About Norethisterone 5 mg Tablet
Norethisterone 5 mg Tablet contains Norethisterone 5 mg. Norethisterone is a man-made form of progesterone, a female hormone. It is used to treat heavy, painful or irregular periods, endometriosis, and to delay a period for a short time. At the doses used for these conditions it is not a reliable contraceptive. Your doctor will tell you when to start and stop it.
Uses of Norethisterone 5 mg Tablet
- Heavy or irregular periods (abnormal uterine bleeding)
- Painful periods
- Endometriosis
- Postponing a period for a short time
- Premenstrual symptoms, as advised by the doctor
Benefits
In period problems
It helps control heavy or irregular bleeding and can ease period pain. It can also delay a period for a short time when needed.
In endometriosis
It can reduce pain and the growth of tissue outside the womb.
Side effects
Most side effects are mild. Talk to your doctor if any of them bother you or do not go away.
Common
- Nausea
- Headache
- Breast tenderness
- Spotting or irregular bleeding
- Bloating
- Mood changes
Get medical help if you notice
- Pain, swelling or redness in one leg; sudden chest pain or breathlessness — may be a blood clot; seek emergency care
- Sudden severe headache, problems with speech or eyesight, or weakness on one side — seek emergency care
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes, or severe itching — contact your doctor
- Allergic reaction: rash, swelling of the face or throat — seek emergency care
How to use
Take it exactly as your doctor prescribed, at the same times each day, with or without food. Swallow the tablet with water. Follow your doctor's instructions on which days to start and stop.
How it works
Norethisterone acts like the natural hormone progesterone. It keeps the lining of the womb stable, so it does not shed, which controls bleeding and can delay a period. After stopping, a period usually starts within a few days.
Safety advice
Alcohol Caution
No direct interaction is known. Keep alcohol within safe limits.
Pregnancy Unsafe
It must not be used during pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are or may be pregnant.
Breastfeeding Consult your doctor
It passes into breast milk. Ask your doctor before using it.
Driving Caution
It can occasionally cause dizziness. Do not drive if you feel affected.
Kidney Consult your doctor
Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease.
Liver Unsafe
It must not be used in severe liver disease or if you have had jaundice or severe itching in pregnancy. Tell your doctor about any liver problem.
If you miss a dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Do not take two doses together. Missing doses may cause bleeding.
Quick tips
- It does not work as a contraceptive at these doses — use a barrier method if needed.
- Tell your doctor if you have ever had a blood clot, stroke, heart attack or migraine.
- Stay active and avoid long periods without moving, such as long flights.
- A period usually starts 2–3 days after you stop the tablets.
Substitutes
Same salts in the same strength from other makers. Only switch brands on your doctor's or pharmacist's advice; our pharmacist checks every order against the prescription.
Fact box
- Chemical class
- Synthetic progestogen (19-nortestosterone derivative)
- Therapeutic class
- Women's health / hormone
- Action class
- Progestogen
- Habit forming
- No
- Prescription
- Required
Interactions with other medicines
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin and herbal product you take.
| Medicine | What can happen |
|---|---|
| Rifampicin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital and St John's wort | May make norethisterone less effective |
| Ciclosporin | Its level may rise |
| Diabetes medicines | Blood sugar control may change; check your sugar |
This page is general information to help you understand your medicine. It is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop or change a medicine on your own.
Written by the Asthra Health Care team from the approved prescribing information (Norethisterone prescribing information (CDSCO-approved labelling); NICE BNF: norethisterone). Pharmacist review pending.