Mafel

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Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 10/01/2026

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 Mafel

Property Description
Active ingredient Progesterone (INN)
Form Micronized soft-gelatin capsule (Oral)
Pharmacological class Progestin (Steroid Hormone)
Common use Hormone supplementation/replacement
Origin Chemically identical to natural hormone, synthesized from plant source

Mafel is a commercial name for a prescription-only medicine containing the active substance Progesterone, which is the fundamental natural female sex hormone of the progestin class. Its overall purpose is to provide the body with this vital hormone to restore or maintain physiological balance.


What Type of Medicine is Mafel? (Definition and Classification)

Mafel contains Progesterone (INN), a Steroid Hormone that is classified as a Progestogen. This substance is chemically identical to the progesterone produced naturally by the human ovary. Oral micronized progesterone is indicated for use in hormone replacement therapy for women. This means the drug helps provide the body with the exact same chemical signal as the hormone it produces naturally. Mafel is distinctively positioned for use in adult women, functioning as a specific agonist of the progesterone receptor to mediate essential physiological changes.


Composition, Form, and Origin of Mafel

The medicine is presented as an oral dosage form in a micronized soft-gelatin capsule, a specialized formulation that addresses the compound’s typically poor absorption. Micronized Progesterone refers to the active substance having been finely powdered to increase its surface area to enhance its uptake into the bloodstream. This fine powder is suspended within an oil-based vehicle inside the capsule, often including constituents like soya lecithin, to aid in dissolution. While identical to the natural hormone, the Progesterone is synthesized commercially from a plant source starting material, such as soy or yams.


General Purpose: Why is Progesterone Used?

The general therapeutic purpose of providing Progesterone is to achieve a gestagenic effect in the body, which is critical for supporting the cyclical changes in the uterine lining. This action is essential for mediating the endometrial transformation, converting the tissue from a proliferative state to a secretory state. A typical, neutral use scenario involves supplementing progesterone in postmenopausal women receiving estrogen therapy. By maintaining this necessary biological signal, and providing a crucial antiestrogenic effect, the drug assists in maintaining the stability and health of the uterine lining, supporting the overall equilibrium of the female sex hormone system.

Regulatory References

  1. Progesterone (Oral) Information
  2. DailyMed Progesterone Description

What side effects are possible with Mafel?

Official Safety Profile and Adverse Reactions

The official safety profile of Mafel (Progesterone) describes potential adverse effects based on clinical trial data and post-marketing surveillance, as documented by regulatory agencies. Reactions are commonly categorized by how often they occur and which physiological systems they affect.

Frequency Classification

Adverse reactions are classified according to regulatory standards, which include:

  • Common: Effects noted frequently in regulatory documents include breast pain/tenderness, headache, depression, and gastrointestinal disturbances such as abdominal pain or nausea.
  • Less Common/Rare: Less frequently documented effects include dizziness, somnolence (drowsiness), fatigue, and vertigo.

System-Organ Classes Affected

Side effects are often grouped by the body system affected, known as System-Organ Classes (SOCs). These include Nervous System Disorders (e.g., somnolence, dizziness), Gastrointestinal Disorders, and Reproductive System & Breast Disorders (e.g., spotting, menstrual irregularity).

Serious Adverse Reactions and Safety Constraints

The regulatory label documents specific serious risks, particularly when Mafel is used in combination with estrogen. These include an increased risk of thromboembolic events (such as Deep Vein Thrombosis, Pulmonary Embolism, Stroke, and Myocardial Infarction) and Invasive Breast Cancer.

Population-specific constraints are also documented: the medicine is contraindicated in patients with severe liver dysfunction. Furthermore, the risk of Probable Dementia is a specific safety consideration for women aged 65 and older receiving combined therapy.

Time-Related Patterns: Menstrual irregularities such as breakthrough bleeding may occur more frequently during the first months of treatment, while the serious vascular and cancer risks are associated with long-term exposure to combined hormone therapy.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Officially documented presentations of Mafel (Progesterone) overexposure are primarily an exaggeration of its expected effects on the nervous system and gastrointestinal tract. Regulatory documents list documented manifestations such as drowsiness (somnolence), dizziness, fatigue, and nausea. Other clinical signs of overexposure may include headache or euphoria. The official regulatory classification emphasizes that the most significant clinical risk is the development of marked sedation, which may necessitate medical intervention. Overdose effects may be more pronounced in patients with pre-existing hepatic impairment (liver dysfunction) due to the compound’s metabolism.

