Indications
- Used to treat abnormal uterine bleeding in women.
- Also used for amenorrhea (lack of menstrual periods) in non-pregnant, non-menopausal women
- Treats endometriosis, a condition where uterine lining tissue is outside the uterus, causing painful/irregular periods.
- Norethindrone is a progestin hormone, similar to naturally occurring progesterone.
- Works by halting normal growth of the uterus lining and signaling hormone changes to restore normal menstrual cycles.
- Not to be used for pregnancy testing
- Progestins are not effective in preventing miscarriages.
Dosage and administration
- Read the Patient Information Leaflet before starting or refilling the medication; consult doctor or pharmacist for questions.
- Take the medication orally as prescribed by the doctor.
- May be taken with food or after a meal to prevent stomach upset.
- Follow dosing schedule carefully; consult doctor for any questions.
- Dosage based on medical condition and treatment response.
- For treating stopped menstrual periods and abnormal uterine bleeding, take once daily for 5 to 10 days during the second half of the planned menstrual cycle.
- Withdrawal bleeding typically occurs 3 to 7 days after stopping the medication.
- Inform doctor if condition persists or worsens.
Side effects
- Possible side effects include nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, mood swings, trouble sleeping, weight gain/loss, acne, breast swelling/tenderness, changes in sexual interest, unwanted hair growth, or hair loss.
- Inform doctor/pharmacist if these effects persist or worsen.
- Medication prescribed considering benefit outweighing risks; many users do not experience serious side effects.
- Report serious side effects promptly: changes in vaginal bleeding, change in vaginal discharge, depression, swelling of hands/feet, frequent/burning/painful urination, yellowing eyes/skin, dark patches on the skin or face.
- Rarely, with estrogen product use, may cause serious problems from blood clots (heart attack, stroke, blood clots in lungs/legs, blindness); seek immediate medical help for symptoms like chest/jaw/left arm pain, weakness on one side of the body, trouble speaking, sudden vision changes, confusion, severe headache, severe dizziness, fainting, trouble breathing, coughing up blood, pain/redness/swelling/weakness of arms/legs, warm-to-touch calf pain/swelling.
- Very serious allergic reaction is rare; seek immediate medical help for symptoms like rash, itching/swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
- Not an exhaustive list; contact doctor/pharmacist for other effects.
Precautions
- Inform doctor/pharmacist of allergies to norethindrone or other allergies; inactive ingredients may cause reactions.
- Disclose medical history, especially vaginal bleeding of unknown cause, brain bleeding, missed abortion, family history of breast lumps/cancer or blood clots, obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, cancer (endometrial/breast), blood clots, lupus, seizures, migraines, asthma, liver/kidney problems, high blood cholesterol/fats, depression, diabetes, strokes, smoking.
- May cause dizziness; limit activities requiring alertness; avoid alcohol/marijuana use.
- Inform healthcare professionals of product use before surgery.
- May cause melasma (blotchy, dark areas on face/skin); limit sun exposure, avoid tanning booths/sunlamps, use sunscreen and protective clothing.
- Not for use during pregnancy, inform doctor if pregnant or suspect pregnancy.
- Medication passes into breast milk; consult doctor before breastfeeding.