Norcolut

Indications

Norethisterone is a hormone tablet used for heavy, irregular or painful periods, abnormal bleeding from the womb, endometriosis (womb-type tissue growing outside the womb) and to delay a period for a short time. It is also an ingredient of some combined hormone products, such as contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy.

How It Works

Norethisterone is a man-made form of progesterone, a natural female hormone. It keeps the lining of the womb stable so it does not shed, which controls bleeding and delays a period. At higher doses it also stops the ovaries from releasing an egg.

Dosage and Administration

• Heavy or irregular bleeding: commonly 5 mg two or three times a day for about 10 days, or as prescribed.
• Delaying a period: commonly 5 mg three times a day, starting 3 days before the expected period. The period usually starts 2 to 3 days after the last tablet. Do not use this way for more than about 2 weeks without advice.
• Endometriosis and other conditions: as prescribed.

Swallow the tablet with water at evenly spaced times each day. Your doctor will decide how long to continue.

Interactions

Medicines that speed up liver enzymes, such as Carbamazepine, Phenytoin, Phenobarbital, Rifampicin and the herbal remedy St John's wort, can make Norethisterone less effective. It may raise blood levels of Ciclosporin and can change blood sugar control in people with diabetes. Tell your doctor about all medicines you take.

Contraindications

• Pregnancy or possible pregnancy.
• Current or past blood clots in the legs or lungs, stroke or heart attack.
• Vaginal bleeding that has not been checked by a doctor.
• Breast cancer or another hormone-sensitive cancer.
• Severe liver disease or liver tumour, and porphyria.
• Allergy to Norethisterone or any ingredient of the product.

Side Effects

Common: nausea, breast tenderness, headache, bloating, spotting between periods, mood changes, acne and changes in weight.

Get urgent medical help if you notice pain or swelling in one leg, sudden chest pain or breathlessness, coughing up blood, a sudden severe headache, weakness or numbness on one side of the body, sudden loss of vision, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or swelling of the face, lips or throat.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Do not take Norethisterone if you are pregnant. The doses used to delay or control periods do not work as a contraceptive, so use a barrier method such as condoms. Small amounts pass into breast milk; if you are breastfeeding, ask your doctor before using it.

Precautions and Warnings

The risk of blood clots is higher with smoking, obesity, long periods of not moving and after surgery. Use with care and medical advice if you have migraine, epilepsy, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart or kidney disease, depression or liver problems. Stop and see a doctor if you develop yellow skin, a first migraine-type headache or a sudden rise in blood pressure.

Overdose

Serious harm is unlikely. Nausea, vomiting and vaginal bleeding may occur. Seek medical advice, especially if a child has swallowed tablets.

Therapeutic Class

Progestogen (female sex hormone).

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.