Utovlan Tablets

What is Utovlan and How Does It Work for Period Delay?

Utovlan is a brand name for a medication containing the active ingredient norethisterone. It belongs to a class of medicines known as progestogens, which are synthetic versions of the natural female hormone progesterone. While Utovlan has several uses in gynaecological health, one of its common and well-established purposes is to temporarily delay the onset of menstruation.

To understand how Utovlan works to delay a period, it helps to know the basic biology of your menstrual cycle. The second half of your cycle (after ovulation) is governed by progesterone. This hormone's job is to build up and maintain the lining of the womb (endometrium) to prepare for a potential pregnancy. If pregnancy does not occur, progesterone levels drop sharply. This drop is the signal for the womb lining to shed, resulting in your period.

Utovlan intervenes in this process. By taking norethisterone tablets, you artificially maintain high levels of progestogen in your body. This effectively "tricks" your body into thinking it's still in the pre-menstrual phase, preventing the drop in hormone levels that triggers the shedding. The womb lining remains stable, and your period is postponed. Once you stop taking the tablets, the progestogen level falls, and your period will typically begin within a few days.

Is Utovlan Suitable for Me? Key Considerations

Utovlan is a prescription medicine because it is not suitable for all women. Its use must be based on a careful assessment of your individual health profile. You should not take Utovlan if any of the following apply to you:

• You are allergic to norethisterone or any of the other ingredients in Utovlan tablets.
• You are pregnant or think you might be pregnant.
• You experience any unexplained vaginal bleeding (outside of your normal period).
• You have, or have ever had, a blood clot (venous thromboembolism - VTE), including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or a pulmonary embolism.
• You have now or have had a heart attack or angina.
• You have liver disease or currently have problems with your liver.
• You have a rare blood disorder called porphyria.
• You have a history of jaundice or severe itching during a previous pregnancy.

Special Precautions with Utovlan

It is crucial to discuss your full medical history with a doctor. Extra caution is required when considering Utovlan if you have:

• Epilepsy
• Migraines, especially migraines with aura
• Asthma
• Heart or kidney problems
• Diabetes or a history of depression
• Risk factors for blood clots (e.g., being very overweight, a family history of clots, smoking, recent major surgery or prolonged immobility)

How to Take Utovlan to Delay Your Period

It is vital to follow your doctor's prescription exactly. The following dosage information for period delay is based on the standard guidance found in the Utovlan Patient Information Leaflet.

1. Timing is Key: Start taking Utovlan 5mg tablets three times a day (e.g., morning, afternoon, and evening). This should be started three days before your period is due to begin. Accurately predicting your period start date is therefore important.
2. Duration: Continue to take one tablet three times daily for as long as you need to delay your period. You can take it for up to a maximum of 14-20 days, but your doctor will advise on the safe duration for you.
3. Onset of Period: Your period will usually begin within 2 to 3 days after you take the last tablet.

What If I Miss a Dose of Utovlan?

If you forget to take a tablet, take it as soon as you remember, provided it is not almost time for your next dose. Then continue taking your tablets at the normal times. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten one. Missing doses could lead to breakthrough bleeding or make the treatment less effective.

What If I Don't Get a Period After Stopping Utovlan?

If you do not have a withdrawal bleed (a period) within a few days of finishing the course of Utovlan, you should consult your doctor to rule out pregnancy before taking any further courses.

Potential Side Effects of Utovlan

Like all medicines, Utovlan can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. It's important to be aware of both common and more serious side effects.

Common Side Effects

These may affect up to 1 in 10 people:

• Nausea or feeling sick
• Headaches
• Breast tenderness or discomfort
• Mild skin rashes or itching
• Changes in weight
• Spotting or light bleeding between periods
• Mood changes

Serious Side Effects – Seek Medical Help Immediately

Stop taking Utovlan and contact a doctor immediately if you experience any of the following, as they could be signs of a blood clot or other serious condition:

• Signs of a blood clot in the lung (pulmonary embolism): Sudden sharp chest pain, coughing up blood, sudden shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat.
• Signs of a blood clot in the brain (stroke): Unusually severe or long-lasting headache, sudden weakness or numbness in any part of the body, difficulty speaking, vision problems, dizziness or collapse.
• Signs of a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the leg: Severe pain, swelling, redness or warmth in your calf, ankle, or foot.
• Signs of a severe allergic reaction: Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing, intense itchy skin rash.
• Signs of liver problems: Yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes (jaundice), severe upper stomach pain, dark urine.

For a full list of side effects, always refer to the official Utovlan Patient Information Leaflet.

Common Misconceptions About Utovlan

"Utovlan is a contraceptive."

False. Utovlan is not a contraceptive. Its primary function for period delay is to regulate the menstrual cycle, not to prevent ovulation or pregnancy reliably. You must use an alternative, non-hormonal method of contraception (such as condoms) while taking Utovlan if you are sexually active and wish to avoid pregnancy.

"I can use Utovlan to delay my period every month."

Not recommended. Utovlan is designed for occasional, short-term use to delay a period for a specific event (like a holiday or sports competition). It is not licensed or intended for continuous, long-term use to suppress periods monthly. Regularly manipulating your cycle in this way can lead to unpredictable bleeding and other side effects. Always consult a doctor for long-term period management solutions.

"It's safe to buy Utovlan online without a consultation."

False and dangerous. Utovlan is a prescription-only medication (POM) for a reason. A proper consultation with a qualified healthcare professional is essential to assess your medical history, ensure it is safe for you, exclude contraindications like pregnancy or risk of blood clots, and provide correct dosage instructions. Reputable online services, like Chemist Doctor, always include a thorough consultation with a UK-registered doctor or independent prescriber before a prescription is issued.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Utovlan

Clinical References

• NHS.uk - Norethisterone
• Electronic Medicines Compendium (eMC) - Utovlan 5mg PIL
• National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)

Related Guides

• A Guide to Period Delay Treatments
• How to Accurately Time Taking Norethisterone
• Alternatives to Utovlan for Period Delay
• Managing Heavy Periods (Menorrhagia)

Where to Buy Utovlan in the UK