Norethisterone

Norethisterone is indicated for the treatment of:

• Heavy or irregular menstrual bleeding.
• Endometriosis; secondary amenorrhoea.
• Delaying a period (short-term); endometrial protection in HRT.

Acts like progesterone on the womb lining.

Dosage and administration of Norethisterone:

• Heavy bleeding: 5 mg three times daily for 10 days.
• Endometriosis: 10-15 mg daily.
• Delaying a period: 5 mg three times daily starting 3 days before the expected period.

Norethisterone may interact with:

Enzyme inducers (rifampicin, carbamazepine, St John's wort) reduce effect.

Norethisterone should not be used in:

• Pregnancy.
• Blood clots, severe liver disease, breast cancer, undiagnosed vaginal bleeding.

Possible side effects of Norethisterone:

• Nausea, breast tenderness, weight gain, headache, irregular bleeding.
• Blood clots (rare).

Pregnancy category: X

Use of Norethisterone in pregnancy and breastfeeding:

Must not be used in pregnancy.

Precautions while using Norethisterone:

Rule out pregnancy and other causes of bleeding first.