Lutéran

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Lutéran

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Medically reviewed

Rosario Oropesa

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Lutéran

Lutéran: Definition, Class, and Composition

Property Description
Active ingredient Chlormadinone acetate (CMA)
Form Oral tablet
Pharmacological class Synthetic Progestogen (Progestin)
General purpose Hormonal stabilization and management
Origin Synthetic steroidal derivative

What is Lutéran and its Pharmacological Classification?

Lutéran is a prescription-only medicinal product primarily composed of the active ingredient Chlormadinone acetate (CMA), a substance known chemically as a synthetic steroidal derivative of progesterone. This core compound places it firmly within the pharmacological class of progestogens (progestins), which are compounds specifically designed to mimic the biological effects of the natural hormone progesterone. The compound is classified with the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) code G03DB06, designating its use as a progestogen when used alone for gynecological indications.

The identity of Lutéran is strongly defined by its pharmacological profile, which is characterized by a high degree of progestogenic activity coupled with a notable antiandrogenic activity. This unique dual action differentiates it from many older progestins. This synthetic structure allows the compound to achieve targeted hormonal management necessary for addressing imbalances within the female reproductive system.

Composition, Form, and General Therapeutic Purpose

Lutéran is formulated exclusively for oral administration and is supplied as an oral tablet for systemic delivery, ensuring its effects are distributed throughout the body. The active ingredient, Chlormadinone acetate, is used both as a single-agent product for certain hormonal treatments and is also a component in various combination hormonal preparations. Its formulation is often recognized clinically for its capacity to offer hormonal control in scenarios such as managing prolonged or irregular menstrual cycles.

The general therapeutic intent of Lutéran is to achieve fundamental hormonal stabilization and regulatory control within the female reproductive system. By supporting and managing progestogenic activity, and leveraging its ability to counteract androgen effects, its overall purpose is centered on addressing underlying hormonal imbalances and maintaining the regulated cycles necessary for effective gynecological management.

What side effects are possible with Lutéran?

Official Regulatory Safety Profile

The safety information for Lutéran (Chlormadinone acetate), particularly in its high-dose formulations, is structured by regulatory classifications detailing potential adverse reactions and safety constraints. All listed effects and constraints are derived strictly from governmental regulatory documents.

Serious Adverse Reactions and Safety Constraints

The most serious safety concern documented in regulatory sources is the rare risk of developing meningioma, a benign tumour of the brain's covering membranes. This risk is officially noted to increase with cumulative dose and duration of treatment (prolonged use over several months to years). Consequently, the medication is contraindicated for individuals with a current or past history of meningioma. Furthermore, regulatory bodies mandate that the medication must be used at the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible duration.

Other serious adverse reactions officially associated with hormonal therapies include the potential for thromboembolic events (blood clots) and severe hepatobiliary issues, such as jaundice or hepatitis, which necessitate a review of treatment.

Common Adverse Reactions by System-Organ Class

Adverse reactions that are frequently or commonly documented for this class of medication affect several physiological systems. These effects, as classified in official documentation, include:

  • Reproductive System and Breast Disorders: Changes in menstrual bleeding patterns (e.g., irregular bleeding, absence of menstruation) and breast tenderness.
  • Nervous System and Psychiatric Disorders: Headache and changes in mood, such as depressed mood.
  • Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders: Weight gain.
  • Gastrointestinal Disorders: Such as nausea.

Overdose and Emergency Response

The official regulatory profile for Lutéran (Chlormadinone acetate) overdose indicates that there have been no reports of serious deleterious effect documented following exposure. However, it is a standing regulatory mandate that immediate medical attention must be sought for the evaluation of any suspected overdose of this prescription medication.

Domain Official Regulatory Finding
Documented Manifestations Symptoms that may occur include nausea and vomiting. Hormonal effects may also present as slight vaginal bleeding or withdrawal bleeding.
Severity Classification No serious deleterious effect from overdose has been reported in official documents.
Emergency Management Management must be symptomatic and supportive, as no specific antidotes are known to exist for the active ingredient.

