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A prescription-only hormonal medicine used to postpone an expected period. Start three days before the period is due and take exactly as directed by the prescriber.
Norethisterone is a progestogen medicine with effects similar to the natural hormone progesterone. It has several medical uses. This service offers the 5mg strength only for temporary postponement of an expected period.
For period delay, norethisterone helps maintain the lining of the womb while the tablets are taken. Bleeding is usually postponed until after the course has finished.
Take the tablet when remembered and continue at the normal times, unless the prescriber or leaflet says otherwise. Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed dose. Missing doses may make breakthrough bleeding more likely.
A period usually starts within around three days of stopping norethisterone, but this varies. If a period does not occur, pregnancy should be excluded and medical advice may be needed before any further course.
Norethisterone does not reliably stop a period that has already begun. Do not present the product as an emergency way to stop active bleeding.
Many people can postpone a period when the medicine is started and taken correctly, but results are not guaranteed. Spotting, breakthrough bleeding or cycle changes can occur.
Keep the medicine out of the sight and reach of children, store it in the original packaging below the temperature stated in the current leaflet, and return unwanted medicines to a pharmacy rather than putting them in household waste or wastewater.
| Strength | 5mg |
|---|---|
| Quantity | 30 tablets, 60 tablets |
| Intended delay | Up to 7 days, Up to 17 days |
| Course | How quantity is calculated | Public wording |
| 30 tablets | 3 tablets daily for 10 days: 3 days before expected onset plus up to 7 days of postponement | “30 tablets – intended to delay your expected period by up to 7 days.” |
| 60 tablets | 3 tablets daily for 20 days: 3 days before expected onset plus up to 17 days of postponement | “60 tablets – intended to delay your expected period by up to 17 days.” |
Examples include some medicines for epilepsy, tuberculosis and other infections, HIV, cancer, high blood pressure and immune suppression, plus St John’s wort. This list is not exhaustive. The prescriber and pharmacist must check the complete medicine list against an approved current interaction source.
Norethisterone is contraindicated in pregnancy and is not a contraceptive. Patients who are breastfeeding or could become pregnant require individual advice and should use appropriate contraception where needed.
Possible effects include spotting or bleeding changes, headache, dizziness, tiredness, nausea, breast tenderness, bloating, swelling, mood changes, acne, itching or rash. The Patient Information Leaflet contains the complete current list.
Stop the medicine and seek urgent help for symptoms of a blood clot, stroke, severe allergic reaction, sudden visual change, severe new headache, jaundice or another serious reaction. Emergency wording must be visually prominent and must not be hidden behind a collapsed accordion on mobile.
Norethisterone 5mg.
The standard period-delay regimen is one tablet three times daily, but the dispensing label and prescriber instructions must always be followed.
Yes, as a preference. The prescriber may approve a different course or decline treatment.
No repeat or frequent use should be assumed. Each request requires clinical assessment and the service is not intended for unsupervised long-term menstrual suppression.
Spotting or breakthrough bleeding can occur.
The medicine is not a contraceptive. A temporary cycle change may occur, and pregnancy is possible unless effective contraception is used.
There is no generic promise that alcohol is risk-free. Moderate intake does not replace medicine-specific advice, and the patient should follow the leaflet and prescriber guidance.
All medicines should be disclosed. Some anti-inflammatory medicines may need consideration because of fluid retention or other clinical factors.
Contact a healthcare professional promptly, especially for severe mood changes or suicidal thoughts.
Contact a doctor, pharmacist or urgent medical service for advice. Do not wait for symptoms.
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