Norethisterone is used to treat endometriosis (abnormal growth of tissues outside the womb) and menstrual disorders such as absence of menstruation or excessive bleeding during menstruation.
This medicine may also be used as a birth control pill to prevent pregnancy.
Norethisterone may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
Take Norethisterone exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Norethisterone must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking it even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by your doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- blood clot disorder
- angina (chest pain)
- recent heart attack
- recent stroke
- liver disease
- known, suspected or history of cancer of the breast
- unexplained or unusual vaginal bleeding
- missed abortion (fetus dies but the body does not recognize pregnancy loss)
as this medicine may not be suitable for you.
Do not take Norethisterone if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby soon. If you become pregnant while being treated with this medicine, alert your doctor immediately. Norethisterone may cause harm to your unborn child. You must use proven birth control methods while taking this medicine.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- heart disease or risk factors for heart disease e.g. high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes
- epilepsy (fits or seizures)
- asthma
- migraine
- kidney disease
- depression
- systemic lupus erythematosus (autoimmune disease that causes inflammation)
Let your doctor know if you are breastfeeding.
If you are going for any laboratory tests, inform your doctor that you are taking Norethisterone as it can interfere with certain tests.
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly. Your doctor may need to do routine physical examination and blood tests while you are being treated with this medicine.
Norethisterone may cause any of the following side effects: vaginal bleeding or spotting, absence of menstruation, headache, nausea, changes in weight, breast tenderness, rash, swelling of legs, hands or feet.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- difficulty breathing or chest discomfort
- severe headache or migraine
- visual disturbances
- abnormal vaginal bleeding
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines for epilepsy e.g. phenytoin, carbamazepine, oxycarbazepine, phenobarbital, primidone
- medicines for TB e.g. rifampicin
- medicines for fungal infections e.g. griseofulvin
- St John's wort (herbal medicine)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Norethisterone.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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