Official Overdose Statements

  • Overdose may present with transient symptoms including nausea, vomiting, slight vaginal bleeding, or withdrawal bleeding.
  • Official regulatory documentation states there have been no reports of serious deleterious effect from overdose.
  • No specific antidotes are known to exist for the active ingredient.
  • Management must be symptomatic and supportive following a suspected event.
  • Immediate medical attention must be sought for evaluation of any prescription medication overdose.
  • Withdrawal bleeding may occur in young girls (pre-menarche) who accidentally take the medicinal product.

The official overdose information defines the expected presentation as generally mild and transient, primarily involving gastrointestinal or hormonal effects. The regulatory protocol requires contacting a medical professional immediately to initiate supportive care, which is officially limited to symptomatic treatment given the absence of a known antidote. This ensures professional assessment of the event.

Therapeutic Uses of Lutéran

What Lutéran Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

The medication is utilized in clinical settings involving acute or unstable symptom patterns. Lutéran is commonly used to address conditions characterized by periods of heightened symptoms, including excessive menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia), dysfunctional uterine hemorrhages, endometriosis, and severe mastopathy (breast pain or tension).

The medication may be part of symptomatic management for these conditions, providing support that helps ease the overall symptom burden. It is often applied during phases when symptoms become more noticeable, offering relief that may help patients manage difficult episodes more steadily. This application is also relevant for managing physical manifestations that are difficult to tolerate, such as pronounced androgen-dependent symptoms (e.g., severe acne or hirsutism) resulting from systemic imbalance.


Quick Fact: Support for Chronic Gynecological Symptoms

Lutéran is applied in scenarios where additional management of discomfort is required for conditions involving episodic or fluctuating manifestations. This contributes to easing the overall symptom load and helps maintain stability during periods when symptoms are more noticeable.

Regulatory References

  1. French National Medicines Safety Agency (ANSM) dossier on Lutéran

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

The eligibility for using high-dose Lutéran (Chlormadinone acetate, CMA) is strictly defined by regulatory authorities and centers on specific medical conditions and treatment duration.

Contraindicated Populations

The medicine is absolutely contraindicated (must not be used) for certain groups, as formally specified in official labeling:

  • Patients with a meningioma or a history of this tumor, regardless of dose [EMA].
  • Known or suspected pregnancy due to the risk of fetal harm.
  • Patients with active liver disease (e.g., severe decompensated cirrhosis or liver tumors).
  • Patients with undiagnosed abnormal uterine bleeding.
  • Individuals at high risk for arterial or venous thromboembolic diseases.

Use Restrictions and Eligibility

Classification Population/Condition Restriction Statement
Restricted Use High-Dose Treatment (5–10 mg) Must be used at the lowest effective dose and for the shortest duration possible [EMA].
Not Recommended Lactation/Breastfeeding Progestins can pass into breast milk; use is generally advised against.
Not Established Pediatric/Geriatric Use Safety and efficacy are not extensively documented for these age groups in this context.

Eligibility is primarily established for adult women of childbearing age for specific gynecological disorders, provided they do not possess any of the absolute contraindications.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

The official documentation for Lutéran (Chlormadinone acetate, CMA) details specific pharmacokinetic interactions arising from alterations to its metabolic clearance, primarily via the Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) enzyme system.


Pharmacokinetic Exposure Changes

Co-administration with substances that induce the CYP3A4 enzyme system is officially documented to decrease the plasma concentration and systemic exposure of CMA. Medicines in this category include potent Antiepileptics (e.g., Carbamazepine, Phenytoin) and strong Antibiotics (e.g., Rifampicin). Conversely, medicines that inhibit the CYP3A4 system, such as certain Azole Antifungals (e.g., Ketoconazole) and Macrolide Antibiotics (e.g., Clarithromycin), are documented to increase the plasma concentration of CMA. The herbal product St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is also documented as a strong enzyme inducer, leading to reduced CMA exposure.


