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How To Take Norethisterone Tablets?

Key Takeaway: How to Take Norethisterone

To delay your period with norethisterone: Start taking one 5mg tablet three times daily beginning 3 days before your expected period. Continue throughout the delay period. Your period should start within 3 days of stopping the medication. Take tablets with or without food, but avoid grapefruit juice. If you miss a dose, take it when remembered unless close to the next dose time. If your period doesn't start within 5 days of stopping, take a pregnancy test and consult your doctor. Remember norethisterone isn't a contraceptive, so use additional protection.

Norethisterone tablets are a prescription medication used for delaying periods, managing heavy menstrual bleeding, and treating endometriosis. This comprehensive guide explains exactly how to take norethisterone tablets safely and effectively according to the official UK Patient Information Leaflet.

Taking Norethisterone for Period Delay

For period delay specifically, follow these steps:

  1. Start date: Begin taking tablets 3 days before your expected period start date
  2. Dosage: Take one tablet (5mg) three times daily (total 15mg/day)
  3. Timing: Space doses evenly throughout the day (e.g., morning, afternoon, evening)
  4. Duration: Continue taking tablets daily throughout the period you wish to delay
  5. Stopping: Your period should start within 3 days after your last tablet
Example Scenario Action
Your period is due on Friday Start taking tablets on Tuesday
You want to delay for 5 days Take 3 tablets daily for 5 days
After stopping treatment Period should start within 3 days

Critical Timing

Starting too late (after your period has begun) may be ineffective. Always begin treatment 3 days before your expected period start date.

When to Take Norethisterone

Norethisterone tablets can be taken with or without food. While some patients prefer taking them at night to minimise potential nausea, no specific timing is mandated.

Key Timing Considerations

  • Consistency matters most - take doses at similar times daily
  • Space multiple doses evenly (e.g., 8am, 2pm, 8pm for three daily doses)
  • No evidence suggests improved effectiveness at night
  • Take with water - do not crush or chew tablets

Food Interactions

Norethisterone can be taken with or without food. Some considerations:

  • Taking with food may reduce potential nausea
  • Avoid grapefruit juice as it may affect absorption
  • No specific dietary restrictions

Proper Administration

For safe and effective use:

  • Swallow tablets whole with water
  • Do not crush, chew or break tablets
  • Continue taking even if breakthrough bleeding occurs
  • Store below 25°C in original container
  • Check expiry date before use

Special Considerations

If you have lactose intolerance (norethisterone contains lactose), consult your doctor before use. The tablets contain lactose, which is a type of sugar.

Managing Missed Doses

If you forget a dose:

  1. Take the missed dose as soon as you remember
  2. If it's nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose
  3. Never take double doses to compensate
  4. Continue with your regular schedule
Scenario Action
Normally take at 8am, 2pm, 8pm Missed 2pm dose
Remember at 4pm Take missed dose at 4pm
Next dose at 8pm Take as scheduled
Remember close to next dose time Skip missed dose and continue schedule

Dosing for Other Conditions

Norethisterone dosage varies by condition. Always follow your doctor's specific instructions rather than self-adjusting doses.

Condition Dosage Duration Special Instructions
Heavy/Painful Periods 1 tablet 3 times daily (15mg) 10 days Bleeding usually starts a few days after stopping
Premenstrual Tension (PMT) 1 tablet daily (5mg) 10 days Start 16 days after last period began
Endometriosis 3-5 tablets daily (15-25mg) At least 6 months Dose may be increased if irregular bleeding occurs
Breast Cancer 8-12 tablets daily (40-60mg) As prescribed Dose may be increased based on response

Important Precautions

Before taking norethisterone, consider these safety precautions:

When Not to Take Norethisterone

  • If you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant
  • If you have blood clot disorders or unexplained vaginal bleeding
  • If you have liver problems or a history of liver tumors
  • If you have porphyria (a rare blood disorder)

Special Considerations

  • Caution required with epilepsy, migraines, asthma, heart or kidney problems
  • Monitor for mood changes - depression may occur
  • Avoid St John's Wort, certain antibiotics and anticonvulsants
  • Inform your doctor if you're having surgery

Stop Immediately and Seek Emergency Care If You Experience:

  • Allergic reactions (swelling, breathing difficulties)
  • Chest pain or coughing blood (possible lung clot)
  • Severe headache, speech difficulties, or weakness (possible stroke)
  • Leg pain/swelling with skin discolouration (possible DVT)
  • Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)

When Your Period Starts After Stopping

After completing a course for period delay:

  • Your period should start within 3 days of taking the last tablet
  • Bleeding may be slightly heavier or lighter than normal initially
  • Cycle length may be temporarily affected
  • Contact your doctor if no period within 5 days of stopping

For other conditions, withdrawal bleeding typically occurs a few days after completing treatment.

No Period After Stopping Norethisterone?

If your period doesn't return within 5 days of stopping treatment:

  1. Pregnancy Test: Norethisterone isn't contraceptive - take a pregnancy test
  2. Hormonal Balance: Your natural cycle may need time to restart
  3. Timing Issues: Starting tablets too late in your cycle
  4. Medical Conditions: Possible PCOS, thyroid issues or ovarian insufficiency
  5. Menopause Transition: Particularly in women over 45

Important:

Always consult your doctor if you don't get a period within 5 days of stopping norethisterone. Do not start another course without medical advice.

Storage Information

To maintain effectiveness and safety:

  • Store below 25°C in original packaging
  • Keep container tightly closed
  • Protect from light and moisture
  • Keep out of sight and reach of children
  • Do not use after expiry date (last day of month shown)
  • Discard if tablets appear discoloured (should be white)

Dispose of unused medicines via pharmacy take-back schemes - don't flush or bin them. This helps protect the environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, norethisterone can be taken with or without food. Some patients find taking it with food reduces potential nausea, but this is not required.

Starting after your period has begun may be ineffective for delay. If you miss doses, breakthrough bleeding may occur. Always start 3 days before expected period for reliable results.

No medical requirement exists for nighttime dosing. Some prefer it to potentially sleep through side effects like nausea, but effectiveness is the same at any time of day.

Typically within 3 days of stopping treatment. Contact your doctor if it hasn't started within 5 days.

Don't take with grapefruit juice, skip doses, use as contraception, continue if pregnant, or ignore signs of blood clots. Avoid St John's Wort as it may reduce effectiveness.

Possible reasons include pregnancy, hormonal imbalance, incorrect timing, or underlying health conditions. Take a pregnancy test and consult your doctor if no period within 5 days of stopping.

Medical Content Manager Authored by Nabeel M

Medical Content Manager & Pharmacy Associate

Nabeel is a co-founder of Chemist Doctor. He works closely with our medical team to ensure the information is accurate and up-to-date.

Director & Superintendent Pharmacist

Usman is a co-founder, and superintendent pharmacist of Chemist Doctor. He leads the clinical team and online prescribing services, utilising his expertise.

Review Date: 15 June 2025

Next Review: 05 January 2026

Published on: 14 June 2025

Last Updated: 14 June 2025

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