Primolut N Tablets

What is Primolut N?

Primolut N is a branded prescription medication that contains the active ingredient norethisterone. Norethisterone belongs to a class of hormones known as progestogens, which are synthetic versions of the naturally occurring female hormone progesterone. While it has several gynaecological applications, its most common use among patients is for the deliberate and temporary delay of menstrual periods.

It is crucial to understand that Primolut N is not a contraceptive pill. Its primary mechanism is to regulate or suppress the menstrual cycle, not to prevent pregnancy. Therefore, if you are sexually active and do not wish to conceive, you must continue to use a reliable form of contraception, such as condoms, while taking this medication.

How Primolut N Works to Delay Your Period

To understand how Primolut N works, it's helpful to know the basic biology of the menstrual cycle. The second half of your cycle (after ovulation) is called the luteal phase, during which the hormone progesterone is produced. This hormone's job is to maintain the lining of the womb (endometrium), making it thick and stable in preparation for a potential pregnancy.

If pregnancy does not occur, progesterone levels naturally fall sharply. This drop is the signal for the womb lining to break down and shed, resulting in your menstrual period.

Primolut N intervenes in this process: By taking synthetic progestogen (norethisterone) tablets, you artificially maintain high levels of progesterone-like hormones in your body. This effectively "tricks" your body into thinking it is still in the luteal phase, preventing the breakdown of the womb lining. Once you stop taking the tablets, your hormone levels will drop, and a withdrawal bleed (your period) will typically occur within 2-3 days.

Uses of Primolut N Beyond Period Delay

While this page focuses on period delay, it is important to know that Primolut N is a versatile medication prescribed by doctors for several other gynaecological conditions, including:

• Heavy Menstrual Bleeding (Menorrhagia): It can help reduce excessive blood flow during periods.
• Painful Periods (Dysmenorrhea): It may alleviate severe menstrual cramps.
• Irregular Periods: It can be used to regulate an unpredictable menstrual cycle.
• Endometriosis: It is used to manage the pain and symptoms associated with endometriosis, a condition where tissue similar to the womb lining grows outside of the womb.
• Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS/PMT): It can help alleviate the physical and emotional symptoms that occur before a period.

The dosage and duration of treatment will vary significantly depending on the condition being treated. Your doctor will determine the correct regimen for your specific needs.

Before Taking Primolut N: Contraindications and Precautions

Primolut N is not suitable for everyone. A thorough medical assessment is essential to ensure your safety. You must not take Primolut N if you:

• Are allergic to norethisterone or any other ingredients in the tablet (e.g., lactose).
• Are pregnant or think you might be pregnant.
• Are currently breastfeeding.
• Have or have ever had a blood clot (thrombosis) in your legs (DVT), lungs (PE), heart (heart attack), brain (stroke), or elsewhere.
• Have symptoms of a blood clot, such as chest pain, sudden shortness of breath, or a cough without cause.
• Have a condition that increases your risk of blood clots.
• Have ever suffered from migraines with visual aura (disturbances).
• Have (or are recovering from) liver disease, or have ever had liver tumours.
• Have diabetes with damaged blood vessels.
• Have or have had any type of cancer that is sensitive to hormones, such as breast cancer.
• Have unexplained vaginal bleeding.
• Have a condition called endometrial hyperplasia that has not been treated.
• Have Hepatitis C and are taking medicines containing ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir and dasabuvir.
• Have experienced jaundice or severe itching of the skin during a previous pregnancy.

Who Should Use Primolut N with Caution?

Talk to your doctor before taking Primolut N if you have any of the following:

• You smoke.
• You have diabetes.
• You are overweight (a Body Mass Index or BMI of 30 or more).
• You have high blood pressure.
• You have a heart valve disorder or an irregular heartbeat.
• You or a close family member have had a blood clot, heart attack, or stroke at a young age.
• You suffer from migraines, asthma, or kidney problems.
• You have epilepsy.
• You have inflammation of the veins (phlebitis) or varicose veins.
• A close family member has had breast cancer.
• You have previously had chloasma (skin discolouration); if so, avoid strong sun and UV light.
• You have a history of depression.
• You have high cholesterol or triglycerides.
• You have a disease of the liver or gall bladder.
• You have systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), sickle cell disease, Crohn's disease, or ulcerative colitis.

Potential Side Effects of Primolut N

Like all medicines, Primolut N can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. It is important to be aware of these potential effects.

Common Side Effects (May affect up to 1 in 10 people)

• Headache
• Feeling sick (nausea)
• Absence of a period after stopping treatment
• Swelling (oedema)

Uncommon Side Effects (May affect up to 1 in 100 people)

• Migraine

Rare and Very Rare Side Effects

• Rare (up to 1 in 1,000): Allergic reactions including skin rash or hives.
• Very Rare (up to 1 in 10,000): Visual disturbances, difficulty in breathing.
• Frequency not known: Worsening of depression, dizziness, abdominal pain, jaundice (yellowing of the skin/eyes), cholestasis.

Reporting side effects: If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. You can also report side effects directly via the UK Yellow Card Scheme.

Primolut N Dosage Guidelines for Period Delay

Always follow your doctor's instructions precisely. The following is a general guide for using Primolut N to delay a period.

1. Timing is Key: You must start taking Primolut N 3 days (72 hours) before your period is due to begin. Starting later may not be effective.
2. Standard Dosage: The typical dose is one 5mg tablet, taken three times a day (approximately every 8 hours).
3. Duration: You can continue taking the tablets for as long as you need to delay your period, up to a maximum of 14 days. Your period will usually start within 2-3 days after you take your last tablet.
4. Administration: Swallow the tablets whole with a drink of water.

What if I Miss a Dose of Primolut N?

If you forget to take a dose at your usual time, wait until it is time for your next dose and take that one. Do not take a double dose to make up for the forgotten one. If you are concerned, speak to your pharmacist or doctor.

What if I Take Too Much Primolut N?

Accidentally taking too many tablets is unlikely to cause serious harm. However, you may experience increased side effects like nausea. If you have taken a significant overdose, contact your doctor or local hospital for advice.

Primolut N and Other Medicine Interactions

Some medicines can interfere with Primolut N, making it less effective or increasing the risk of side effects. It is vital to tell your doctor about all medicines you are taking, including herbal remedies and over-the-counter drugs.

Medicines that can affect Primolut N include:

• Epilepsy treatments (e.g., phenytoin, carbamazepine, topiramate)
• Antibiotics for tuberculosis (e.g., rifampicin)
• Some HIV and Hepatitis C medicines (e.g., ritonavir, nevirapine)
• Antifungal medicines (e.g., griseofulvin, ketoconazole, fluconazole)
• Certain antibiotics (e.g., clarithromycin, erythromycin)
• The herbal remedy St. John's Wort
• Grapefruit juice

Conversely, Primolut N can influence the effect of other medicines, such as ciclosporin, the anti-epileptic lamotrigine, and theophylline.

Frequently Asked Questions About Primolut N

Where to Buy Primolut N in the UK

Clinical References

• Electronic Medicines Compendium (eMC): Primolut N Patient Information Leaflet
• NHS: Norethisterone

Related Guides

• Norethisterone for Period Delay: A Comprehensive Guide
• How to Delay Your Period: Methods and Safety
• Understanding and Treating Heavy Periods