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Norlutate Tablet: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

· 5 min read

Norlutate Tablet: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates
Generic nameNorethindrone acetate
Drug classProgestin
FormsTablet
Norlutate Tablet: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates product

Quick overview

Norlutate Tablet contains norethindrone acetate, a progestin hormone medicine taken by mouth. It is used to treat abnormal uterine bleeding, endometriosis, secondary amenorrhea, and irregular periods caused by hormone imbalance. It works by controlling the growth of the tissue lining the uterus. It can cause side effects and requires certain precautions, so it should be used exactly as prescribed.

What is Norlutate Tablet

Norlutate is a hormone medication (progestin) taken as a tablet by mouth.

Norlutate Tablet uses

  • Abnormal uterine bleeding
  • Endometriosis
  • Secondary amenorrhea (missed periods)
  • Irregular periods due to hormone imbalance

Benefits of Norlutate Tablet

  • Helps treat endometriosis-related symptoms, including pelvic pain.
  • Helps manage abnormal or irregular uterine bleeding caused by hormonal imbalance.
  • Can help treat secondary amenorrhea by producing a withdrawal bleed after treatment.
  • Helps reduce heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding in appropriate patients.
  • Provides progestin hormone therapy when progesterone-like activity is needed.

How Norlutate Tablet works

Norlutate is a progestin that helps control the growth of the tissue lining the uterus, which can improve endometriosis symptoms and help regulate periods.

Norlutate Tablet dosage

Follow the instructions on the label and do not use more of this medicine, or more often, than prescribed. If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for your next dose; in that case skip the missed dose and do not double up. This medication may irritate the stomach and should be taken with food.

Age groupDose
Before menarcheNot routinely indicated
Adolescents after menarcheDose is individualized according to indication
18–64 years – Secondary amenorrhea2.5–10 mg once daily for 5–10 days
18–64 years – EndometriosisStart 5 mg once daily for 2 weeks, then increase by 2.5 mg every 2 weeks as needed; maximum 15 mg/day
65+ yearsNot routinely indicated; dosing should be individualized

Available forms and strengths

  • Tablet

Side effects of Norlutate Tablet

Common

  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Changes in menstruation (irregular periods or absence of periods)
  • Nausea or, rarely, vomiting
  • Swollen or tender breasts
  • Irregular vaginal bleeding or spotting
  • Stomach cramps or bloating
  • Hair loss

Serious

  • Signs of a severe allergic reaction such as breathing problems, wheezing, racing heart, fever, swollen lymph nodes, swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat, trouble swallowing, itching, rash, or hives
  • Signs of a blood clot such as chest pain or pressure, fast or abnormal heartbeat, trouble breathing, pain in the back, jaw, throat, or arm, sweating, upset stomach, vomiting, dizziness, sudden weakness on one side of the body, sudden severe headache, or slurred speech
  • Eye problems such as change or loss of vision, blurred or double vision, bulging eyes, or migraine
  • Signs of fluid retention such as chest pain, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, stretched or shiny skin, or swollen belly or ankles

Warnings and precautions

  • This medicine may harm an unborn baby. Women who could become pregnant should use effective contraception, and pregnant women should not use this product. Do not take it if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, and stop and contact your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
  • Do not take this medicine while breastfeeding, since it can pass into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
  • Fluid retention caused by this medicine can cause serious problems in people with kidney problems.
  • This medicine should not be used if your liver is not working well or if you have liver disease. Your doctor may test your liver function before you start.
  • It is not known whether drinking alcohol affects this medicine.
  • This medicine may cause dizziness, so use caution when getting up from lying or sitting and use caution while driving.
  • Do not use this medicine if you have unusual vaginal bleeding that is not part of your normal cycle; this needs to be checked by your doctor.
  • Do not use this medicine if you have or have had breast cancer.
  • Do not use this medicine if you currently have or have had a blood clot in your legs or lungs.
  • Do not use this medicine if you have had a stroke or heart attack within the past year, since it can raise the risk of another one.
  • Tell your doctor about any allergies to this medicine or its ingredients before taking it.
  • Keep all appointments for breast exams, especially if you have a family history of breast cancer or past breast lumps or abnormal mammograms.

Storage

  • Store at 20–25°C (68–77°F) at controlled room temperature.
  • Keep tablets in their original, tightly closed packaging until ready to use.
  • Protect from excessive heat, moisture, and direct sunlight.
  • Avoid storing in bathrooms or other hot and humid locations.
  • Keep out of reach and sight of children and pets.

When to see a doctor

  • Get emergency help right away if you have trouble breathing, chest pain, vision changes, trouble speaking, dizziness, or a severe headache.
  • Stop taking this medicine and get help right away if you notice signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as breathing problems, swelling of the face or throat, or hives.
  • Stop taking this medicine and get emergency help if you notice signs of a blood clot, such as chest pain, trouble breathing, or sudden weakness on one side of the body.
  • Stop taking this medicine and get emergency help if you have vision changes, blurred or double vision, or bulging eyes.
  • Call your doctor right away if you have symptoms of fluid retention, such as chest pain, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, or swelling of the belly or ankles.
  • If you or someone else takes too much of this medicine, get medical help right away or contact your local poison control center.

Alternatives

  • Dydrogesterone
  • Prometrium
  • Provera
  • Aygestin

Watch the video

Video: Norlutate Tablet: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

FAQs

What is Norlutate Tablet used for?

Norlutate Tablet is used to treat abnormal uterine bleeding, endometriosis, secondary amenorrhea (missed periods), and irregular periods caused by hormone imbalance.

How does Norlutate Tablet work?

Norlutate is a progestin that helps control the growth of the tissue lining the uterus, which can improve endometriosis symptoms and help regulate periods.

What is the dosage of Norlutate Tablet for secondary amenorrhea?

For adults aged 18-64 years with secondary amenorrhea, the dose is 2.5-10 mg once daily for 5-10 days.

What are the common side effects of Norlutate Tablet?

Common side effects include headache, dizziness, changes in menstruation, nausea or rarely vomiting, swollen or tender breasts, irregular vaginal bleeding or spotting, stomach cramps or bloating, and hair loss.

Can Norlutate Tablet be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

No, this medicine may harm an unborn baby and should not be used during pregnancy. It should also not be taken while breastfeeding since it can pass into breast milk.

General information, not medical advice

Your prescriber and the leaflet in your pack know your situation. This page does not.

  • Follow your prescriber and the leaflet
  • Don't start, stop, or change a dose on your own
  • Doses and warnings differ by country and product
Facts checked by a personSourcesFull disclaimer

Sources

  1. https://www.familiprix.com/en/medications/norlutate-5mg-tablet-00023760
  2. https://hpr-rps.hres.ca/details.php?drugproductid=2695
  3. https://www.webmd.com/drugs/norethindrone-acetate-aygestin