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Norethindrone

Pronounced

"nor-ETH-in-drone"

Common brand names:

Norlutate

Uses

This medication is used to treat women with abnormal bleeding from the uterus. It is also used to treat women who have stopped having menstrual periods for several months (amenorrhea) but who are not pregnant or going through menopause. In addition, this medication is used to treat a condition (endometriosis) in which tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus is found outside the uterus in the abdomen/pelvic area, causing painful/irregular periods. Norethindrone is a type of hormone (progestin). It is like the hormone progesterone that your body makes naturally. This medication works by stopping the normal growth of the uterus lining during the menstrual cycle and signaling hormone changes in the uterus to restore normal menstrual periods.

This medication must not be used to test for pregnancy.

Progestins are not effective in preventing miscarriages.

How to Use This Medication

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using this drug and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth as prescribed by your doctor. You may take it with food or after a meal to prevent stomach upset. Follow the dosing schedule carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.

For the treatment of stopped menstrual periods and abnormal bleeding from the uterus, take this drug as directed by your doctor, usually once daily for 5 to 10 days during the second half of the planned menstrual cycle. Withdrawal bleeding usually occurs within 3 to 7 days after you stop taking the medication.

Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.

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Drug information is selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First DataBank, Inc. This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your healthcare professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective or appropriate for you.

This information is intended only for residents of the United States. Products sold under the same brand names in other countries may contain different ingredients.

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Information expires December 2025.