Primolut N 5mg

About Primolut N

Description

Primolut N contains the active ingredient norethisterone, and belongs to a group of medicines called progestogens, which are female hormones. Primolut N can be used in several different circumstances, including to delay or manage your periods.

Suitability

Do not take Primolut N tablets:

• if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to norethisterone, or other similar hormone medicines, or any of the other ingredients listed in the patient information leaflet
• if you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant
• if you have now or have ever had any vaginal bleeding (not a period) for which your doctor could not find a cause
• if you or a member of your family have ever had a problem with blood clots, including deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
• if you have now or have had in the past, a heart attack or angina
• if you have liver problems
• if you have ever had a pregnancy where you had jaundice, or an itchy rash known as pemphigoid gestationis - this rash appears as small blisters on your abdomen
• if you have severe generalised itching all over your body (pruritis)
• if you have a condition known as porphyria (a rare inherited blood disease)

You must tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:

• epilepsy
• migraine headaches
• asthma
• heart problems
• kidney problems

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Primolut N tablets must not be taken if you are pregnant as hormonal medicines can affect the developing baby. It is important you use some form of contraception (e.g. a condom) while taking Primolut N tablets, as it is not a contraceptive. Do not take Primolut N tablets if you are breastfeeding.

Important Interactions

You must tell your doctor if you are taking, have recently taken or might take other medicines, in particular:

• medicines to treat epilepsy (e.g. phenytoin, carbamazepine)
• antibiotic medicines to treat an infection (e.g. tetracyclines, rifampicin, co-trimoxazole)
• antiviral medicines to treat HIV (e.g. ritonavir, nelfinavir)
• anticancer medicines
• herbal preparations containing St John's wort (Hypericum perforatum)
• aminoglutethimide, sometimes used in Cushing's Syndrome
• ciclosporin (for suppressing the immune system)
• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for treating pain and inflammation
• medicines for high blood pressure

Side Effects

• vaginal bleeding, including spotting.
• vaginal bleeding, including spotting.
• headache
• feeling sick (nausea)
• absence of a period
• swelling

Please Note

All medication can cause side effects. We have only listed a few to be aware of. Details of all side effects, including rare side effects to be aware of, are listed in the patient information leaflet (PIL). When completing your medical questionnaire, it is very important that you answer the questions truthfully. This is to ensure your doctor has a full picture of your medical history before prescribing. List all medicines you are already taking, including non-prescription and herbal medicines.

Alternatives

Women looking to delay their period more frequently should consider other methods such as the contraceptive pill. Please discuss this with your regular GP who will assess you for suitability, as the contraceptive pill is only available to order online for patients that have already stabilised on this medication.

Looking after your medicine

Do not take medicines after the expiry date stamped on the pack. Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

Medicines are only intended to be used by the person they are prescribed for. Do not give your prescribed medicine to anybody else, even if they have the same symptoms as you. Medicines can be harmful if used by anybody other than the person they have been prescribed for.

References

Primolut N 5mg Patient Information Leaflet

British National Formulary: norethisterone

Can I buy Primolut N over the counter?

Primolut N is a prescription only medication and is therefore not available over the counter. You may be aware of other medicines containing the active ingredient norethisterone being available over the counter, but we do not provide these at Anytime Doctor. We find that most our patients prefer to have an online doctor consultation to ensure they are taking the correct medication for their needs. Some women decide to use a longer-term solution for managing their periods, following a doctor consultation. It is important to also consider your contraception needs when deciding which solution is suitable for you.

Is there an alternative to Primolut N to delay my period?

Primolut N tablets are the branded version of medicine containing the active ingredient norethisterone. This is also available in the generic form called Norethisterone. Both contain the same amount of the active ingredient norethisterone and are therefore identical medicines. There are also other treatment options to postpone periods, including medroxyprogesterone acetate, however this is not available online through Anytime Doctor. Other ways to manage your periods include the oral contraceptive pill and other methods of contraception. Please discuss all your needs with your doctor before deciding which method of delaying your period is best for you. Our doctors are always happy to provide advice.

Can I get pregnant while taking Primolut N?

Yes, you can get pregnant whilst taking Primolut N because Primolut N is not a contraceptive. It is very important that you use alternative methods of contraception such as condoms if you do not intend to get pregnant. Please discuss with your doctor if you are planning to get pregnant before taking Primolut N and read the advice above (see 'Pregnancy and Breastfeeding' above) and in the patient information leaflet.

How does Primolut N work in the body?

Primolut N is a synthetic hormone that acts in the same way the naturally occurring hormone progesterone does in the female body. It prevents the lining of your womb from growing too quickly and from being shed, thus interrupting the normal menstrual cycle progression.