Utovlan

What is Utovlan?

Utovlan is a prescription-only medicine which contains a synthetic progestogen known as norethisterone. Each pill contains 5 mg of norethisterone and is taken to regulate your period, making it lighter, and reduce the pain you experience during your menstrual cycle.

The levels of progesterone fluctuate during the menstrual cycle. High levels of the hormone increase the viscosity of the womb lining (endometrium). This allows an egg to plant itself within the lining. If a pregnancy does not occur, progesterone levels fall, and the uterine lining, along with the egg, is shed during a period.

To help expel the lining, the muscles surrounding the uterus contract, restricting blood flow and oxygen to the tissue. When less oxygen is supplied to the tissue, chemicals are released that trigger the sensation of pain. For some people, their periods may be heavier or more painful than usual, which may require treatment (such as Utovlan) to help improve their quality of life.

Utovlan: What is it Used For?

As well as helping with heavy and painful periods, Utovlan can also be prescribed for irregular or more frequent periods than usual, premenstrual tension, endometriosis, and breast cancer. Utovlan is also given if you are looking to delay your period, perhaps for a special occasion.

Our clinicians can also prescribe Utovlan or generic norethisterone tablets for delaying your period. Utovlan and generic norethisterone contain the same active ingredient and work in the same way, but generic medications are often cheaper than branded types, which can make them more cost-effective for some people.

Utovlan is not a form of hormonal contraception and does not prevent pregnancy. You should use other forms of contraception, such as condoms, while taking this treatment to prevent unwanted pregnancies.

Moreover, you should not take Utovlan if you are already taking a combined contraceptive pill. However, it may be safe for you to take Utovlan alongside the mini pill. You should discuss with your doctor the contraceptive options available to you before you buy Utovlan online.
 

How Does Utovlan Work?

Utovlan contains norethisterone, a progestogen similar to progesterone. It can help control heavy, painful or irregular bleeding by acting on the womb lining in two ways:

• Maintaining: Utovlan pills artificially keep progestogen levels high, thereby preventing the regular drop in hormones that usually causes a period to occur
• Stabilising: The treatment helps stabilise the womb lining and reduces heavy or irregular bleeding

Norethisterone can also inhibit certain hormones produced by the pituitary gland to prevent ovulation and suppress your natural cycle to make your periods lighter and less painful. It’s important to remember, however, that norethisterone is not a contraceptive and will not prevent pregnancy. 

How Long Does Utovlan Take to Work?

For heavy periods, it can take 2 to 3 days of consistent dosing for Utovlan to work. You will usually take Utovlan up to three times a day for 10 days.

How Effective is Utovlan 5mg?

Utovlan has been shown to effectively treat heavy periods. Research shows that taking 5 mg norethisterone three times a day from days 5 to 26 of the menstrual cycle reduces blood loss by 87%. However, this is not the typical 10-day Utovlan regimen our clinician may prescribe.  

How to take Utovlan

Utovlan, which contains norethisterone, is a hormonal medication that is used to manage heavy periods and usually follows a specific dosing regimen that is prescribed by a clinician to regulate the womb lining.

Utovlan tablets can be taken with or without food. You should swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water. In the treatment of heavy and painful periods, a typical regimen would be:

• Take 1 tablet 3 times a day (15mg) for 10 days.
• A few days after you stop taking Utovlan, you should have a bleed, like a period.
• Your clinician may tell you to take Utovlan for a few days after your next 2 periods. Usually, they will advise you to take 1 tablet (10 mg) twice a day for 8 days. You’ll start taking these 19 days after your last period started.

Norethisterone should only be used occasionally. If you experience abnormal vaginal bleeding or regularly heavy and severely painful periods, consult your doctor.

What if I Miss a Utovlan Pill?

If you forget to take Utovlan, take it as soon as you remember and continue taking it at your usual time. Do not take additional Utovlan tablets or a double dose to make up for a missed dose.

If you have trouble remembering when to take your medicine, try setting a reminder on your phone.

What if I Take Too Much Utovlan?

If you accidentally take too much Utovlan, contact your doctor immediately because it can disrupt your natural hormone balance. Although taking too much Utovlan is rarely life-threatening, it can cause side effects which may need medical attention, such as:

• Feeling or being sick
• Dizziness
• Breast tenderness or pain
• Vaginal bleeding
   

Utovlan Side Effects and Cautions

Understanding the potential side effects and risks of taking Utovlan for heavy periods is important, so that you can recognise the signs and symptoms and seek medical advice if needed. If you have any concerns about Utovlan side effects, speak to a doctor or pharmacist.

