Primolut N 5mg

What is Primolut N Used For?

Primolut N contains the active ingredient norethisterone, which is a synthetic progestogen. It is used to treat several menstrual conditions, including menstrual pain and heavy periods, but it can also be used to temporarily delay your period.

Menstrual cycles can sometimes be inconvenient, especially when they clash with important life events. Whether it's for a vacation, a sports event, or just personal comfort, delaying your period can be a viable option. Primolut N 5mg, containing the active ingredient norethisterone, provides a safe and effective way to delay menstruation if a clinician feels it is suitable for you.

How Does Primolut N Work to Delay Periods?

Primolut N contains norethisterone, a synthetic version of the hormone progesterone (also known as a progestogen). During a normal menstrual cycle, progesterone levels naturally rise after ovulation to help maintain the lining of the womb (uterus). If pregnancy does not occur, progesterone levels fall, causing the womb lining to shed and a period to begin.

The norethisterone in Primolut N works by maintaining artificially high progestogen levels. This helps maintain the womb lining and prevents it from breaking down and shedding. As a result, your period is temporarily delayed for as long as you continue taking the tablets as prescribed.

Once you stop taking Primolut N, hormone levels fall, and the womb lining is shed. Most people will usually have a withdrawal bleed similar to a normal period within 2 to 4 days of stopping treatment.

Primolut N is commonly prescribed for short-term period delay, such as during holidays, weddings, sporting events, exams, or other important occasions. However, it is not a contraceptive and does not prevent pregnancy, so additional contraception such as condoms may still be needed.

How Long Does Primolut N Take to Work for Period Delay?

Primolut N is usually taken 3 days before your expected period. When taken correctly, it can delay your period until you stop taking the tablets. Most people will then have a withdrawal bleed within 3 days after stopping treatment.

Because the medication works by maintaining a progestogen effect to stop the womb lining from shedding, it is important to start treatment before your period begins. If taken too late, it may not prevent bleeding from starting.

Can Primolut N Stop Periods Once Started?

No, Primolut N cannot stop a period once it has already started. It is designed to delay the start of a period, rather than stop one that has already started. If bleeding has already begun, the medication may be less effective at preventing or completely stopping it. 

How Effective is Primolut N for Period Delay?

Primolut N is considered an effective option for temporarily delaying periods when it is taken exactly as prescribed. Most people can successfully delay bleeding until they stop taking the medication. However, some people may still experience light bleeding or spotting while taking Primolut N. This is more likely if tablets are missed or not taken at the recommended times.

The effectiveness of Primolut N can also depend on factors such as when treatment is started, individual hormone levels, and underlying menstrual conditions. Taking the medication consistently and starting it at least 3 days before your period is due gives the best chance of successfully delaying your period.

Primolut N Benefits

Primolut N can offer greater flexibility and reassurance for people who want to temporarily delay their period. By helping prevent menstruation from starting, it may reduce the inconvenience and discomfort associated with periods during important occasions or busy periods of life.

As well as being commonly used for period delay, norethisterone may also be prescribed by healthcare professionals to help manage certain menstrual and hormone-related conditions.

Some potential benefits of Primolut N include:

• Convenience during important events: Delaying your period may help you feel more comfortable and confident during holidays, weddings, sporting events, festivals, exams, or other special occasions, especially if you normally experience heavy bleeding, cramps, bloating, or fatigue during your cycle.
• Temporary relief from period symptoms: By delaying menstruation, some people may also temporarily avoid common period-related symptoms such as cramps, pelvic pain, headaches, mood changes, and bloating.
• Short-term, flexible treatment option: Primolut N is taken only when needed for period delay, rather than every day long term. This can make it a convenient option for people who do not want ongoing hormonal treatment
• Predictable withdrawal bleed after stopping treatment: Most people will usually have a bleed within 3 days of stopping Primolut N, which can make it easier to plan around important dates or events.
• Treatment of a range of menstrual conditions: Although this page focuses on using Primolut N to delay your periods, it also helps with heavy period bleeding, pain during the cycle and endometriosis.

How to Take Primolut N to Delay Periods

You must take Primolut N exactly as the clinician has told you to. Swallow each tablet whole with a glass of water. The usual dose for delaying your period is 15 mg per day to be taken as one Primolut N tablet, three times a day. If possible, you should space your doses out evenly throughout the day. It can help to set an alarm on your phone to remind you to take your pill.

When to Take Primolut N to Delay Periods

Primolut N should be taken at least 3 days before the date you expect your period. For this purpose, one tablet is taken three times a day (every 8 hours), and treatment would continue until you would like to have your period. Once stopped, your period should start within 3 days. Note that the number of tablets taken daily and the duration of use vary depending on the condition you are treating. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you are unclear.

For How Long Can I Delay My Period?

Primolut N can delay your period by up to 4 weeks. It should no longer be used without first consulting your doctor, as prolonged use can lead to side effects. Once you stop taking Primolut N, your period will no longer be delayed.

What if I Take Too Much Primolut N 5mg?

If you take too much Primolut N, it is unlikely to cause serious harm, but you may experience side effects such as feeling sick, dizziness, or unexpected breakthrough bleeding. If you take more Primolut N than you should or you get any side effects, speak to a doctor for advice.

What if I Forget to Take Primolut N?

If you forget to take a dose of Primolut N, skip the missed dose and take your next one at the usual time. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. If you are concerned or unsure what to do, speak to a doctor or pharmacist for advice. 

Primolut N Side Effects and Cautions

You should be aware of the potential side effects and cautions when taking Primolut N. It contains norethisterone, which may cause adverse effects in some people and may be unsuitable for people with certain medical conditions, including a history of blood clots, liver problems, or some hormone-sensitive conditions.

Potential Primolut N 5mg Side Effects

Most people tolerate Primolut N well when it is used short-term to delay periods, but side effects can still occur. These are usually mild and temporary, although some people may experience more serious reactions. Understanding the possible side effects can help you recognise when symptoms are expected and when you may need medical advice.

This isn’t a complete list of Primolut N side effects. They can be found in the Patient Information Leaflet that comes with your medication, or is available online. If you get any side effects, including any that are not listed here, you should report them to a doctor or the Yellow Card Scheme. By reporting side effects, you will help provide more information about the safety of this medication for period delay.

Does Primolut N Cause Breast Cancer?

No, Primolut N does not directly cause breast cancer, but it is associated with a slightly increased risk of developing it. The active ingredient, norethisterone, is partly converted into oestrogen, so you should consider the general warnings given for the combined pill. The risk of breast cancer is also increased if you take the combined pill, for example:

• Of 10,000 people who have never taken the pill, about 16 will have breast cancer by the time they are 35
• Of 10,000 people who take the pill for 5 years in their early twenties, 17 to 18 will have breast cancer by the time they are 35
• Of 10,000 women who have never taken the pill, about 100 will have breast cancer by the time they are 45
• Of 10,000 women who take the pill for 5 years in their early thirties, about 110 will have breast cancer by the time they are 45

Your risk of breast cancer is higher if you:

• Are overweight
• Have a close relative, such as a mother, sister, or grandmother, who has had breast cancer

If you notice any changes in your breasts while taking Primolut N, you should see a doctor as soon as possible.

Primolut 5mg and Blood Clots

Primolut N contains norethisterone, which is partly converted into oestrogen. That means it may slightly increase the risk of a blood clot, so it is advised that you do not take Primolut N if you have a blood clot or any medical condition that puts you at higher risk of developing one.

You are more at risk of having a blood clot if you:

• Are older
• Are going to be off your feet for a while because of surgery, injury, or illness
• Smoke
• Or a close relative has had blood clots
• Are overweight (a body mass index over 30)
• Have a blood fat metabolism disorder
• Have a blood disorder
• Have high blood pressure
• Get migraines
• Have a heart valve disorder or atrial fibrillation
• Have recently had a baby
• Have diabetes
• Have certain medical conditions, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), sickle cell disease, Crohn's disease, or ulcerative colitis

If you get any of the following signs of a blood clot, see a doctor as soon as possible:

