Norethisterone: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

What Drug Norethisterone?

What is Norethisterone for?

Norethisterone is a drug commonly used to prevent pregnancy. More commonly referred to as "mini-pills" because they do not contain estrogen. Norethindrone (a form of progestin) is a hormone that prevents pregnancy by making vaginal fluid thicker to help prevent sperm from reaching the egg (fertilization) and changing the lining of the uterus (womb) to prevent fertilization of the egg. This drug also stops the release of an egg (ovulation) in nearly half of a woman's menstrual cycle.

Although the "mini-pill" is more effective than other methods of birth control (such as condoms, cervical cap, diaphragm), it is less effective when compared to combined hormonal (estrogen and progestin) birth control because of its inconsistency in preventing ovulation. It is usually used by women who cannot take estrogen. To reduce the risk of pregnancy, it is very important to take this medication as prescribed. Use of this medicine does not protect you and your partner from sexually transmitted diseases (such as HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia).

How is Norethisterone used?

Follow the rules given by your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication as directed by your doctor, usually once a day. Choose a time that you can remember, and take the pill at the same time each day. Taking medication after dinner or at bedtime can help if you have stomach upset or nausea with this medicine. You may choose to take this medication at another time that is easier for you to remember. No matter what dosing schedule you use, it is important to take this medication at the same time each day, 24 hours apart.

It would be better if you start using the drug on the first day of your period. If you start on another day, use a non-hormonal form of birth control (such as a condom, spermicide) in addition for the first 48 hours to prevent pregnancy until the medication has actually worked. Continue to use the drug by taking one tablet every day. After taking the last tablet in the pack, continue with the new pack the next day. There is no lag between packs, and you are not taking any “reminder” tablets (non-medicated tablets). Your periods may be irregular, or be heavier / less than usual. You may also experience vaginal bleeding during menstruation. Don't stop taking the pills if this happens. Pregnancy tends to occur when you forget to take a pill, start with a new pack late, or take it 3 hours more than scheduled, or experience diarrhea or vomiting after taking a pill, use the birth control method back up (such as condoms, spermicide) every time you have sex in the next 48 hours. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about switching from other forms of hormonal birth control (such as patches, or other birth control pills) to this product. If any information is not clear, consult the patient information brochure or your doctor or pharmacist.

How is Norethisterone stored?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Norethisterone dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dose of Norethisterone for adults?

Standard adult dosage for abnormal uterine bleeding

2.5 to 10 mg orally per day for 5 to 10 days in the second half of the theoretical menstrual cycle.

Standard adult dosage for amenorrhea

2.5 to 10 mg orally per day for 5 to 10 days in the second half of the theoretical menstrual cycle.

Standard adult dosage for contraception

0.35 mg taken daily at the same time.

Standard adult dosage for Endometriosis

5 mg taken by mouth per day for two weeks. The dose should be increased by 2.5 mg per day every two weeks to 15 mg per day. This dosage can be continued for six to nine months or until bleeding occurs requiring temporary stop.

What is the dosage of Norethisterone for children?

There is no prescribed dosage for this drug for children. This medicine can be dangerous for children. It is important to understand the safety of drugs before use. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

In what dosage is Norethisterone available?

Norethisterone available in the following doses.

Tablet, Oral: 0.35 mg.

Norethisterone side effects

What side effects can be experienced due to Norethisterone?

Seek medical help immediately if you experience an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using the drug and contact your doctor if you experience symptoms of serious side effects:

• Sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body;
• Sudden headache, confusion, eye pain, problems with vision, speech, or balance;
• Pain or swelling in one or both legs
• Migraine;
• Swelling of the hands or feet, rapid weight gain;
• Depressive symptoms (difficulty sleeping, weakness, mood changes);
• Pelvic pain is severe
• Chest pain or tightness, pain radiating to the arm or shoulder, onset, sweating, feeling overall pain; or
• Nausea, stomach pain, fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Less serious side effects include:

• Mild nausea, vomiting, bloating, stomach cramps;
• Breast pain, swelling;
• Dizzy;
• Freckles or facial skin becoming darker;
• Increased acne or hair growth
• Vaginal itching or discharge;
• The skin feels itchy or has a rash;
• Changes in the menstrual cycle, decreased sex drive; or
• Mild headaches

Not everyone experiences the following side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Norethisterone Drug Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using Norethisterone?

Before using Norethisterone,

• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to norethisterone, oral contraceptives (birth control pills), or any other medications.
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription drugs, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are using. Make sure you mention medications for seizures such as carbamazepine (Tegretol), phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton), and phenytoin (Dilantin); and rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane). Your doctor may need to change the dose of your medication or monitor your condition for various side effects.
• Tell your doctor if you have recently had surgery or have been unable to move for some reason and if you have had or have had breast cancer; bleeding in the vagina without cause; miscarriage (a pregnancy that ends when the unborn baby dies in the womb but has not yet been expelled from the body); blood clots in the legs, lungs, brain, or eyes; stroke or light stroke; coronary artery disease (blockage of blood vessels leading to the heart); chest pain; heart attack; thrombophilia (a condition in which blood clots easily); convulsions; migraine; depression; asthma; high cholesterol; diabetes; or heart, kidney, or liver disease.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you find yourself pregnant while taking norethisterone, call your doctor right away. Norethisteron is never used for a pregnancy test.
• If you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking norethisterone.
• Tell your doctor if you smoke. Smoking can increase the risk of serious side effects.

Is Norethisterone safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There are no adequate studies regarding the risks of using this drug in pregnant or nursing women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication. This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category X according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

A = No risk,

B = not at risk in several studies,

C = May be risky,

D = There is positive evidence of risk,

X = Contraindicated,

N = Unknown

Norethisterone Drug Interactions

What medicines may interact with Norethisterone?

Drug interactions can change the performance of your medications or increase the risk of serious side effects. Not all possible drug interactions are listed in this document. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription / non-prescription drugs and herbal products) and consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without your doctor's approval.

• Aprepitant, carbamazepine, felbamate, griseofulvin, HIV protease inhibitors (for example, ritonavir), hydantoins (eg, phenytoin), modafinil, nevirapine, rifampin, St. John's wort, or tetracyclines because they can decrease the effectiveness of norethisterone.
• Corticosteroids (for example, prednisone), theophylline, or troleandomycin because norethisterone can increase the risk of side effects
• Beta-adrenergic blockers (for example, propranolol), lamotrigine, or thyroid drugs because norethisterone can decrease the effectiveness of these drugs.

Can food or alcohol interact with norethisterone?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions may interact with Norethisterone?

The presence of other health problems in your body may affect the use of this drug. Tell your doctor if you have other health problems, in particular:

• Seizures (for example, epilepsy)
• Migraine
• Heart problems
• Kidney problems
• Have a history of depression
• Have a history of high blood pressure
• Diabetes
• High cholesterol
• Lupus, or blood clots.

Norethisterone overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (112) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.