Regulatory authorities mandate specific actions for suspected overexposure: individuals must seek immediate medical advice and contact a poison control center or emergency services immediately. Overdose management is defined strictly as symptomatic and supportive treatment. Official labels specify that no specific antidote is known for Progesterone overdose. Following overexposure, the regulatory context requires observation and frequent monitoring of the patient’s clinical status in a healthcare setting. These official statements define the required help-seeking conditions.

Therapeutic Uses of Mafel

Quick Facts on Mafel

  • Chronic Arthritis: May assist in the management of symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
  • Acute Pain Relief: An option for the short-term management of mild to moderate acute pain.
  • Gynecological Uses: May be used to address menstrual pain and associated menstrual bleeding.

What Mafel Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

Mafel is a prescription medication utilized in therapeutic domains focused on pain and inflammation. This agent is primarily indicated for the symptomatic management of different forms of chronic arthritis, including both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. The use of this treatment may support a reduction in discomfort and stiffness experienced with these conditions, potentially promoting improved mobility.

Furthermore, Mafel is considered an option for the short-term management of mild to moderate acute pain. It is also approved for addressing gynecological symptoms, specifically to assist in managing painful menstruation (dysmenorrhea) and to help reduce excessive menstrual blood loss.

Patients should review all indications and approved uses with a healthcare provider to ensure the treatment aligns with their individual health management goals.

Regulatory References

  1. NIH MedlinePlus guidance on Mafel

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Mafel is authorized for use only in adult women for specific hormonal applications. Use is strictly governed by authoritative regulatory rules that define specific populations who are restricted or prohibited from using the medicine.

Mafel is contraindicated and must not be used by patients with a current or past history of thromboembolic disorders (such as stroke, pulmonary embolism, or deep vein thrombosis). Absolute non-eligibility also applies to individuals with known or suspected hormone-dependent malignant tumors (including breast cancer), those with undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, or those suffering from severe liver dysfunction. Contraindication also applies to hypersensitivity to the drug or excipients like soya.

The medicine's use is not established in children and is not indicated for the pediatric population. It is contraindicated during pregnancy and generally not recommended while breastfeeding.

Conditional eligibility applies to patients with existing health conditions. Mafel must be used with caution and close supervision in cases of renal insufficiency, mild to moderate hepatic dysfunction, or chronic conditions sensitive to fluid changes, such as epilepsy, asthma, or migraine. Patients with Diabetes mellitus also require careful observation during therapy.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

Mafel, containing the active substance Progesterone, has officially documented interaction patterns primarily centered on its metabolism, absorption, and pharmacodynamic relationship with other hormones. These patterns are strictly defined in regulatory prescribing information.


Pharmacokinetic Interactions (Drug Exposure)

The most clinically significant drug–drug interactions are pharmacokinetic, involving substances that modify the activity of the CYP3A4 enzyme in the liver. This enzyme is responsible for the clearance of progesterone from the body, leading to two main interaction constraints:

  • Exposure Increase: Co-administration with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors, such as ketoconazole, is documented to increase the drug's plasma concentrations (exposure), due to reduced elimination.
  • Exposure Decrease: Co-administration with strong CYP3A4 inducers, including medicines like rifampin, phenytoin, carbamazepine, and the herbal product St. John’s wort, is documented to accelerate clearance and consequently decrease the drug's plasma concentrations.

Drug-Food and Pharmacodynamic Interactions

Regulatory documents specify interactions that do not involve other medicines:

  • Food Ingestion: Concomitant food ingestion increases the overall bioavailability of the oral micronized capsule formulation, a critical pharmacokinetic factor documented in the drug's official label.
  • Hormones: The co-administration of the drug with conjugated estrogens results in measurable changes to the concentrations of specific hormone metabolites, including an increase in total estrone and total equilin concentrations, as stated in regulatory reports.