• A migraine for the first time or one that is worse than normal
• Unusually frequent or severe headaches
• Any sudden vision changes
• Any sudden changes to your hearing, speech, sense of smell, taste, or touch
• Pain or swelling in your leg
• Stabbing pain when you breathe
• Coughing for no reason
• Breathlessness
• Pain and tightness in your chest
• Sudden weakness or numbness in one side of your body
• Dizziness or fainting

Primolut N Warnings and Interactions

Norethisterone is not suitable for everyone. Certain medical conditions and medications can interact with Primolut N, making it less effective or potentially unsafe. It is important to discuss your medical history and any medications you are taking before starting Primolut N, so they can make sure it is safe for you. 

Do not take Primolut N if you:

• Are allergic to norethisterone or any of the other ingredients in the medicine
• Are pregnant or think you might be pregnant
• Are breastfeeding
• Have ever had a problem with your circulation, including a blood clot in the legs, lungs, heart, brain, or anywhere else in the body
• Have symptoms of a blood clot, such as chest pain, unexplained and sudden shortness of breath or a cough
• Have any condition that increases the risk of a blood clot
• Have ever had a migraine with visual disturbance (with aura)
• Have or are recovering from liver disease, and your blood test results show that your liver is not yet working normally
• Have or have ever had liver tumours
• Have diabetes with damaged blood vessels
• Have any type of cancer that may be made worse by exposure to female sex hormones, including breast cancer
• Have unexplained vaginal bleeding
• Have untreated endometrial hyperplasia

You should also avoid taking Primolut N if you have had any of the following while pregnant:

• Yellowing of the skin (idiopathic jaundice of pregnancy)
• Itching of the whole body (pruritus)

Precautions for Taking Primolut N For Period Delay

Before taking Primolut N to delay your period, tell the clinician if you:

• Are smoking
• Have diabetes
• Are overweight
• Have high blood pressure
• Have a heart valve disorder or a certain heart rhythm disorder
• Have had a thrombosis or embolism, or anyone in your close family has had a thrombosis, heart attack, or stroke at a young age
• Suffer from migraine, asthma, or kidney problems
• Have epilepsy
• Have an inflammation of your veins
• Have varicose veins
• Have anyone in your immediate family who has had breast cancer
• Have had a condition called chloasma
• Have previously suffered from depression
• Or anyone in your family has ever had high blood levels of cholesterol or triglycerides
• Have liver or gall bladder disease
• Have systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), sickle cell disease, Crohn’s disease, or ulcerative colitis
• Have haemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS)
• Have a condition that occurred for the first time or worsened during pregnancy or previous use of sex hormones, such as hearing loss, porphyria, or Sydenham’s chorea
• Have hereditary angioedema
• Have an intolerance to some types of sugar, including lactose

Primolut N Interactions

Before taking Primolut N, you will need a consultation, either face-to-face or online. It is important during this consultation to let the clinician know about any prescribed, over-the-counter, or herbal medications you are taking, as some can interact with Primolut N and make it less effective or potentially unsafe.

Do not take Primolut N if you have hepatitis C and are taking any medicines containing ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir and dasabuvir. These can increase liver function blood test results.

Before taking Primolut N, tell the clinician if you are taking:

• Epilepsy medicines, including primidone, phenytoin, barbiturates, carbamazepine, oxcarbamazepine, topiramate, and felbamate
• Tuberculosis medicines (rifampicin)
• Medicines to treat HIV and hepatitis C
• Fungal infection treatments, such as griseofulvin, azole antifungals, such as itraconazole, voriconazole, fluconazole 
• Medications to treat bacterial infections
• Treatments for certain heart conditions, such as high blood pressure, like calcium-channel blockers
• Arthritis and arthrosis medications (etoricoxib)
• Medications to treat high blood pressure in the blood vessels in the lungs, called bosentan
• St John’s Wort
• Grapefruit juice

Primolut N can also influence the effect of other medicines, including:

• Ciclosporin
• Lamotrigine
• Theophylline
• Tizanidine

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Do not take Primolut N if you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you think you might be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, speak to your doctor before taking Primolut N. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Primolut N 5mg