Norgeston

Norgeston is a daily contraceptive pill used by adult women to prevent pregnancy. It contains levonorgestrel, a synthetic version of the natural hormone ‘progestogen’, which helps prevent the fertilisation and possible implantation of the egg by thickening the cervical mucus and thinning the womb lining.

Norgeston works due to the effects of its primary active ingredient, levonorgestrel, on the female body. Levonorgestrel thickens the mucus in the cervix, stopping sperm from reaching and fertilising an egg. In the event an egg is fertilised, Norgeston prevents the egg from implanting by thinning the womb lining. In some cases, Norgeston can also cause ovulation to stop.

Norgeston helps prevent pregnancy immediately if treatment is commenced on the first day of the menstrual cycle. If Norgeston is started on any other day, it may not prevent pregnancy as effectively, and in this case, it is advisable to use additional contraception, such as condoms, for at least seven days.

Take one Norgeston pill every day at the same time each day, starting on the day of your period. Do not take a break between packs and do not delay taking the pill on any given day by more than 3 hours after the usual time you take it. Norgeston pills should always be swallowed whole with a glass of water.

Norgeston is up to 99% effective when taken correctly. If a dose of Norgeston is missed, or if Norgeston is not used as per the instructions in the patient information leaflet, then it may not be as effective at preventing pregnancy. Regular and correct use, without taking breaks between packs, is crucial for maximum effectiveness at preventing unplanned pregnancy.

Norgeston can be taken by most healthy, adult women. Women who are pregnant (or may be pregnant) should not take Norgeston. Furthermore, you should not take Norgeston if you have breast cancer, liver disease, unexplained vaginal bleeding, thrombosis, or heart disease (including stroke).

It is strongly recommended to consult with a doctor or GP before taking Norgeston.

If you forget to take a Norgeston pill, and less than three hours have passed since the time you normally take a dose, take one pill immediately and follow the normal dosage schedule thereafter (one pill per day at the same time each day without a break between packs).

If you have missed a dose of Norgeston and more than three hours have passed since you normally take a dose, continue taking Norgeston pills at the usual time and use barrier contraceptives (such as condoms) while doing so for at least seven days to minimise the probability of getting pregnant. 

Norgeston does not stop periods for all women. Some women will find that their periods stop, while others may experience spotting or lighter periods. Each woman's response can vary, and changes in bleeding patterns are common but typically not harmful.

Spotting and irregular bleeding are common in the first few months of taking Norgeston. This is usually not a cause for concern unless it persists or is heavy.

Norgeston may cause weight gain due to the effects of the active ingredient, Levonorgestrel, on fluid retention, appetite and metabolism. Research suggests that Norgeston can affect hunger regulation, the distribution of fat stored by the body, and the body’s balance of water and salt. These factors may result in weight gain in some individuals depending on their body’s response to treatment.

You can buy Norgeston from Pharmica after completing a quick online consultation to determine suitability.