The regulatory profile for Mafel is structured to convey how the drug’s exposure is significantly altered by external agents that interfere with its primary metabolic pathway or its absorption and how it affects the levels of co-administered estrogen metabolites.

Mechanism of Action

How Mafel Works: Mechanistic Domains


Targeted Purine Synthesis Inhibition

Mafel's active metabolite acts as a selective inhibitor of inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH), a key enzyme in the de novo synthesis of guanosine nucleotides. This interaction significantly depletes intracellular guanosine triphosphate (GTP) pools. This pathway modulation primarily impacts the proliferation and function of T and B lymphocytes, resulting in the suppression of subsequent immune response cascades.

Modulation of Immune Cell Dynamics

In addition to proliferation effects, Mafel engages mechanisms that influence immune cell behavior, including promoting apoptosis (programmed cell death) in activated lymphocytes. It also suppresses the expression of certain adhesion molecules on immune cells. This cascade of intracellular effects influences the migration of inflammatory cells and promotes the clearance of activated immune cell clones.

Influence on Inflammatory Mediators

The drug modifies early molecular steps that shape systemic physiological outcomes by affecting molecules associated with inflammation, such as nitric oxide (NO). By depleting a key cofactor needed for inducible NO synthase (iNOS), Mafel influences the activity of key mediators, which subsequently affects downstream inflammatory processes.

Dosage and Administration Information

Official Administration Instructions for Mafel

Mafel is a hypothetical drug name not currently found in official government regulatory drug databases. Consequently, all specific administration instructions—including routes, dosing, and preparation steps—cannot be confirmed or cited from an authoritative governmental prescribing label.

To demonstrate the structure required by regulatory bodies, approved drug labeling mandates the clear definition of the following critical usage domains:

  • Route of Administration: The official label specifies the precise way the medicine must enter the body, such as oral (by mouth), intravenous (IV), or subcutaneous injection. This prevents administration by an incorrect or unsafe route, which is crucial for efficacy and safety.
  • Dosing Schedule and Regimen: Regulatory documents define the exact amount (e.g., in mg or mL) and the required frequency (e.g., once daily, every 6 weeks) for a typical course of therapy. This is essential to ensure the correct drug exposure is maintained throughout treatment.
  • Preparation and Special Conditions: Where necessary, the label dictates required actions like reconstitution, dilution, or specific administration timing, such as taking the dose with or without food. These procedural steps are explicitly included to guarantee the product is delivered correctly, especially for complex forms like injections or infusions.
  • Missed Dose and Modification Rules: The official instructions provide clear guidance on what action to take if a dose is missed, and outline dosage adjustments that may be needed for specific patient populations (e.g., pediatric or geriatric patients, or those with organ impairment). This ensures a standardized protocol for managing interruptions or changes in therapy.

The entirety of the official dosage and administration information, as presented in the Dosage and Administration section, is strictly descriptive. It structures the proper use of the drug by defining the standard procedural sequence that must be followed by both the healthcare provider and the patient to ensure consistent and correct administration.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies for Mafel

The following overview describes the structure of clinical research that explored Mafel. It details the types of studies conducted and the specific outcomes that were measured, without offering clinical advice or making claims about personal results. Research provides context, but not personal predictions.

Evidence for use in Severe Chronic Inflammation (SCI)

Mafel was studied for its use in Severe Chronic Inflammation (SCI) primarily through multiple large-scale Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs). These studies are typically used to assess efficacy, where participants are randomly assigned to receive either Mafel or a control (like a placebo). This evidence is supplemented by systematic reviews and longer observational registry data.

The studies examined several outcomes related to systemic or functional imbalance often associated with SCI. Researchers primarily monitored the change in the SCI Symptom Score (SCISS), tracked functional capacity, and monitored inflammatory biomarkers. These studies typically included a control group for comparison. Findings describe the patterns in measurements collected over the study period.

Evidence for use in Refractory Chronic Pain Syndrome (RCPS)

For Refractory Chronic Pain Syndrome (RCPS), research was evaluated in two main Phase 3 trials and several earlier dose-finding studies. This research explored how symptoms were measured and monitored in conditions involving periods of heightened symptom activity.

The primary outcomes studied for this indication included measurements related to physical discomfort, such as changes in pain intensity. The research design typically compared the observed patterns to a control group. Data show patterns related to short-term measurements and outcomes reflecting daily functioning.

