Noriday

Noriday is used by adult women as a one-a-day pill to prevent pregnancy. It contains the synthetic progestogen ‘norethisterone’, which helps prevent pregnancy through various mechanisms affecting uterine lining thickness, cervical mucus viscosity, and ovulation.

Noriday works by thickening the mucus in the cervix, making it more difficult for sperm to reach and fertilise an egg in the ovaries. Noriday also makes the lining of the womb thinner such that a fertilised egg cannot be implanted. In some cases, Noriday can help prevent the release of an egg from the ovaries (known as ovulation).

Noriday can start providing contraceptive protection if taken on the first day of your period. If started later, it may take seven days for full protection to start taking effect, during which time an additional contraceptive method, such as condoms, should be used.

Swallow one Noriday pill per day with water, commencing treatment on the first day of the menstrual cycle, and continue to take one pill daily at the same time each day without breaks. If a Noriday pill is taken more than three hours after the time it is usually taken on any given day, it is advisable to use additional contraception such as condoms for at least 7 subsequent days.

Noriday is 99% effective when taken correctly. If a dose of Noriday is missed or taken incorrectly, or if certain medications are used concurrently, then Noriday may not be as effective at preventing pregnancy. Noriday is most effective when pills are consistently taken every day at the same time each day with no breaks between packs.

Noriday should not be taken by individuals who are allergic to norethisterone or any other ingredients in the tablet (see the patient information leaflet for details). In addition, Noriday should not be taken by individuals who are pregnant or may be pregnant. Women affected by breast cancer, liver disease, unexplained vaginal bleeding, thrombosis, or heart disease (including stroke) should not take Noriday. Always consult a pharmacist or GP before taking any treatment.

If you miss a Noriday pill and it has been more than three hours since the usual time you take a dose of Noriday, take one pill as soon as possible and then continue to take the remaining pills at the usual time. If it has been more than three hours since the usual time you take a dose of Noriday, then the effectiveness of Noriday may be reduced. In this case, it is recommended to use condoms or other barrier contraceptives for at least the next two days while continuing to take your pills at the usual time.

Noriday does not stop periods completely. Individuals taking Noriday may experience irregular and/or light or heavy periods. It is important to remember that this is normal with taking any progestogen-only pill such as Noriday, particularly in the initial months of use.

You can take Noriday up to three hours after the usual time you take a pill on any given day. Taking a Noriday pill later than this period can reduce its effectiveness in preventing pregnancy.

Noriday may cause weight gain in some cases, but it is uncommon. The active ingredient in Noriday, norethisterone, can increase fluid retention and may affect appetite, resulting in changes to the individual’s weight. However, numerous other factors affect the extent of weight gain, including unique physiological responses to hormonal contraceptives, nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle habits.

You can buy Noriday from Pharmica after completing a quick online consultation to determine eligibility. Our friendly pharmacy team will also answer any questions you may have.