Norgest-5mg

Norgest-5mg is a widely available medication in Nepal that contains Norethisterone (5 mg) as its active ingredient. It is a synthetic progestogen, which means it mimics the action of the natural hormone progesterone in the body.

1. What it is and How it Works:

• Active Ingredient: Norethisterone (5 mg).
• Drug Class: Progestin (a synthetic progestogen).
• Mechanism of Action: Norethisterone works by essentially tricking the body into thinking it’s already pregnant or in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. It does this by:
  • Mimicking Progesterone: It acts like natural progesterone, stabilizing the lining of the uterus (endometrium).
  • Delaying or Preventing Shedding of Uterine Lining: By keeping progesterone levels high, it prevents the shedding of the uterine lining, which is what causes a period. This is why it’s used to delay menstruation.
  • Regulating Hormones: It influences the balance of hormones involved in the menstrual cycle, helping to regulate periods.
  • Suppressing Ovulation (at higher/continuous doses): While Norgest-5mg is often used for shorter durations, at continuous or higher doses, norethisterone can suppress the release of eggs from the ovaries. However, it’s crucial to note that Norgest-5mg is NOT a contraceptive pill when used for period delay or other short-term indications; backup contraception is needed if pregnancy prevention is desired.

2. What it’s Used For: Norgest-5mg is primarily used to treat various menstrual and gynecological problems related to hormonal imbalances:

• Delaying Menstruation (Period Delay): This is a common off-label use, allowing women to temporarily postpone their period for events like holidays. It’s taken a few days before the expected period.
• Heavy Menstrual Bleeding (Menorrhagia): Helps reduce excessive blood loss during periods.
• Painful Periods (Dysmenorrhea): Alleviates severe menstrual cramps and pain.
• Irregular Periods (Metropathia Haemorrhagica, Polymenorrhoea): Helps regulate irregular menstrual cycles and establish a more predictable pattern.
• Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): May help manage severe PMS symptoms like mood swings, bloating, and breast tenderness.
• Endometriosis: Helps in managing the pain and growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus by suppressing its activity.
• Fibrocystic Breast Disease: Can help reduce pain and tenderness in the breasts associated with benign fibrocystic changes.
• As part of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): In combination with estrogen, it’s used in postmenopausal women to protect the uterine lining from excessive thickening (endometrial hyperplasia) which can be caused by estrogen alone.
• Certain types of Breast Cancer: In specific cases, particularly palliative care for advanced breast cancer.

3. How to Take It:

• Dosage: The dosage and duration depend entirely on the condition being treated. For example, for period delay, it’s often 5mg three times a day for a limited number of days. For other conditions, it might be prescribed for a longer duration or at different frequencies. Always follow your doctor’s specific instructions.
• Administration: Take the tablet orally, usually with or without food. It’s often recommended to take it at a fixed time each day for consistency. Do not chew, crush, or break the tablets.
• Do Not Stop Suddenly: Do not stop taking Norgest-5mg abruptly without consulting your doctor, as this can lead to unscheduled bleeding or a return/worsening of symptoms.

4. Common Side Effects: Side effects are common and often related to the hormonal nature of the drug. They often lessen as your body adjusts.

• Headache, migraine (can sometimes be triggered or worsened)
• Nausea, abdominal pain, bloating
• Breast tenderness or pain
• Changes in menstrual bleeding patterns (spotting, breakthrough bleeding, heavier/lighter periods, or absent periods)
• Weight gain or loss
• Dizziness, fatigue
• Mood changes, including depression
• Acne, oily skin
• Hair loss or increased hair growth (hirsutism)
• Fluid retention (edema)

5. Important Precautions and Warnings:

• Pregnancy: Norgest-5mg is contraindicated during pregnancy as it can be harmful to a developing fetus. It is NOT a contraceptive, so use effective non-hormonal contraception if you need to prevent pregnancy while on this medication.
• Breastfeeding: Generally not recommended during breastfeeding, as it may pass into breast milk and affect the baby.
• Blood Clots (Thromboembolic Disorders): Norethisterone can increase the risk of blood clots (e.g., DVT, pulmonary embolism, stroke). This risk is higher in individuals who smoke, are obese, have a history of blood clots, or certain medical conditions.
• Liver Disease: It is contraindicated in severe liver disease or a history of jaundice during pregnancy. Liver function should be monitored during treatment.
• Cancer: Contraindicated in individuals with known or suspected breast cancer or other hormone-dependent cancers.
• Undiagnosed Vaginal Bleeding: Any unusual or undiagnosed vaginal bleeding must be investigated before starting this medication.
• Other Medical Conditions: Inform your doctor if you have or have had:
  • Epilepsy
  • Migraine headaches (especially with aura)
  • Asthma
  • Heart or kidney problems
  • Diabetes (may affect blood sugar control)
  • Depression (may worsen)
  • Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
• Smoking: Women who smoke, especially those over 35, should generally avoid progestogen-only medications due to increased risks of serious side effects like blood clots.
• Drug Interactions: Norethisterone can interact with other medications, including certain antibiotics (e.g., rifampicin, rifabutin), anti-epileptic drugs (e.g., carbamazepine, phenytoin), St. John’s Wort, and others, potentially reducing its effectiveness or increasing side effects. Always inform your doctor about all medications you are taking.

Norgest-5mg is a prescription medication. It should only be used under the supervision and guidance of a qualified healthcare professional who can assess your medical history and determine if it’s appropriate and safe for your specific condition .