Norethisterone 350mcg

What is Noriday for?

Noriday® tablets are progestin-only contraceptive tablets used to prevent pregnancy.

How should I take or use Noriday?

• Do not stop taking your medication without checking with your healthcare professional.
• You should take this medication after food.
• Noriday® should be taken as prescribed by your doctor. It is usually started as one of the following:
• Day 1 of menstrual cycle (pregnancy should be ruled out before starting the medication).
• Immediately after miscarriage or abortion
• Day 21 after childbirth whether you are breastfeeding or not
• A reliable supplementary non-hormonal contraceptive method e.g. condoms, is recommended for the first seven days that you start taking Noriday® for the first time.
• You should take one tablet daily without break, preferably at the same time every day, regardless of menstrual bleeding.
• When a pack is finished, the next pack should be started without interruption.

What should I do if I forget to take or use Noriday?

• If a dose is missed, the missed tablet should be taken as soon as it is remembered. The next tablet should be taken at the usual time, even if that means taking two tablets in one day.
• When Noriday® is taken 3 or more hours late, you should use additional contraception such as condoms, for the next seven days.
• Stomach upsets, such as vomiting and diarrhoea, can affect how much medication is absorbed in your body. This can decrease its effectiveness. During this period of stomach discomfort, you should continue to take the medication as normal, but use an additional contraception for the next seven days.

**If you miss your period (especially with missed tablets), consult your doctor to determine if you are pregnant before continuing to take the next cycle of contraceptives.

What precautions should I take when taking or using Noriday?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

• You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication
• You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding
• You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies.
• You have a history of or current medical conditions such as liver problems, stroke, heart disease, migraine headaches, epilepsy, diabetes or cancer

If you are seeing other healthcare professionals for any other medical conditions, inform them that you are taking this medication.

What food or medication should I avoid when I take or use Noriday?

Some medications may affect how this medication works or be affected by this medication. Please inform other healthcare professionals about the medication you are taking if you are seeing them for other medical conditions.

What are some common side effects of Noriday?

• Menstrual irregularities e.g. irregular bleeding, heavy menstruation, spotting between menstrual cycles, delayed or not having a menstrual cycle.
• Inform your doctor if
• you do not have a menstrual cycle because there is a need to rule out pregnancy
• you are having heavy and continuous bleeding as it may lead to anaemia
• If you are having any other abnormal vaginal bleeding
• Stomach discomfort e.g. nausea, vomiting.
• Take the medication after food to reduce these side effects.
• Breast tenderness
• Headache and dizziness
• You may take Paracetamol to manage headaches. Avoid activities that require mental alertness and avoid using heavy machineries.
• Avoid driving or engaging in activities that require concentration

Consult your doctor if these side effects become bothersome.

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking the medication and see a doctor immediately

• Very bad, unusual headache
• Sudden changes to your sight or speech
• Very bad pain in your chest
• Unusual pain or swelling of your legs
• Dark urine or light coloured stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellowing of your eyes or skin

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

If you experience any of the above symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

How should I store Noriday?

• Keep away from children
• Keep in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight

How do I throw away Noriday safely?

Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin.