Norimin Contraceptive Pill

Norimin Contraceptive Pill

How does Norimin work to prevent pregnancy?

Norimin works by combining the effects of two hormones, ethinylestradiol and norethisterone (an oestrogen and a progestogen), to prevent pregnancy from occurring.

Together, these hormones work in three main ways:

1. Stopping ovulation so no egg is released each month
2. Thickening the mucus at the cervix, making it harder for sperm to reach an egg
3. Thinning the lining of the womb, making it less likely for a fertilised egg to implant

Norimin doesn’t protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV. If protection against STIs is needed, a condom should be used alongside the pill.

Who can take Norimin?

Norimin is suitable for adult women who need oral contraception.

Don’t take Norimin if you:

• Are allergic to norethisterone, ethinylestradiol or any other ingredient in the tablets
• Are pregnant or think you might be pregnant
• Have ever had a blood clot in the legs, lungs, brain or elsewhere, or have a family history of blood clotting problems including deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
• Have had swelling of a vein caused by a blood clot
• Have had a heart attack, stroke or angina, or currently have angina
• Have or have had high levels of fats in the blood or other disorders of body fats
• Have or have had cancer of the breast, cervix, vagina or womb
• Have had unexplained jaundice, severe itching of the whole body, or a blistering rash during pregnancy
• Have or have had severe chronic liver disease, liver tumours, or certain rare liver conditions (Dubin-Johnson or Rotor syndrome)
• Have or have had unexplained vaginal bleeding
• Have or have had severe migraines
• Have hepatitis C and are taking certain antiviral medicines (see Warnings and Precautions for details)

Speak to your doctor before taking Norimin if you have or have had any of the following:

• Migraines or headaches
• Visual disturbances
• Asthma or epilepsy
• Heart or blood vessel disease, or high blood pressure
• Kidney or liver problems
• Diabetes
• Multiple sclerosis
• Breast problems of any kind
• Varicose veins
• Severe depression
• Fibroids in the womb or irregular periods
• Gallstones
• Sickle-cell anaemia
• Otosclerosis (an inherited form of deafness)
• Porphyria
• Brown patches on the skin (chloasma)
• Any condition that tends to worsen during pregnancy

Some women using hormonal contraceptives, including Norimin, have experienced depression or low mood. If you notice mood changes or depressive symptoms, speak to your doctor as soon as possible.

How To Take Norimin Combined Contraceptive Pill

Take 1 pill daily, taking the pill around the same time each day. Norimin can be taken with or without food.

• Take your first tablet on day 1 of your period
• Swallow it whole with a glass of water
• Continue taking one tablet each day for 21 days until the strip is finished
• Stop for 7 days – you’ll usually have a withdrawal bleed during this time, completing your menstrual cycle
• Start your next pack after the 7-day break, whether or not the bleeding has stopped
• You’ll always restart on the same day of the week

Side Effects of Norimin

Like all medicines, Norimin can cause side effects, though not everyone gets them.

• Feeling sick
• Stomach upset
• Headache
• High blood pressure
• Weight gain
• Changes in appetite
• Depression
• Swollen or tender breasts
• Change in sex drive
• Irregular vaginal bleeding
• Worsening of womb disorders
• Changes in the way your body breaks down sugars, fats or vitamins

Stop taking Norimin and contact your doctor straight away if you notice any of the following, as these may be signs of a blood clot or other serious condition:

• Coughing up blood
• Swelling or tenderness in your stomach
• A sudden sharp or severe pain in the chest
• Sudden shortness of breath or painful breathing
• Painful or inflamed veins in your legs
• A first attack of migraine, or migraines that get worse, particularly with visual disturbances, weakness in the limbs, or loss of sensation
• Sudden severe headaches
• Dizziness or fainting
• Problems with your vision or speech
• Swelling of the face, tongue or throat, difficulty swallowing or hives with difficulty breathing

Allergic Reaction

Call an ambulance immediately if you experience sudden wheeziness, difficulty breathing, chest pain, fever, sudden swellings, rash or itching affecting the whole body.

If you get any side effects not listed here, tell your doctor or pharmacist. You can also report side effects directly via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.

Norimin Ingredients

Active ingredients: norethisterone 1mg and ethinylestradiol 0.035mg per tablet

Other ingredients: maize starch, polyvidone, magnesium stearate and lactose

Norimin contains lactose. If your doctor has told you that you have an intolerance to some sugars, speak to your doctor before taking this medicine.

Warnings and Precautions

• Norimin doesn’t protect against sexually transmitted infections including HIV. Use a condom alongside the pill for protection against STIs.
• Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines you’re taking, including herbal remedies. Several medicines can reduce how well Norimin works, including St John’s Wort, certain epilepsy medicines, HIV medicines, antibiotics and antifungals.
• Don’t take Norimin if you have hepatitis C and are taking medicines containing ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir, dasabuvir, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir or sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/voxilaprevir, as these can cause increases in liver enzyme levels.
• If you need surgery, tell your doctor you’re taking Norimin. You may need to stop taking it around 4 weeks before the operation and wait until at least 2 weeks after, or until you’re fully mobile.
• Norimin may interfere with some laboratory tests. Tell your doctor or nurse if you need to give samples for testing.
• If you miss a period while taking Norimin, speak to your doctor or pharmacist. A pregnancy test may be needed before continuing.
• Taking too many tablets at once may cause nausea, vaginal bleeding or breast swelling. Contact your doctor or go to your nearest A&E if this happens.
• Norimin is not known to affect the ability to drive or use machinery.
• Store below 25°C in the original packaging to protect from light and moisture.
• Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
• Don’t use after the expiry date printed on the carton and blister strip.
• Don’t dispose of medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines you no longer need.