Norethindrone works by copying the natural hormone progesterone. During a woman’s menstrual cycle, the levels of progesterone naturally fluctuate. By taking norethisterone tablets a few days before your period is due to start can temporarily stop the shedding of the lining of the uterus, which helps to delay your period.

Once you stop taking Norethindrone, your progesterone levels will return to normal and your next period will usually start again within two or three days.

It is important that Norethindrone is only used occasionally to delay a period.

The usual dose that our Doctors recommend is 5mg tablets. At QuickDoc we can supply either 30 Norethindrone tablets to delay your period by 7 days or 60 Norethindrone tablets to delay your period by 17 days. One 5mg tablet 3 times a day should be taken from 3 days before your period is expected. If you take Norethindrone tablets closer to when your period is due, they may not work effectively as your natural hormone levels may have already started to drop (which triggers a period). They can be taken as long as required, with your period starting approximately 2-3 days after stopping taking Norethindrone.

Medication dose can be affected by a combination of factors, if our QuickDoc team has prescribed you a different dose to the ones listed here, make sure you take it exactly as prescribed. Ensure you store Norethindrone in its original packaging at room temperature and keep out of reach of children.

NO! Norethindrone is not a contraceptive and therefore cannot prevent pregnancy. It is important to take other precautions to prevent pregnancy while taking Norethindrone tablets. Norethindrone is also NOT an emergency contraception and cannot prevent pregnancy if taken after having sex.

It is completely safe to occasionally delay your period if you have no risk factors associated with taking hormone medication. There is no medical reason why women must have a regular monthly period.

At QuickDoc we can supply either 30 Norethindrone tablets to delay your period by 7 days or 60 Norethindrone tablets to delay your period by 17 days. One tablet 3 times a day should be taken from 3 days before your period is expected. If you take Norethindrone tablets closer to when your period is due, they may not work effectively as your natural hormone levels may have already started to drop (which triggers a period). They can be taken as long as required, with your period starting approximately 2-3 days after stopping taking Norethindrone.

Norethindrone tablets are to be used for occasional use only. Our QuickDoc medical team will only prescribe an individual this medication 4 times per year as a maximum.

Lots of medications can cause side effects, which is an unwanted response to a medication when taken as a normal dose. Not all people experience side effects and Norethindrone at this dosage is usually tolerated well. The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people when using Norethindrone.

• Irregular bleeding (e.g. breakthrough bleeding, spotting)
• Breast Tenderness
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Nausea or vomiting
• Acne
• Fluid retention and bloating

SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION IF ANY OF THE FOLLOWING SIDE EFFECTS OCCUR AND DISCONTINUE TAKING THE MEDATION

• Chest pains, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath
• Shortness of breath associated with a blue colouring of the lips and peripheries (hands and feet)
• Severe Allergic reaction or anaphylaxis (swelling, facial swelling, swelling of lips, tongue, throat, shortness of breath, wheeze, rash, itching)
• Severe skin reaction (blistering, skin peeling, an extensive rash or rash accompanied by fever or pain)

Rarely patients who use Norethindrone to delay a period may experience a blood clot which is called a thromboembolism. This is a risk associated with all hormonal treatments containing progesterone. As part of the prescribing process, QuickDoc will not prescribe to clients who are at high risk of blood clots; however, it is important to recognise the symptoms.

Symptoms of a blood clot can include difficulty breathing, chest pain and a tender and hot-to-touch calf depending on the location of the clot. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek IMMEDIATE medical attention and discontinue with the medication.

PLEASE ENSURE YOU READ THE PATIENT INFORMATION LEAFLET THOROUGHLY WHICH WILL BE DELIVERED WITH YOUR MEDICATION BEFORE TAKING ANY MEDICATION PRESCRIBED BY US