Serious Side Effects of Utovlan 5mg Pills

Like all medications, Utovlan carries the risk of side effects. It is important to understand the risks associated with your medication by reading the patient information leaflet enclosed with your treatment.

If you experience the following serious side effects, which may suggest you are having an allergic reaction, please stop taking the medication and seek medical attention:

• Wheezing
• Difficulty breathing
• Feeling faint
• Swelling of the face or tongue
• Swelling of your hands and feet
• Intense itchy skin rash

If you experience any of the following symptoms of a blood clot, stop taking Utovlan and contact a doctor immediately, or in an emergency, call 999 or go to A&E:

Signs of a blood clot in the lungs:

• Sudden, severe, and sharp pain in your chest
• Coughing up blood
• Shortness of breath
• Fast heartbeat

Signs of a blood clot in the brain, known as a stroke:

• Unusually severe or long headache
• Vision changes
• Difficulty speaking
• Collapsing or fainting
• Weakness or numbness

Signs of a deep-vein thrombosis (DVT):

• Severe pain, tenderness, or swelling in your calf, ankle, or foot
• Purple discolouration of the skin on the leg, or the skin becomes red and warm to the touch

Other Utovlan Side Effects

Some of the side effects associated with Utovlan use are shown in the table below.
 

You should also seek medical advice during Utovlan treatment if you experience the following:

• Yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes (jaundice)
• Your blood pressure gets too high
• Migraine headaches for the first time

For a full list of side effects, read the Patient Information Leaflet that comes with Utovlan, or view it online. It is important that you report any side effects, including any that aren’t listed, to a doctor or the Yellow Card Scheme. This helps clinicians better understand the safety and effectiveness of Utovlan.

Utovlan 5mg and Blood Clot Risk

Although the risk is low, Utovlan (norethisterone) slightly increases the chance of developing blood clots in the legs, lungs, or other organs. However, the risk of getting a blood clot is increased whether or not you are taking Utovlan if you:

• Are very overweight
• Have systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
• Have ever had a blood clot before
• Have relatives who have had a blood clot
• Will be off your feet for a while because of surgery, illness, or injury
• Have a history of repeated miscarriage

If you are concerned about the risk of blood clots while taking Utovlan, you should speak to a doctor or pharmacist before starting it. 

Utovlan Warnings and Interactions

Utovlan may not be suitable for everyone. Some medical conditions and medications can interfere with the active ingredient, norethisterone, making it less effective or even unsafe. That is why it is important to consult a clinician before taking Utovlan, so they can ensure it is a safe and suitable medication for you.

Do not take Utovlan if you:

• Are pregnant or think you might be
• Are allergic to norethisterone or other similar hormone medicines, or any of the other listed ingredients
• Have or have ever had any unexplained vaginal bleeding
• Or any members of your family have had a previous history of blood clots or circulatory issues
• Have liver or kidney dysfunction
• Have or have ever had a heart attack or angina
• Have ever had a pregnancy where you had jaundice or an itchy rash called pemphigoid gestationis
• Have severe itching all over your body, called pruritus
• Have a condition called porphyria

When to Inform a Clinician

Discuss taking Utovlan with your clinician or pharmacist if you have any of the following conditions:

• Epilepsy 
• Migraines
• Heart problems
• Kidney issues
• Asthma 
• Diabetes

If you have high blood pressure, we recommend consulting your doctor to ensure it is within the recommended range. This product also contains lactose and may not be suitable for individuals with lactose intolerance.

Utovlan Interactions

Before taking Utovlan, let the clinician know if you are taking any other medications, including any that are prescribed, over-the-counter, or herbal. Some medications can interact with each other, making them less effective or potentially unsafe.

Tell the clinician if you are taking any of the following before starting Utovlan:

• Epilepsy medications
• Antibiotic medicines to treat an infection
• Medicines to treat viral conditions such as HIV
• Anticancer medications
• St John’s wort
• Aminoglutethimide
• Ciclosporin
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines for pain and inflammation
• High blood pressure medication

You should not take Utovlan if you are taking a combined contraceptive pill. However, it may be safe for you to take Utovlan if you are taking a single hormonal contraceptive pill, also known as a “mini pill”. Speak to your doctor before taking any new medication to ensure it is safe for you.

Utovlan and Psychiatric Disorders

Some people who have taken hormonal medications, including Utovlan, have reported depression or depressed moods. Depression is a serious condition, and can lead to thoughts of self-harm and suicide. If you experience any mood changes or depression symptoms while taking Utovlan, speak to a doctor immediately. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Utovlan 5mg