Norimin
Norimin is an oral contraceptive. Also known as "the pill," it prevents pregnancy by modifying levels of female sex hormones in the body. Norimin, developed by Pharmacia / Pfizer - contains two ingredients, ethinylestradiol and norethisterone, synthetic forms of the natural female hormones oestrogen and progesterone. Because it contains two hormones in one tablet, Norimin is known as a combined contraceptive pill.
Norimin regulates menstruation and produces lighter, less painful periods. Because of this, it is sometimes prescribed for women with irregular, heavy or painful menstruation.
How Does Norimin Work?
A daily dose of Norimin modifies the monthly cycle of female sex hormones so that ovulation (the release of an egg) is suppressed. It thins the womb lining, so that if fertilisation should occur, the egg finds it difficult to attach itself in the womb. Norimin also thickens mucus concentrations in the vaginal area so that sperm cannot easily cross into the womb.
When you stop taking the pill every month, the drop in hormonal levels causes the womb to discharge its lining, and your period begins. It will usually be lighter and shorter than it would be were you not taking the pill.
Norimin Dosage
Each Norimin tablet contains 35 micrograms of ethinylestradiol, and 1 mg of norethisterone.
How Often is Norimin Taken?
Start taking Norimin on the first day of your period for immediate pregnancy prevention. Norimin is then taken daily for 21 days, after which you stop taking it for seven days. After seven days, the 21-days-on, 7-days-off cycle is repeated every four weeks.
During the seven days you are off the pill, you'll get a menstrual period. When the seven days are up, start taking the pill again, even if you're still bleeding. Pregnancy will be prevented even during the week you're not taking the pill.
This oral contraceptive comes in a calendar pack displaying every day of the four-week cycle. It will help you to remember which day you are on in your pill-taking routine.
How Effective is Norimin?
Taken as directed, Norimin is almost 100% effective at preventing pregnancy.
Norimin Side Effects
Common side effects associated with Norimin include:
- Change in monthly bleeding/breakthrough bleeding/spotting
- Migraine/headache
- Breast tenderness/enlargement
- Fluid retention
- Weight changes
- Candidiasis
- Rash
- Depression
- Nausea/vomiting
- Decreased libido
- Brown patches on the skin
- Elevated blood pressure
What Other Medications Affect Norimin?
There are numerous medicines that can render this oral contraceptive ineffective at preventing pregnancy. Let your doctor know if you are taking:
- St. John's wort
- Phenobarbital
- Barbiturates
- Oxcarbazepine
- Rifampicin
- Carbamazepine
- Nevirapine
- Ritonavir
- Topiramate
- Phenytoin
- Aprepitant
- Modafinil
- Bosentan
- Eslicarbazepine
- Primidone
- Rifabutin
Who Should Not Take Norimin
Women who may be pregnant, are breastfeeding, smoke more than 40 cigarettes per day, or are over the age of 50 should not take this medicine. Do not take Norimin if you have a history of: Blood clots or blood disorders Systemic lupus erythematosus Strokes Heart conditions Cancer Liver disease
The combined contraceptive pill should also be avoided by anyone with:
- Hypertension
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Migraines
- Vaginal bleeding of unknown origin
- Gallstones
