Noretindrona para menstruaciones dolorosas o abundantes

What is norethindrone?

Norethindrone (also known as norethisterone) is a man-made form of progesterone, a naturally occurring female sex hormone. It is referred to as a progestin and it has a number of uses. Low doses are used to prevent pregnancy, or as hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Medium-strength tablets (5 mg) such as Aygestin® are used to treat heavy and painful menstrual periods particularly if they are associated with a condition called endometriosis. Aygestin® tablets are also used to treat endometriosis itself. Higher doses are used in the treatment of some female cancers, such as breast cancer.

Endometriosis is a condition where tissue which is normally only found inside the womb (uterus), becomes 'trapped' in other parts of the body, often in the pelvic area or lower abdomen. This causes symptoms such as painful and heavy periods. Treatment aims to reduce the pain and amount of blood loss. Norethindrone can also be considered for heavy periods not associated with endometriosis.

This leaflet discusses norethindrone when it is used to treat endometriosis or painful or heavy periods. There are a number of other medicine leaflets which will give you more information about norethindrone if you are taking it for birth control or as HRT. These are: Progestin-only contraceptive tablets, Combination oral contraceptives and Estrogen and progestin for HRT.

What to know before taking norethindrone

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking norethindrone it is important that your physician knows:

• Si está embarazada o en periodo de lactancia.

• Si tiene algún problema hepático o renal.

• Si tiene problemas de corazón o vasos sanguíneos, o si ha tenido alguna vez un coágulo de sangre en una arteria o vena.

• If you have any of the following: diabetes, epilepsy, migraine, high blood pressure (hypertension), or asthma.

• Si fuma, tiene sobrepeso o niveles altos de colesterol.

• Si alguna vez ha tenido cáncer.

• Si alguna vez has tenido una enfermedad depresiva.

• Si ha tenido alguna vez coloración amarillenta de la piel o del blanco de los ojos (ictericia), picor intenso o una afección cutánea llamada penfigoide gestacional durante el embarazo.

• Si padece un raro trastorno sanguíneo hereditario llamado porfiria.

• Si está tomando otros medicamentos. Esto incluye cualquier medicamento que esté tomando y que pueda adquirirse sin receta, así como medicamentos a base de plantas y complementarios.

• Si alguna vez ha tenido una reacción alérgica a un medicamento.
  

How to take norethindrone tablets

• Before you start this treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside your pack. The manufacturer's leaflet will give you more information about norethindrone and a full list of side-effects which you may experience from taking it.

• Take norethindrone exactly as your physician tells you to. You may be asked to take the tablets regularly each day, or to take them just on certain days of your monthly cycle. This information will be printed on the label of your pack of tablets to remind you, but if you are still unsure ask your pharmacist for further advice.

• For treatment of endometriosis it is usual to start with a low dose of half to one tablet (2.5 mg-5 mg) each day. Your physician will ask you to increase your dose slightly every two weeks until you are taking three tablets (15 mg) each day.

• If you are taking norethindrone for painful or heavy menstrual periods, the usual dose is between half and two tablets each day (2.5 mg-10 mg) for five to ten days in each menstrual cycle.

• Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. You can take norethindrone tablets either before or after meals.

• Try to take your doses at the same times of day, as this will help you to remember to take them.

• Si olvida tomar una dosis a la hora habitual, tómela en cuanto se acuerde, a menos que sea casi la hora de la siguiente, en cuyo caso no tome la dosis olvidada. Recuerde tomar la siguiente dosis cuando le corresponda, pero no tome dos dosis juntas para compensar la dosis olvidada.

Aproveche al máximo su tratamiento

• Try to keep all your regular appointments with your physician. This is so your physician can check on your progress.

• You should avoid getting pregnant as norethindrone can affect a developing baby. Use barrier methods of birth control (such as a condom) if you have sex whilst taking norethindrone. If you need further birth control (contraception) advice, speak with your physician.

• If you have diabetes you may need to check your blood sugar (glucose) more frequently, as norethindrone can affect the levels of sugar in your blood. Your physician will be able to advise you about this.

• If you are due to have surgery or any medical treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are taking norethindrone.

Norethindrone side effects and problems

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the most common ones associated with norethindrone. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your physician or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

Important: norethindrone can also have some serious side-effects, although these occur only rarely. If you experience any of the following symptoms, stop taking the tablets and contact your physician for advice straightaway:

• Cualquier sensación de dolor u opresión en el pecho.

• Cualquier alteración de su visión o audición.

• Cualquier dolor de cabeza inusualmente fuerte.

• Coloración amarillenta de la piel o del blanco de los ojos (ictericia).

Si experimenta cualquier otro síntoma que considere que puede deberse a este medicamento, consulte a su médico o farmacéutico.

How to store norethindrone tablets

• Mantenga todos los medicamentos fuera del alcance y de la vista de los niños.

• Almacenar en un lugar fresco y seco, lejos del calor y la luz directos.

Información importante sobre todos los medicamentos