Norethisterone is a drug containing the hormone progesterone artificially to treat endometriosis, menstrual cycle disturbances, or abnormal uterine bleeding (dysfunctional uterine bleeding).
Norethisterone is a synthetic progestogen that acts like the natural progestogen hormone in women. In low doses, this drug can also be used as a contraceptive to prevent pregnancy.
Trademarknorethisterone: Luteron, Meprolut, Norestil, Novasteron, Norelut, Nosthyra, Primolut N, Regumen, Retrogest
What's thatNorethisterone
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Synthetic Progesterone |
| Benefit | Treat endometriosis, menstrual cycle disorders, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, and as a contraceptive |
| Consumed by | Mature |
| Norethisterone for pregnant and lactating women | Category X:Studies in experimental animals and humans have demonstrated fetal abnormalities or a risk to the fetus. Drugs in this category should not be used by women who are or may become pregnant. Norethisterone can be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Tablet |
Warning Before Taking Norethisterone
Norethisterone should only be taken as prescribed by a doctor. Before taking norethisterone, you need to pay attention to the following:
- Tell your doctor about any allergies you have. Norethisterone should not be used by patients who are allergic to this drug.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have had asthma, kidney disease, hypertension, obesity, heart disease, epilepsy, diabetes, migraines, liver disease, or depression.
- Tell your doctor if you have unexplained vaginal bleeding, breast cancer, endometrial cancer, porphyria, or any thrombotic disease, such as pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis.
- Tell your doctor if you have recently had surgery or have a condition that requires prolonged bed rest.
- Tell your doctor if you smoke, as this can increase the side effects of norethisterone.
- Avoid being in the sun too long, because norethisterone can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, including certain supplements, or herbal products.
- See your doctor immediately if you have an allergic reaction to the drug, serious side effects, or an overdose after taking norethisterone.
Norethisterone Dosage and Directions
The following is the division of norethisterone dosage based on its intended use:
Purpose: Overcoming endometriosis
- Dosage 10–20 mg per day. This treatment is started between day 1 to day 5 of the menstrual cycle, for 4–6 months.
Purpose: Overcoming PMS (premenstrual syndrome)
- Dosage 5 mg, 2-3 times a day taken on day 19 to day 26 of the menstrual cycle.
Purpose: Postponing menstruation
- Dosage 5 mg, 3 times daily, for 14 days. This treatment is started 3 days before the due date of menstruation.
Purpose: Overcome menorrhagia
- Dosage 5 mg, 2 times a day. This treatment is started from the 19th day to the 26th day of the menstrual cycle.
Purpose:Prevent pregnancy or contraceptives
- Dosage 0.35 mg per day. This treatment is started on the first day of menstruation or 1 day after miscarriage, or on the 21st day after delivery.
Purpose: Treat dysfunctional uterine bleeding
- Dosage 5 mg, 3 times daily, for 10 days. The dose for prevention of relapse is 5 mg, 2 times a day. Treatment was started from day 19 to day 26 for two menstrual cycles.
Purpose: Overcoming dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation)
- Dosage 5 mg, 3 times daily, for 20 days. This treatment is started on the 5th day of the menstrual cycle.
How to Take Norethisterone Correctly
Follow the doctor's recommendations and read the information listed on the drug packaging before taking norethisterone. Do not increase or decrease the dose without consulting your doctor first.
Take norethisterone regularly at the same time every day. Norethisterone can be taken before or after meals. Swallow the medicine with the help of a glass of water whole, do not chew or crush it.
Make sure that there is sufficient time between one dose and the next. Try to take norethisterone at the same time every day for maximum treatment.
If you forget to take norethisterone, take it immediately if the break with the next consumption schedule is not too close. If it is close, ignore it and do not double the dose.
While undergoing treatment with norethisterone, don't forget to regularly check with your doctor to monitor your condition. One of the tests that is usually recommended is blood sugar levels for diabetics.
Use contraception during sexual intercourse while still on norethisterone treatment. This is because norethisterone can interfere with fetal growth if pregnant.
Store norethisterone in a dry, closed place, and away from direct sunlight. Keep this medicine out of reach of children.
InteractionNorethisterone with Other Drugs
Some interactions that can occur if taking norethisterone along with other drugs are:
- Decreased effectiveness of norethisterone with phenobarbital, phenytoin, carbamazepine, griseofulvin, ritonavir or nelfinavir
- Increased norethisterone levels when used with ketoconazole, erythromycin, verapamil, or diltiazem
- Decreased effectiveness of ulipristal
- Increased effectiveness of the drug ciclosporin
- Increased risk of fluid retention when used with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or vasodilators
Norethisterone Side Effects and Dangers
Some of the side effects that can occur after taking norethisterone are:
- Nauseous
- Throw up
- Headache
- Bloated
- Weight gain
- Breast pain
- Short menstruation or no menstruation at all
Call your doctor if these side effects do not improve. See your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to a medication or a more serious side effect, such as:
- Dark urine
- Yellowing of the eyes and skin (jaundice)
- Depression
- Visual disturbance
- Increased blood pressure
- The appearance of a lump in the breast
- Stomach pain that gets worse
- Bleeding outside the menstrual cycle or long periods with heavy bleeding