Noriday

• Noriday is a brand of the progesterone only pill (POP)
• Noriday contains progesterone, but no oestrogen
• The form of progesterone contained with Noriday is called norethisterone
• The progesterone only pill prevents a pregnancy when taken every day
• Noriday is sometimes taken by women who cannot take oestrogen containing contraceptives
• It is important to read the patient leaflet for a full list of side effects and cautions.

Progesterone is made naturally within a woman’s body during her menstrual cycle. Noriday contains a synthetic version of progesterone called norethisterone. When taken every day, Noriday prevents a woman from becoming pregnant by thickening the mucus at the cervix (entrance to the womb), stopping the sperm from reaching an egg. This prevents fertilisation and the start of a pregnancy.

Noriday may also reduce the frequency of ovulation. This, combined with thickened cervical mucus, makes Noriday a highly effective form of contraception.

Each Noriday tablet should be swallowed whole with some water.

Unlike combined contraceptive pills which often require a pill-free break, Noriday should be taken every day. There is no break between packs. You must keep taking the pill each day and start a new pack with no break in between.

When you first start taking Noriday, you must use additional contraceptive measures (such as condoms) for the first 7 days.

If you switch to Noriday from another contraceptive, you should start the first pill of Noriday on the day immediately after finishing the previous pack.

You should take Noriday at the same time every day. If you take a pill late, or forget to take it, you should seek advice to check if you still have contraceptive cover. Usually, if the missed pill is taken within 3 hours of the usual dosage time, contraceptive cover is maintained. If it is more than 3 hours later, you should take the pill as soon as you remember and then continue the rest of the pack as usual. However, an alternative method of contraception, such as condoms, is recommended for the following 7 days.

Noriday contains 350 micrograms of norethisterone per tablet. One tablet should be taken every day.

Like all medications, Noriday can have some side effects. The most common side effects include:

• Spotting or breakthrough bleeding
• Menstrual irregularities
• Digestive symptoms
• Rash
• Headache
• Change in mood including depression
• Reduced sex drive
• Tiredness
• Nervousness
• Tender breasts
• Putting on weight.

These side effects may settle down, but if they persist or become troublesome you should speak to your doctor for further advice.

More serious side effects are rare but include:

• Possible increase in the risk of developing breast cancer
• Possible increase in the risk of developing a blood clot in the legs, lungs or elsewhere in the body
• Serious change in mood leading to thoughts of suicide.

Serious allergic reactions happen very rarely. If you have a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) including breathlessness, lip swelling or tongue swelling, call 999 immediately.

Noriday may not be suitable for everyone. You should tell your prescriber if you:

• Have ever had a blood clot such as a DVT (blood clot in the legs) or PE (blood clot in the lungs)
• Have liver disease or have ever been jaundiced
• Have, or have ever been diagnosed with, breast cancer
• Have, or have ever been diagnosed with, genital or another hormone-dependent cancer
• Have unexplained vaginal bleeding
• Could be pregnant
• Are breastfeeding
• Have diabetes
• Have epilepsy
• Have tuberculosis
• Have high blood pressure
• Have the skin condition chloasma 
• Have had an allergic reaction to any medication in the past.

Your prescriber can then advise whether Noriday is a suitable medication for you.

Some medications can interact with Noriday. You may be advised that Noriday will not suit you if you already take:

• St John’s Wort (hypericum perforatum – a herbal preparation) – this could reduce the contraceptive effect of Noriday
• Sedatives
• Antibiotics
• Medications for epilepsy
• Prednisolone and other steroids.

Because Noriday may not suit everyone, we will complete a Consultation with you including a health questionnaire. This will ensure that the medication will be suitable for you.

A qualified prescriber will review your current medications, including any herbal remedies or supplements, to ensure that Noriday will not interact with them. 

Once prescribed, Noriday will be ordered on your behalf via electronic prescription. Noriday will then be conveniently dispatched from one of our partner pharmacies.