Norethisterone Treatment

What is Norethisterone?

Norethisterone is a generic version of the well-known Utovlan brand and is a synthetic progesterone hormone which is used to delay an expected period among other things.

Menstrual bleeding and associated pain and stress sometimes become inconvenient for exams, vacation, athletic events, or honeymoons. Norethisterone offers safe and reliable period delay for these events, is available in tablet form 5mg and can be taken for a period delay for up to 17 days.

Taking Norethisterone increases the progesterone level in the body which prevents the uterine lining wall from shedding. Hence, Norethisterone can delay a period safely and enables you to continue implementing your plans without interruption and distraction.

What is the Menstrual Cycle?

Every month, the menstrual cycle prepares a woman’s body for pregnancy and menstrual bleeding occurs when she is not pregnant. The menstrual cycle is a complex process that consists of hormone interactions, of which the two main regulatory hormones are estrogen and progesterone.

When the progesterone hormone level decreases, shedding of the uterus lining through the vagina occurs and menstrual bleeding (Period) begins. If progesterone levels are kept high, a period can be delayed.

How Can Norethisterone Help?

Norethisterone is a very common drug that enables period delay for up to 17 days, temporarily preventing the uterine wall lining from shedding.

Norethisterone is not a contraceptive method and should be taken with a form of contraception if pregnancy is to be avoided. Norethisterone can also be used to alleviate premenstrual syndrome-related symptoms like abdominal pain and used to decrease heavy menstrual bleeding.

Norethisterone is available in 5mg tablet form and can be taken 3 times per day. A course of Norethisterone should be started 3 days before a period is expected and can be continued for up to 17 days, after which a period will start 2-3 days after stopping the treatment.

Directions for use

Norethisterone course intake should be as prescribed to avoid the risk factors, gain the full benefit of the drug and delay your period safely at the required time. To know the correct manner of use and the full instructions and full information of the drug, read the supplied patient information leaflet.

When you need to postpone your period, start taking Norethisterone 3 days before the expected period, 3 times a day.

• Take Norethisterone according to your issued prescription.
• For successful period delay, take Norethisterone pills 3 times a day before starting your period by 3 days.
• Do not exceed the maximum duration of intake; you can use Norethisterone drugs for a total of 17 days.
• Do not increase the prescribed dose.
• If there is a missed dose, stick to the next dose regularly without increasing the dose. There is no more benefit with more doses, don’t exceed the 3 tablets of the day.
• Store Norethisterone in a closed container away from the children reach, and in temperature below 25°C
• Don’t forget to follow the instructions fully in the patient information leaflet before use.

• Can Utovlan stop you getting pregnant?

  In one word; no! Norethisterone (the active ingredient of Utovlan), is not a contraceptive.

  If you want contraception, then there are other methods of birth control you can try, and Utovlan is not one of them.

• Who should not take Utovlan?

  If you are any of the following, then you are advised not to use Utovlan:

  • Have had severe itching or irritation
  • Have had blood clots in the past
  • Allergic to the hormone or the drug
  • Pregnant
  • Breast-feeding
  • Have suffered unexplained vaginal bleeding
  • Have liver or heart diseases
  • Have suffered jaundice during past pregnancies

• What medications should we avoid while administration of norethistrone?

  • Rifampin
  • Herbal preparations containing St John's Wort
  • Carbamazepine
  • A statin for high cholesterol
  • Medicines for high blood pressure
  • Tetracycline, rifampicin, co-trimoxazole
  • Phenytoin
  • Anticancer medicines
  • Warfarin
  • Griseofulvin
  • Antiviral medicines to treat             
  • Cyclosporine (for suppressing the immune system)
  • Sex hormones

  Taking any of these drugs is not considered as an absolute contraindications to using Utovlan. You will just need to consult the pharmacist or your doctor about taking Norethistrone, if you already use any of the above mentioned drugs or about to start on any.

• Can Vitamin B6 supplements delay period?

  Neither B6 nor other supplements are effective for delaying menstrual bleeding or for contraception.

• Can I delay my period using exercise?

  There is evidence that sever, intense exercising can disrupt the menstrual cycle. However, it is not known how intense or for how long.

  Although exercise can delay your period theoretically, it is not a reliable method.

Side effects

There are side effects which may occur with Norethisterone use, as with other medications. Seek medical advice if you notice the following signs:

• Allergy
• Jaundice
• High blood pressure
• Migraine

Possible Side Effects

• Breakthrough bleeding and spotting
• Breast tenderness (pain)
• Feeling sick
• Blood clots
• Depression
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Insomnia
• Decrease concentration
• Liver function problems
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding
• Vaginal discharge changes and cervical erosions
• Intolerance to contact lenses
• High cholesterol
• Insulin and glucose control alteration
• Diabetes mellitus worsening
• Acne
• Hair growth
• Hair loss
• Hypersensitivity and rash
• Retention of fluid
• Bloating
• weight fluctuation
• Fever

Serious side effects

• Skin rash and itching
• Swelling of the face, tongue, hands, or feet
• Feeling faint
• Difficulty breathing

Norethisterone and blood clotting

Norethisterone may increase the risk of thrombosis (blood clot) to occur; you should inform your doctor if you have a history of blood clotting. Also, stop the medication if you feel one of the following symptoms (the symptoms and signs of blood clots):

• Sudden sharp chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Coughing blood
• Fast heartbeat
• Fainting
• Difficulty speaking
• Limbs weakness or feeling numb
• Swelling or pain of leg
• Persistent headache
• Purple discoloration of the skin
• Visual disturbance

Taking Norethisterone with other medications

Tell your doctor if you use one of the following drugs;

•  Other hormonal drugs
• Epilepsy treatment
• Drugs for bacterial or viral infections
• Aminoglutethimide
• Cyclosporine
• Anti-inflammatory drugs

Conditions to look out for

Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions;

• Lack of a period a week after you stop taking it
• Epilepsy
• Asthma
• Diabetes
• Heart or kidney problems
• Lactose intolerance as Norethisterone tablets contains lactose.

Read the patient information leaflet before use for the comprehensive list of the side effects.