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Norethisterone

  • Preparations mentioned in this leaflet are not suitable for contraceptive use. If you need contraception you should discuss this with your doctor.
  • Minimise the risk of venous thromboembolism by avoiding long periods of inactivity.
  • Contact your doctor as a matter of urgency if you develop a painful swelling in the leg, sudden pain in the chest, or difficulty breathing.
  • Stop taking Norethisterone if you develop a migraine for the first time, or very bad headaches more frequently than usual.
  • Stop taking Norethisterone if you notice sudden changes to your eyesight, hearing, speech, sense of smell, taste or touch.

About norethisterone

Type of medicine Man-made form of progesterone
Used for Problems with your periods
Breast cancer
Also called Primolut N®
Utovlan®
Available as Tablets

Norethisterone is a man-made form of progesterone, a naturally occurring female sex hormone in the body. At low doses, it prevents release of an egg from the ovaries and increases the thickness of natural mucus in the womb. At high doses, it may inhibit the pituitary gland in some way.

Before taking norethisterone

Before taking norethisterone make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
  • If you have a history of, or current, venous thromboembolism (blood clot forms in a vein, usually in the leg, part of the clot breaks away and travels along the vein, sometimes ending up in the lung).
  • If you have recently suffered chest pain or a heart attack.
  • If you suffer from liver or kidney problems.
  • If you have had jaundice (yellowing of the whites of the eyes, or skin) during a previous pregnancy.
  • If you suffer from severe itching or suffered from a skin condition called pemphigoid gestationis during a previous pregnancy.
  • If you have any unexplained vaginal bleeding.
  • If you suffer from porphyria (a group of genetic blood disorders caused by problems with how your body makes a substance called heme).
  • If you suffer from epilepsy, migraines or asthma.
  • If you are having major surgery in the near future.
  • If you suffer from diabetes mellitus.

How to take norethisterone

  • Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
  • Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
  • Try to take norethisterone at the same time each day to avoid missing any doses.
  • If you forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up. If in doubt, speak to your pharmacist or doctor.
  • The dose of norethisterone will vary depending on what you are being treated for.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • If you are having any treatment such as an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Keep you regular doctor's appointments so your progress can be monitored.
  • Do not stop taking this medicine without speaking to your doctor first.
  • If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Preparations mentioned in this leaflet are not suitable for contraceptive use. If you need contraception you should discuss this with your doctor.
  • Minimise the risk of venous thromboembolism by avoiding long periods of inactivity.
  • Once you have finished taking a course of norethisterone, you will usually have a period a couple of days after taking your last tablet. If you do not have a period, you must make sure that you are not pregnant before taking any more tablets.

Can norethisterone cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine What can I do if I experience this
Breakthrough bleeding, spotting A sanitary towel may be used if this is problematic
Breast tenderness Wear a well-supporting bra. If the pain is severe speak to your doctor for further advice.
Headache Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable painkiller
Dizziness, tiredness Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert
Weight gain Maintain a well-balanced diet and exercise regularly
Feeling sick Eat little and often
Stick to simple foods such as dry toast

Important: Contact your doctor as a matter of urgency if you develop a painful swelling in the leg, sudden pain in the chest, or difficulty breathing.
Important: Stop taking norethisterone if you develop a migraine for the first time, or very bad headaches more frequently than usual.
Important: Stop taking norethisterone if you notice sudden changes to your eyesight, hearing, speech, sense of smell, taste or touch

How to store norethisterone

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2008 DocID:
3624
DocRef:
dils3232
Last Updated:
19 May 2008
Date of Next Review:
19 May 2010
Version:
22
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See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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