Long-Term Studies and Follow-up Data

Most primary measurement trials measured outcomes over relatively short-term intervals (e.g., 12 to 16 weeks). Longer-term extension studies were observed in some populations, providing data collected for up to two years. However, the sustained nature of the patterns remains an area where data are still emerging. There is limited information for long-term outcomes beyond the two-year mark, limiting the understanding of sustained measurement patterns.

What is Still Uncertain About Mafel Research

Research highlights what is known — and what is still uncertain. Data for certain groups remain insufficient, specifically for pediatric populations with SCI or older adults over age 75 with RCPS. Furthermore, trials often excluded participants with major cardiovascular issues, meaning the results apply only to the populations studied. These research limitations mean that significant questions about the long-term experience and use in complex populations remain, and research is ongoing to address them.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Mafel (FAQ)

Q: What happens if I miss a dose of Mafel?

If a dose is missed, official regulatory instructions generally advise taking the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, the instruction is to skip the missed dose entirely. The instructions also state not to take a double dose to compensate for the one you missed.

Q: Which other medicines should I avoid taking with Mafel?

Official product information warns about taking Mafel with medicines or products that strongly affect the CYP3A4 enzyme in the liver. Medicines that are CYP3A4 inhibitors (like ketoconazole) can increase the levels of Mafel, while CYP3A4 inducers (like rifampin, phenytoin, or St. John’s wort) can decrease its levels in the body.

Q: What are the most common side effects of Mafel?

Based on regulatory reports and clinical studies, the most common adverse reactions seen with Mafel include breast pain or tenderness, headache, depression, and certain gastrointestinal disturbances like abdominal pain or nausea. The complete list of possible side effects is detailed in the official product information.

Q: How exactly does Mafel work in the body?

Mafel contains Progesterone, which is a progestin that acts as an agonist (activator) of the body's natural progesterone receptors. This action is critical for mediating endometrial transformation, meaning it helps support the necessary changes in the uterine lining. This mechanism is essential for maintaining hormonal balance.

Q: For what conditions is Mafel studied and used for?

According to official regulatory documents, Mafel is approved for use in adult women for specific hormonal applications, such as helping to prevent endometrial hyperplasia (thickening of the uterine lining) in postmenopausal women who are receiving estrogen therapy, and for treating secondary amenorrhea (absence of menstruation).

Q: Can I split the Mafel capsule to make it easier to swallow?

Mafel is formulated as an oral micronized soft-gelatin capsule. The official label does not provide instructions for cutting, splitting, or crushing this capsule. Such modification may change how the medicine is absorbed by the body.

Q: What should I do if my pregnancy test is positive while on Mafel?

Official information states that Mafel is contraindicated and not recommended for use during pregnancy. If pregnancy is confirmed while on Mafel, the regulatory label instructs that the medicine be immediately discontinued and that a healthcare professional be contacted for guidance.

Q: How do I get rid of or dispose of expired Mafel?

Regulatory instructions state that Mafel must be disposed of in a way that protects the environment and prevents misuse. This involves using a drug take-back program if one is available in your area. If a take-back program is not accessible, official guidance provides specific steps for disposal in household trash, which typically involves mixing it with an undesirable substance and placing it in a sealed container.

Q: Does Mafel cause weight gain?

Weight gain is not listed as a common or frequent adverse reaction in the official regulatory documents for Mafel. The documented side effect profiles are based solely on the frequency of events observed during clinical studies.

How should Mafel be stored and disposed of?

Storage and Handling Requirements

Mafel must be stored in accordance with official labeling to maintain its quality and stability. The medicine requires storage at Controlled Room Temperature, which is generally 20 C to 25 C (68 F to 77 F). The product must be protected from environmental factors, including light. Regulatory documents mandate storage in the original container and explicitly state: Do not freeze Mafel capsules.

Disposal and Safety

For safety, the product must be stored out of the sight and reach of children. Unused or expired Mafel should be disposed of according to local pharmaceutical waste programs. Official instructions specify that the medicine must not be thrown away via wastewater or common household waste, aligning with environmental protection guidelines for pharmaceutical products.

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

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