Norethisterone

About norethisterone

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.

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