Comparison of the efficacy and safety of two formulations of micronized progesterone (Ellios™ and Utrogestan™) used as luteal phase support after in vitro fertilization

Objective: To compare the efficacy and the tolerability of two different vaginal formulations of micronized progesterone, Ellios(TM) and Utrogestan(TM), Used for luteal phase support after an in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle. Design: Cohort study. Setting: Fertility center in a university hospital. Patient(s): One hundred twenty-three women who underwent IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) stimulated cycles from October 1998 to March 2000, who had at least six follicles of greater than or equal to14 nun on the day of hCG administration. Intervention(s): Patients received Ellios(TM) pessaries (2 times 200-mg pessary/day) or Utrogestan(TM) capsules (2 x 100-mg capsules, two times a day). Progesterone was administered from the day of oocyte pickup (day 0) until menses or up to 10 weeks in pregnant patients. Main Outcome Measure(s): Progesterone levels, pregnancy rate, and tolerability tested by patient questionnaire. Result(s): The progesterone levels on days 0, 9, 16 were not statistically different between the two formulations. The pregnancy rate were similar in groups 1 and 2 (25.5% vs. 18.6%), whereas tolerance was significantly better in group 1 versus group 2 (vaginal discharge: 43% vs. 82%). Conclusion(s): The efficacy of the two formulations of progesterone is comparable, although the patient tolerance for Ellios(TM) is better. (Fertil Steril(R) 2002;77:313-7. (C) 2002 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine.).