Norethisterone Tablet Uses – Dosage, Precautions And Side Effects
Norethisterone Tablet Uses – Are you looking for ways to delay your period because you have a trip planned for this Sunday? Good news! You can temporarily stop your period with a missed period pill. Norethisterone pills are your best bet when your period comes at the wrong time!
What is norethisterone and its mode of action, as well as dosage and possible side effects? Everything has been discussed in this topic.
Norethisterone is a synthetic version of progesterone that is often used to delay menstruation, as well as to treat heavy periods, irregular periods, and premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
Do You know? Norethisterone was discovered in 1951 and it was one of the first progestins developed. It was first introduced for medical use in 1957 and in 1963, along with estrogen, for use as a contraceptive.
Norethisterone Tablet Price In Pakistan
Several companies in Pakistan manufacture Norethisterone (5 mg) tablets. The cost is usually between 30 and 40 PKR per tablet.
Can Norethisterone Tablet Stop Your Period?
During this month, a woman’s progesterone levels fluctuate. They fall off at the end of their cycle. When progesterone levels drop, the endometrium breaks down and is released from the body. This causes a period.
Norethisterone works by keeping progesterone levels high. This prevents the destruction of the endometrium and thus stops menstruation. You can delay your period up to 17 days with Norethisterone.
To stop menstruation, take norethisterone 3 days before the due date. The dose is 1 tablet 3 times a day, taken during periods without menstruation for up to 20 days. (You take the pills for 20 days, but since you start 3 days before your period, the maximum number of days you can delay your period is 17.)
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Dosage
Take 1 tablet 3 times a day 3 days before your expected period.
Norethisterone tablet should not be taken for more than 20 days. After you stop taking norethisterone, your period will start within 2 to 3 days, after which your cycle will continue normally.
If you miss your period, you should take a pregnancy test and contact your doctor right away.
What is the mechanism of action of norethisterone?
Norethisterone tablet acts at the pelvic level and alters the function of the cervix and the endometrium. It then works by inhibiting pituitary hormones that play a role in follicular maturation and ovulation.
Note: Severe endometrial pain can be reduced by taking norethisterone, as it has the ability to inhibit ovulation.
According to the study, “at the molecular level, progestins such as norethisterone bind to progesterone receptors and induce subsequent changes in target genes, acting on target cells.
Target cells include the reproductive tract, breast, pituitary gland, hypothalamus, skeletal tissue, and central nervous system.
The contraceptive effect is mainly due to changes in the cervical mucus, where norethisterone increases the cellular content and viscosity of the mucus, thus preventing sperm migration.
What should you know before taking norethisterone?
You should not take Norethisterone 5 mg tablets if:
- If you are pregnant or think you might be.
- If you are breastfeeding.
- You have abnormal vaginal bleeding that your doctor has not checked.
- You have a history of genital or breast cancer (unless you have been prescribed norethisterone to treat breast cancer).
- You have recently had angina pectoris, heart attack or stroke due to a blood clot.
- Blood clots in the legs or lungs (thromboembolism, such as deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism).
- If you have liver problems or have a history of liver cancer.
- If you develop jaundice, severe itching or a blistering rash called pemphigoid of pregnancy or a rare metabolic disorder called porphyria.
Warnings And Precautions
Check with your doctor or pharmacist before using norethisterone if you have any of the following conditions:
- Asthma
- Heart problem
- Epilepsy
- Kidney problems
- Serious injury or major surgery
- You have a history of recurrent miscarriages.
- Migraine
- If you have just had or are about to have surgery while taking norethisterone tablets
- Risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE)
- Systemic lupus erythematosus.
- If you are overweight
Discussing this with your doctor will help you decide if norethisterone is right for you.
Possible side effects and how to treat them?
Side Effects
- Nausea (nausea)
- Headache
- Mood swings
How To Treat
- It is quite common when you start taking norethisterone and usually goes away with time.
- Tell your doctor if you regularly experience these symptoms.
Side Effects
- Weight change
- Sleep problems
- Bloating
- Swelling in the feet and ankles (fluid retention)
- Pain in the mammary gland
- Changes in sexual behavior
How To Treat
- Contact your doctor immediately if this worries you.
Side Effects
- Signs of a possible blood clot, such as chest pain or tightness, cough, shortness of breath, severe headache, vision problems, leg pain, or loss of consciousness
How To Treat
- Tell your doctor right away
Norethisterone Tablet Medicine Interactions
Norethisterone Tablet Uses – Some drugs can make norethisterone less effective. This includes:
- Certain antiepileptic drugs such as carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, perampanel, phenobarbital, primidone, phenytoin, or topiramate.
- Some HIV medications, such as efavirenz, nevirapine, or ritonavir.
- Griseofulvin antifungal.
- Modafinil.
- The antibiotic rifabutin or rifampicin for tuberculosis.
Caution: Anyone taking more than one drug is at risk of interacting with other drugs.
What is the best way to take norethisterone Tablet?
Norethisterone Tablet Uses – Depending on the reason for use, you can take norethisterone on certain days of your menstrual cycle or continuously. Always consult a doctor before use. Tablets can be taken with or without food.
If you continue to have heavy bleeding, your doctor may recommend that you take one 5 mg tablet three times a day for ten days to stop the bleeding.
Your bleeding should stop within the first three days, but continue taking the tablets for the full ten days. If the bleeding does not stop, see your doctor.
Treatment of unpleasant periods with norethisterone tablet
Take one 5 mg tablet three times a day from day 5 to day 25 of your menstrual cycle. (The first day of your period is the first day of your cycle.) Your doctor will usually give you one dose every three to four months.
Treatment of endometriosis with norethisterone tablet
Starting on the fifth day of your cycle, you will be given two 5mg tablets twice a day for four to six months. Your bleeding should stop during treatment; however, if bleeding occurs, the doctor may increase the dose.
Are norethisterone tablets expired?
The deadline is the last day of the month. Do not use this medicine if you see signs of deterioration such as discoloration (it should be white). Store above 25°C. Tablets must be kept in their original packaging to protect from light.
Caution: Do not store above 25°C. Store in the original packaging.
What happens if you forget to take your dose of norethisterone tablet?
If you miss a dose of norethisterone, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule when the next dose is needed. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can norethisterone cause weight gain?
Since norethisterone is a hormonal drug, weight gain is one of the possible side effects of this drug.
Will your cycle return to normal after taking norethisterone?
Yes, norethisterone changes your menstrual cycle. If you take norethisterone, you will miss your period. If you stop taking the pill, after a few days, bleeding will occur and the cycle will start again. The date of resumption of menstruation is the date of the new menstrual cycle.
Is norethisterone safe during pregnancy?
You should not take norethisterone tablets if you are pregnant, as hormonal drugs can affect your baby’s development. This medicine is used to prevent pregnancy, so using it during pregnancy can harm the unborn baby.