Interaction-Related Restrictions

The regulatory profile establishes a mandatory restriction tied to a patient’s health history. The use of high-dose Chlormadinone acetate (5 to 10 mg) is considered a contraindication in patients who have a pre-existing or past diagnosis of meningioma. This mandatory exclusion is stipulated by health authorities and is linked to the patient’s disease state. No timing-based separation rules for administration are documented in the official labeling.

Mechanism of Action

The action of Lutéran (Chlormadinone acetate, CMA) involves the modulation of key hormonal and enzyme-mediated signaling pathways, resulting in defined physiological consequences.

Central Hormonal Feedback and HPO Modulation

CMA acts as an agonist on the Progesterone Receptor (PR), triggering a negative feedback signal in the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. This mechanism leads to the functional modulation of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Ovarian (HPO) axis, thereby reducing the systemic output of Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH). This sequence results in the inhibition of intrinsic ovarian activity.

Dual-Targeted Antiandrogenism

Lutéran exhibits a dual mechanism to counteract the effects of androgens. It acts as a competitive antagonist on the Androgen Receptor (AR), blocking the signaling effects of hormones like testosterone. Concurrently, it functions as an inhibitor of the enzyme 5-alpha reductase (5α-reductase), reducing the local conversion of testosterone into the biologically more active dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

Local Tissue Stabilization and Enzyme Suppression

Locally, PR activation induces specific decidual transformation and atrophy of the uterine lining (endometrium), and increases cervical mucus viscosity. Furthermore, CMA reduces the local production of inflammatory mediators by suppressing Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression within the endometrium.

Dosage and Administration Information

How to Use Lutéran (Chlormadinone Acetate) — Administration Guidelines

Lutéran (chlormadinone acetate) is a prescription medication with specific parameters governing its route, dosage, frequency, and duration of administration. This information applies to the oral tablet form, which is the approved route for this product.


Dosing and Regimen

Usage is reserved for the adult population.

Dosing Entity Instruction
Administration Route Oral administration (tablet form)
Standard Daily Dose Typically 10 mg per day, although the prescribed daily dose may range from 4 mg up to 10 mg.
Dosing Frequency The total daily dose is taken either once daily or divided into two doses.
Intake Condition The tablet should be taken with a liquid, such as water.

Administration Patterns and Timing

Administration follows two primary patterns, depending on the indication:

  • Cyclic Administration: For many cycle-related disorders, the medication is administered for 10 consecutive days per menstrual cycle. This usually corresponds to taking the dose from Day 16 to Day 25 of the cycle, inclusive of both days.
  • Continuous Administration: For conditions like endometriosis, the standard 10 mg daily dose may be administered on a continuous basis without scheduled interruption.

Missed Dose Management: If one tablet is missed, the forgotten dose should be disregarded and the treatment course continued by taking the next tablet at the regularly scheduled time. It is recommended to avoid doubling the dose. Missing multiple tablets may result in the scheduled cycle being interrupted, potentially leading to irregular bleeding.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies for Lutéran (Chlormadinone Acetate)

This section provides a patient-friendly overview of the official research structure and findings regarding Lutéran (chlormadinone acetate), drawing only on authoritative regulatory and scientific sources. Research provides context but not individual predictions.


Evidence for Cycle-Related Issues: Menorrhagia and Dysmenorrhea

The active ingredient in Lutéran was studied in research exploring conditions characterized by acute or disruptive episodes, such as excessive menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia) and severe menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea). Studies exploring menorrhagia included observational cohorts and clinical trials relevant in trials assessing short-term or episodic symptom patterns. The main outcomes monitored by researchers included the objective and subjective measurement of menstrual blood loss and the tracking of bleeding days. Findings describe patterns observed in the studies; research highlights changes measured during the study period related to blood loss and the stability of bleeding patterns. However, evidence is limited in the form of large-scale, placebo-controlled randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for single-agent chlormadinone acetate for this indication. Long-term effects are not fully established, as follow-up durations were often limited to 3 to 12 cycles.

