Crinone Is a Prescription Vaginal Progesterone Gel Used in Fertility Treatment and for Secondary Amenorrhea

Crinone is a brand-name prescription medication that delivers micronized progesterone directly to the uterine lining through a bioadhesive vaginal gel. It is one of the most commonly prescribed progesterone formulations in fertility medicine.

If you've been prescribed Crinone — or you're trying to understand what it is — this guide covers everything you need to know: what it's used for, how to take it, who should avoid it, and how much it costs in 2026.

What Is Crinone?

Here are the key facts:

• Brand name: Crinone
• Generic name: Progesterone vaginal gel
• Drug class: Progestins (progestational hormones)
• Manufacturer: Merck Serono (formerly EMD Serono)
• Available strengths: Crinone 4% (45 mg per applicator) and Crinone 8% (90 mg per applicator)
• Controlled substance: No — Crinone is not a controlled substance
• Generic available: Yes — generic progesterone vaginal gel is available, though brand-name Crinone remains widely used

Crinone is also sometimes referred to by other names, including Progesterone gel, Vaginal Progesterone, and Prochieve (a related brand).

What Is Crinone Used For?

Crinone has two FDA-approved indications:

1. Luteal Phase Support in Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)

This is the most common use of Crinone. During IVF and other ART procedures, the body may not produce enough progesterone on its own to support embryo implantation and early pregnancy. Crinone 8% is used to supplement progesterone during the luteal phase — the period between ovulation (or embryo transfer) and either a confirmed pregnancy or the start of menstruation.

2. Secondary Amenorrhea

Crinone 4% is approved for treating secondary amenorrhea — a condition where a woman's menstrual period stops for three or more months. If the 4% strength doesn't produce a withdrawal bleed, the 8% strength may be used.

Off-Label Uses

Doctors also prescribe Crinone off-label for:

• Luteal phase support in frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles
• Prevention of recurrent miscarriage
• Endometrial preparation for donor egg recipients
• Luteal phase support in ovulation induction cycles

How Is Crinone Taken?

Crinone comes in a pre-filled, single-use applicator. Here's how to use it:

1. Remove the applicator from its sealed wrapper
2. Hold the applicator by the thick end and shake it down like a thermometer to move the gel toward the thin end
3. Twist off the small tab at the thin end of the applicator
4. Gently insert the thin end into the vagina while lying down or in a comfortable position
5. Squeeze the thick end firmly to deposit the gel
6. Remove the applicator and dispose of it

Typical Dosing

• For ART/IVF (Crinone 8%): One applicator (90 mg) once daily, starting on the day of embryo transfer or as directed by your fertility doctor. Some protocols use twice-daily dosing. Treatment typically continues for 10 to 12 weeks until placental autonomy.
• For secondary amenorrhea (Crinone 4%): One applicator (45 mg) every other day for up to 6 doses. If no withdrawal bleed occurs, the 8% gel may be tried.

Important Tips

• Do not use other vaginal products within 6 hours before or after applying Crinone
• Some gel residue buildup is normal — see our side effects guide for tips on managing it
• If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember unless it's almost time for your next dose — don't double up

Who Should Not Take Crinone?

Crinone is not safe for everyone. You should not use Crinone if you have:

• A known allergy to progesterone or any ingredient in the gel
• Undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding
• Known or suspected breast cancer or other hormone-sensitive cancer
• Active blood clots (thrombophlebitis or thromboembolic disorders)
• Active liver disease or liver dysfunction
• A known missed abortion or ectopic pregnancy

Tell your doctor about your complete medical history before starting Crinone. For information about medications that may interact with Crinone, see our drug interactions guide.

How Much Does Crinone Cost?

Crinone can be expensive, especially without insurance:

• Retail cash price: $450 to $700 for a box of 15 applicators (Crinone 8%)
• Generic progesterone vaginal gel: $200 to $400 for 15 applicators (availability varies)
• Specialty IVF pharmacies: $65 to $100 for 15 applicators through discount programs

Insurance Coverage

Coverage for Crinone varies widely. Many insurance plans cover it when prescribed for FDA-approved indications, but fertility-related uses may not be covered in states without fertility insurance mandates. Prior authorization is commonly required, and some plans require step therapy (trying oral Progesterone first).

Ways to Save

There are several ways to reduce your out-of-pocket costs:

• Specialty IVF pharmacies — Often the cheapest option by far
• Discount cards — GoodRx, SingleCare, and others may offer savings
• Patient assistance programs — The Rx Advocates program offers Crinone at approximately $80/month for qualifying patients

For a complete breakdown, see our guide on how to save money on Crinone.

Final Thoughts

Crinone is a well-established progesterone formulation that plays a critical role in fertility treatment and the management of secondary amenorrhea. It's delivered vaginally through an easy-to-use pre-filled applicator, and while the gel residue can be annoying, it's generally well-tolerated.

If cost or availability is a concern, explore how to check pharmacy stock and alternative progesterone options. And when you're ready to fill your prescription, Medfinder can help you find Crinone in stock near you at the best price.