Norethisterone 5mg Tablets

Description

What this medicine is for

Norethisterone 5mg Tablets are a prescription-only medication used to delay menstruation and manage certain menstrual disorders.

It may be used for short-term period delay (for example, travel, holidays, weddings, or religious events), as well as for conditions such as heavy, painful, or irregular periods, endometriosis, or menorrhagia under medical supervision.

How it works

Norethisterone is a synthetic form of progesterone.

It works by maintaining hormone levels that keep the lining of the womb (endometrium) intact, preventing it from shedding and therefore delaying the onset of menstruation. When the tablets are stopped, hormone levels fall and a period usually begins within 2–3 days.

Key Benefits

• Helps safely delay menstruation for up to 17 days
• Commonly used for holidays, weddings, travel, or special events
• Can support management of heavy, painful, or irregular periods (under medical supervision)
• Simple oral tablet taken daily as prescribed
• Provides predictable and short-term cycle control

Directions for Use

• Take one 5mg tablet three times daily, starting 3 days before your expected period
• Continue for up to 17 days or as prescribed by your healthcare provider
• Your period typically begins 2–3 days after stopping treatment
• Always follow the instructions provided by your prescriber

Common side effects

• Nausea
• Breast tenderness
• Mood changes
• Headache
• Spotting or breakthrough bleeding

Patient Information

Please refer to the official patient leaflet for full safety information and guidance on use.

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.1494.pdf

Warnings

Not suitable as a contraceptive — additional contraception should be used if pregnancy prevention is required.

Do not use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding unless advised by a healthcare professional.

Avoid use if you have a history of blood clots, liver disease, or hormone-sensitive cancers such as breast cancer.

Use with caution if taking enzyme-inducing medicines (e.g. some epilepsy treatments), as interactions may occur.

Seek urgent medical attention if symptoms of a blood clot occur (e.g. chest pain, leg pain, or shortness of breath).

Important information

Tell your healthcare provider if you:

• Are taking any other medicines
• Have a history of blood clots or cardiovascular conditions
• Have liver disease or hormone-related cancers
• Are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding
• Experience unusual or persistent side effects

Please note: The product you receive may differ from the images shown above in terms of packaging.

Written and Reviewed by Medical Professionals
All of our content is created by qualified experts and carefully reviewed by medical professionals.