For dysmenorrhea, research explored outcomes related to physical discomfort. Data describe patterns related to changes in patient-reported pain scores and in the reliance on analgesics. A key limitation is that much of the available evidence is derived from studies where the active ingredient was associated with use in combination with estrogen, which was observed in some studies to make the specific contribution of single-agent Lutéran difficult to isolate.


Evidence for Endometriosis and Endometrial Conditions

Research also was evaluated in women diagnosed with endometriosis, a condition marked by functional limitations and periods of heightened symptoms. The studies explored measured outcomes related to physical discomfort, such as changes in pelvic pain scores, and tracked the frequency of induced amenorrhea (the absence of menstruation).

Research also was studied for a specialized purpose: a fertility-sparing approach for women with atypical endometrial hyperplasia or early endometrial carcinoma. Evidence for this is largely derived from prospective observational studies and non-randomized fertility-sparing registries, due to the specific and specialized nature of this population. These studies monitored the rate of Complete Remission (CR) of the abnormal tissue and subsequent disease recurrence. Sample sizes were modest in these specialized studies, and comparative evidence is limited against other treatments.


Evidence for Androgen-Dependent Symptoms

Lutéran was observed in studies used in research exploring how symptoms change over time associated with excess androgens. The studies research examined dermatological scores, such as acne lesion counts and seborrhea (skin oiliness). Data describe patterns related to measured outcomes in dermatological scores. Findings describe patterns observed in the studies, which contributes to the broader evidence landscape regarding antiandrogenic properties.


What Is Still Uncertain About Lutéran Research

The overall evidence base is subject to several limitations; evidence quality varies across studies. There is a documented reliance on older trial designs or comparative studies that often did not include a placebo arm for single-agent Lutéran. One major gap is the lack of extensive, high-quality, large-scale randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for single-agent use for many core indications. As mentioned, long-term effects are not fully established, and surveillance for durability of response beyond 12 months is limited.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Lutéran (FAQ)


Q: What are the ingredients in the Lutéran tablet besides the active drug?

According to the official product information, the Lutéran tablet contains the active substance, Chlormadinone acetate, along with several non-medicinal components known as excipients. These excipients contribute to the tablet's form and stability. The complete and authoritative list of these components is available in the official regulatory documentation.


Q: How long does it take for Lutéran to start working or show a noticeable effect?

Pharmacokinetic data indicate the active substance typically reaches its maximum concentration in the bloodstream within a few hours of administration. However, the time required to achieve the full therapeutic effect (the intended change in a medical condition) may vary, often being observed over a prescribed course of treatment across several cycles.


Q: Is there a generic version of Lutéran available?

Yes, the active ingredient in Lutéran, Chlormadinone acetate, is available under the brand name Lutéran and may also be marketed under its non-proprietary chemical name as a generic medicinal product in many regions. Official regulatory documents confirm the availability of generics for this active substance.


Q: What is the difference between Lutéran (single-agent) and the combination pill (e.g., in a contraceptive)?

Lutéran is a single-agent product, containing only the hormone Chlormadinone acetate, and is typically indicated for specific gynaecological disorders. The combination pill, conversely, contains Chlormadinone acetate plus an estrogen. The combination formulation is typically indicated for contraception (birth control) and utilizes both hormones to support that therapeutic goal.

How should Lutéran be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Lutéran

Official regulatory guidelines dictate specific storage and disposal requirements for Lutéran (chlormadinone acetate) to ensure product stability and safety.

Storage Requirements

Item Requirement
Temperature Store below 25 C (77 F).
Protection Keep the blisters in the outer carton to protect from light.
Safety Must be kept out of the sight and reach of children.

Lutéran must be maintained within the specified room temperature range, and the product must remain in its original outer carton to protect the tablets from light and maintain the stability of the active ingredient. The medicine should not be disposed of via wastewater.

Disposal Requirements

Unused or expired Lutéran must be disposed of through an authorized drug take-back program or according to local regulations for pharmaceutical waste. If a take-back program is unavailable, follow regulatory guidance for mixing the medicine with an undesirable substance and sealing it before placing it in the household trash.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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