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Utovlan 5mg Tablets

from£19.99

Utovlan is a prescription medication designed to safely delay your period for up to 17 days. It works by mimicking the natural hormone progesterone, which helps maintain the womb lining and postpone menstruation. Utovlan is often used by women who need to delay their period for events like holidays or special occasions. Taken three times daily, starting three days before your period is due, Utovlan offers a convenient solution for managing your menstrual cycle. Available in tablet form, it provides an effective way to temporarily adjust your period timing to suit your needs.

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Utovlan 5mg Tablets
SKU: UTOV5 Category: Tags: ,

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1 x 30 tablets, 2 x 30 tablets

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Overview

Active ingredients

What is it for?

How does it work?

How do you use it?

Warnings and precautions

Side effects

Drug interactions

FAQs

Download patent leaflet

Written By
Shazlee Ahsan
BSc Pharmacy, Independent Prescriber, PgDip Endocrinology, MSc Endocrinology, PgDip Infectious Diseases

Independent prescriber, Superintendent pharmacist.


Checked By
Dr Sarah Thornton
MbChB, Coaching Academy diploma with distinction

Medical coaching


What are Utovlan 5mg Tablets?

Utovlan 5mg Tablets contain Norethisterone 5mg and belong to a group of medicines known as ‘Progestogens,’ which are similar to the natural female hormone progesterone. The active ingredient in these tablets is norethisterone, a type of progestogen. Norethisterone Tablets are used for various purposes, including:

  • Treating or managing heavy periods
  • Alleviating painful periods
  • Regulating irregular or unusually frequent periods
  • Managing premenstrual tension (PMT)
  • Treating endometriosis (a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb is found outside the womb)
  • Treating breast cancer

Additionally, your doctor may prescribe Norethisterone Tablets if you wish to delay your next period.

What is the active ingredient in Utovlan 5mg Tablets?

The active substance is norethisterone. Each tablet contains 5mg.

What is Utovlan 5mg Tablets used for?

Norethisterone has a variety of uses, one of which is as a safe and effective option for delaying your period when it would be inconvenient. Norethisterone period delay tablets can be used to postpone your period for:
  • Up to 7 days with 1 pack (30 tablets)
  • Up to 17 days with 2 packs (60 tablets)
It's important not to use Norethisterone to delay your period for more than 17 days without a face-to-face consultation with your GP. Additionally, it should not be used for period delay more frequently than every 4 months, and it is not available for purchase over the counter. Norethisterone was initially marketed under the brand name Utovlan, but it is now available as a generic treatment after the patent on Utovlan expired. Norethisterone is also an ingredient in some contraceptive pills and hormone replacement therapies for menopause. However, Norethisterone period delay tablets should not be used for hormone replacement purposes and do not provide any contraceptive protection. They are also not a form of emergency contraception. You should continue using your regular contraceptive method while taking Norethisterone 5mg tablets to delay your period.

How does Utovlan 5mg Tablets work?

  1. Regulating the Menstrual Cycle: During a normal menstrual cycle, progesterone levels rise after ovulation to prepare the womb lining (endometrium) for a potential pregnancy. If pregnancy does not occur, progesterone levels drop, leading to the shedding of the womb lining, which is what causes a period. Norethisterone, when taken, maintains high levels of synthetic progesterone, preventing the drop in progesterone levels that would trigger menstruation. This delay allows you to postpone your period.
  2. Managing Menstrual Disorders: Norethisterone can also be used to manage heavy, painful, or irregular periods by regulating the hormonal balance and controlling the development and shedding of the womb lining.
  3. Treating Endometriosis: In the case of endometriosis, norethisterone helps by reducing the growth of endometrial tissue outside the womb, easing symptoms such as pain and discomfort.
  4. Premenstrual Tension (PMT): By stabilizing hormone levels, norethisterone can help reduce the symptoms of premenstrual tension, such as mood swings and bloating.
Overall, norethisterone works by stabilizing and controlling the levels of progesterone in the body, which in turn helps manage and treat various menstrual-related conditions.

How do you use Utovlan 5mg Tablets?

Always take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you are unsure about how to take it, consult your doctor for clarification. The recommended dosage will vary depending on the condition being treated. This information can also be found on the label of the tablet packaging. Below is a general guide to the usual doses for specific conditions:
  • For Heavy Bleeding and Other Menstrual Problems: The typical dose is 1 tablet (5 mg) taken three times a day (15 mg total) for 10 days. A few days after stopping the tablets, you will usually experience bleeding similar to a period. To help prevent your periods from causing further issues, your doctor may advise you to take Norethisterone Tablets for a few days after your next two periods. This typically involves taking 1 tablet twice a day (10 mg total) for 8 days, starting 19 days after your last period began.
  • For Premenstrual Tension (PMT): The usual dose is 1 tablet (5 mg) taken once a day for 10 days, starting 16 days after your last period began.
  • If You Stop Taking Utovlan 5mg Tablets

    If you have any additional questions about using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Summary

To delay your period, take Norethisterone three times daily, beginning three days before your period is due and continue until you want your period to resume. Your period will typically start within two to three days after stopping Norethisterone. Do not take Norethisterone if you are pregnant. There are no special dietary restrictions with Norethisterone; its absorption and effectiveness are not affected by food or alcohol.

Who should not take Utovlan 5mg Tablets?

Do not take Norethisterone Tablets if:
  • You are allergic to norethisterone, other similar hormone medications, or any of the ingredients in this medicine.
  • You are pregnant or think you might be pregnant. Your doctor may perform a pregnancy test before starting treatment or if you miss a period during treatment.
  • You have or have ever had unexplained vaginal bleeding (not related to your menstrual period).
  • You or a family member have a history of blood clots, including deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
  • You have had a heart attack, angina, or have liver problems.
  • You have experienced jaundice or a specific rash during pregnancy, or you have severe itching all over your body (pruritis).
  • You have a condition called porphyria (a rare inherited blood disorder).
Warnings and Precautions: Consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking Norethisterone Tablets if you have:
  • Epilepsy
  • Migraine headaches
  • Asthma
  • Heart or kidney problems
  • Risk of Venous Thromboembolism (VTE):
There is a slightly increased risk of blood clots in women taking hormone medications like Norethisterone Tablets. You are at higher risk if you:
  • Are very overweight
  • Have systemic lupus erythematosus (an autoimmune condition)
  • Have had blood clots before or have relatives who have had blood clots
  • Are immobile for long periods (e.g., after surgery)
  • Have had serious injuries or major surgery
  • Have a history of repeated miscarriage
  • Inform your doctor if you are scheduled for surgery or have recently had surgery while taking Norethisterone Tablets.
Pregnancy, Breast-feeding, and Fertility:
  • Pregnancy: Norethisterone Tablets must not be taken during pregnancy as hormonal medicines can affect the developing baby. Use contraception while taking this medicine.
  • Breast-feeding: Consult your doctor before taking this medicine if you are breast-feeding, as it may be necessary to use an alternative feeding method.
Driving and Using Machines:
  • Norethisterone Tablets have no known effect on the ability to drive or operate machinery.
Lactose Content:
  • Norethisterone Tablets contain lactose. If you have an intolerance to some sugars, consult your doctor before taking this medicine.

What are the side effects with Utovlan 5mg Tablets?

Like all medications, Norethisterone Tablets can cause side effects, though not everyone will experience them.

Reasons to Stop Taking Norethisterone Tablets Immediately

In very rare cases, Norethisterone Tablets may trigger a severe allergic reaction that can be life-threatening. If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek emergency medical help immediately:
  • Wheezing
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Feeling faint
  • Swelling of the face or tongue
  • Swelling of the hands and feet
  • Intense itchy skin rash
Additionally, be alert for signs of thrombosis (blood clots), which require urgent medical attention. These include: Blood Clot in the Lungs:
  • Sudden, severe chest pain
  • Coughing up blood
  • Sudden shortness of breath
  • Rapid heartbeat
  Blood Clot in the Brain (Stroke):
  • Unusually severe or prolonged headache
  • Vision disturbances
  • Difficulty speaking
  • Fainting or collapse
  • Weakness or numbness in any part of your body
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT):
  • Severe pain, tenderness, or swelling in the calf, ankle, or foot
  • Purple discoloration or redness and warmth of the skin on the leg
If you notice any of these symptoms, stop taking Norethisterone Tablets and contact your doctor immediately.

When to Seek Medical Advice During Treatment

It is important to see your doctor immediately if you experience:
  • Yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes (jaundice)
  • A migraine headache for the first time
Your doctor may also decide to discontinue treatment if your blood pressure becomes too high.

Other Potential Side Effects

You may also experience the following side effects: Reproductive System and Breast:
  • Bleeding or spotting between periods
  • Absence of periods (amenorrhea)
  • Unusual vaginal bleeding
  • Changes in cervical discharge
  • Cervical erosions (detected during a smear test)
  • Breast pain or tenderness
  • Milky discharge from the breast (galactorrhea) when not pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Nervous System:
    • Headache
    • Depression
    • Dizziness
    • Fatigue
    • Insomnia
    • Confusion
    • Nervousness
    • Euphoria
    • Drowsiness
    • Difficulty concentrating
    • Vision problems
Digestive System:
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea
  • Dry mouth
Liver:
  • Impaired liver function
  • Yellowing of the skin or eyes
Metabolism:
  • Altered blood fat levels
  • Changes in blood sugar levels
  • Worsening of existing diabetes
  • Decreased glucose tolerance
  • Adrenergic-like effects (e.g., fine hand tremors, night cramps)
  • Effects on adrenal glands (e.g., Cushingoid syndrome)
  • Cloudy vision
  • Sugar in urine
  • Heart and Circulation:
    • Blood clots (including in the lungs)
    • Swelling in veins due to clots
    • Stroke
    • Heart attacks
    • Congestive heart failure
    • Increased blood pressure
    • Palpitations
    • Clots in retinal blood vessels (causing vision problems)
    • Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia)
Skin and Hair:
  • Acne
  • Increased body or facial hair
  • Hair loss
  • Itching
  • Rash
  • Hives
Miscellaneous:
  • Fluid retention and swelling of hands and ankles
  • Bloating
  • Weight gain
  • Increased body temperature
  • Changes in appetite
  • Changes in sex drive
  • Increased calcium levels (detected in blood tests)

Reporting Side Effects

If you experience any side effects, contact your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse. This includes any side effects not listed here. You can also report side effects directly through the Yellow Card Scheme. Scheme Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine

Do Utovlan 5mg Tablets interact with other medicines?

Always inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are currently taking, have recently taken, or might take any other medications. This includes the following medicines, as the effectiveness of Norethisterone Tablets may be affected when taken concurrently:
  • Epilepsy treatments (e.g., phenytoin, carbamazepine)
  • Antibiotics for infections (e.g., tetracyclines, rifampicin, co-trimoxazole)
  • Antiviral medicines for HIV (e.g., ritonavir, nelfinavir)
  • Anticancer medications
  • Herbal supplements containing St John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum)
  • Aminoglutethimide, sometimes used for Cushing’s Syndrome
  • Ciclosporin, used for immune system suppression
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain and inflammation
  • Medications for high blood pressure
Norethisterone Tablets may also interfere with certain laboratory tests. Make sure to inform your doctor if you are undergoing any blood tests or other hospital investigations. Additionally, let your doctor or pharmacist know if you are taking any other medications not listed above, including over-the-counter products.

Utovlan 5mg Tablets FAQs

What is Utovlan (Norethisterone)?

Utovlan is a branded version of Norethisterone, a synthetic form of the natural female hormone progesterone. Progesterone helps maintain the lining of the womb, and typically, its levels drop before a woman’s period begins. By taking Utovlan, the womb lining is sustained, effectively delaying your period until you stop taking the tablets.

What is Utovlan Used For?

Utovlan (Norethisterone) has several uses, including safely delaying your period for up to 17 days when it would otherwise be inconvenient. You can purchase Utovlan period delay tablets online for:
  • Up to 7 days of period delay = 1 pack (30 tablets)
  • Up to 17 days of period delay = 2 packs (60 tablets)
Utovlan should not be used to delay your period for more than 17 days without consulting your GP in person. It should also not be used more frequently than every 4 months and cannot be purchased over the counter. Originally branded as Utovlan, Norethisterone is now also available as a generic treatment. Norethisterone is also found in some contraceptive pills and hormone replacement therapies for menopause. However, Utovlan period delay tablets should not be used for hormone replacement, do not provide contraceptive protection, and are not a form of emergency contraception. You should continue using your regular contraceptive method while taking Utovlan to delay your period.

How Do I Take Utovlan (Norethisterone)?

To delay your period with Utovlan, take one tablet three times daily, starting three days before your period is due. Continue until you wish your period to resume. Your period will typically start within two to three days after stopping the tablets. Do not take Utovlan if you are pregnant. The absorption and effectiveness of Utovlan are not affected by food or alcohol.

How Can I Delay My Period?

There are no non-medicinal methods to delay your period. If you are already taking the combined contraceptive pill, you can delay your period by running two packs back-to-back without taking the usual seven-day break. If you are not on the contraceptive pill, Utovlan is an option. However, women already taking the contraceptive pill should not use Utovlan for period delay. If you’re considering using the pill to delay your period, consult your GP or refer to the Period Delay page for more information.

How to Stop Your Period with Utovlan

To delay your period, take one Utovlan tablet three times a day, starting three days before your period is due. Continue until you wish your period to start again. Your period should occur within two to three days after stopping the tablets. Do not use Utovlan to stop a period that has already started. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it’s almost time for your next dose, in which case, skip the missed one. Missing a dose may cause some light bleeding or spotting, so having panty liners on hand might be helpful.

Ingredients in Utovlan (Norethisterone) Period Delay Pills

Each Utovlan tablet contains 5mg of norethisterone. Other ingredients include lactose, maize starch, and magnesium stearate.

What Are the Side Effects of Utovlan?

Ensure you read the patient information leaflet that comes with your Utovlan pills for a full list of side effects. Stop taking the tablets and consult your GP immediately if you experience a significant rise in blood pressure, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), or migraines. If you experience any side effects, contact a healthcare professional through your online account or call us. In an emergency, contact emergency services or visit your nearest A&E.

Warnings and Precautions for Utovlan

Utovlan should not be taken if you are on any of the following medications:
  • Aminoglutethimide
  • Ampicillin
  • Carbamazepine
  • Ciclosporin
  • Co-trimoxazole
  • Efavirenz
  • Nelfinavir
  • Nevirapine
  • Oxacillin
  • Phenobarbital
  • Phenytoin
  • Rifabutin
  • Rifampin
  • Ritonavir
These interactions will be checked during your online consultation. Consult the patient information leaflet for further details.

Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:

  • Swelling of the face and wheezing (possible severe allergic reaction)
  • Thrombosis (blood clot in the leg or lungs)
  • Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
  • Migraine
  • A significant rise in blood pressure or persistent headaches

Download patient leaflet

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.1717.pdf

Checked By
Dr Sarah Thornton
MbChB, Coaching Academy diploma with distinction

Medical coaching


Written By
Shazlee Ahsan
BSc Pharmacy, Independent Prescriber, PgDip Endocrinology, MSc Endocrinology, PgDip Infectious Diseases

Independent prescriber, Superintendent pharmacist.


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