Medfinder to find Crinone in stock at a pharmacy near you.