Aygestin (Norethindrone Acetate)

What is Aygestin?

Norethindrone is an orally active, synthetic progestin (a female hormone).

What is Aygestin used for?

Norethindrone is indicated for the treatment of disorders such as secondary amenorrhea, menstrual disorders, endometriosis, or abnormal vaginal bleeding caused by hormonal imbalance, submucous fibroids or uterine cancer.

It is to be noted that the medication should not be used to test pregnancy.

How does Aygestin work?

Norethindrone works by inhibiting the normal growth of the uterine lining during a menstrual cycle and causing hormonal changes in the uterus thus curing symptoms of menstrual disorders.

How to use Aygestin

Norethindrone should be used in the manner prescribed by a doctor. The dosage depends on your medical condition and response to treatment.

Norethindrone is usually taken orally once a day, with or without food. It may be taken with food to prevent stomach upset. The dosing schedule given by your doctor should be followed carefully.

To resume menstrual periods or to prevent abnormal bleeding from the uterus Norethindrone needs to be taken for 5-10 days on a daily basis during the second half of the menstrual cycle.

Do not increase or stop your dose unless otherwise directed by your doctor. However, if your condition does not improve at all or becomes worse consult your doctor immediately.

Aygestin warnings and precautions

Norethindrone is not administered to patients who are allergic to any of its ingredients.

Before taking the medication, inform your doctor about your medical conditions, especially if you are allergic to any other drug or if you have any of the following symptoms: history of blood clots, breast cancer or cancer in any other female organ, bleeding in the brain, abnormal vaginal bleeding, liver disease, missed abortion (loss of pregnancy with tissue remaining in the uterus), recent heart attack or stroke, or a family history of high blood pressure, migraine, lupus, seizures, asthma, kidney problems, high blood levels of cholesterol/fats, depression, or diabetes.

Norethindrone may increase your skin sensitivity to sunlight. So, avoid over exposure to sunlight and use a sun block. The medicine may cause dizziness. Therefore, avoid activities which require alertness or clear vision while taking this drug.

Avoid smoking while taking this drug as smoking increases your risk of a heart attack or stroke.

Norethindrone should not be taken during pregnancy, especially in the first four months of pregnancy, as it may cause harm to a fetus. You should inform your doctor before planning a pregnancy during treatment with this drug.  The medicine passes through breast milk. Therefore, lactating women are advised to discuss the possible risks and benefits of taking the drug with their doctors.

What do I do if I have missed a Aygestin dose?

If you have missed a Norethindrone dose, take it as soon as you remember. If, however, it is almost time for the next dose, the missed dose can be skipped. Do not take a double dose.

What do I do if I have taken a Aygestin overdose?

If you have taken an overdose of Norethindrone, seek emergency medical attention.

Aygestin interactions

Some drugs which may interact with Norethindrone are: azole antifungals, St.  John’s wort, anti-seizure medicines, rifampin etc.

Other drugs may also interact with Norethindrone. Hence it is necessary to inform your doctor about all the prescription/non prescription drugs/herbal medicines that you are taking, before taking this drug.

You should not start taking any new medicine, without consulting your doctor.

Aygestin side effects

Side effects from Norethindrone include allergic reactions such as swelling of tongue, face, throat; hives, redness of skin etc.  The drug may cause some very serious side effects such as blood clots in lungs or legs, heart attack, stroke, blindness, speech or vision changes, confusion, severe dizziness, fainting, pain or weakness in arms and legs, sudden severe headache, calf pain (warm to touch), troubled breathing, melasma (dark patches on skin), changes in menstrual flow, breakthrough bleeding, changes in vaginal discharge, painful urination, or depression. Contact your doctor if you witness any of these side effects.

Headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, weight gain or loss, mood swings, swelling of breasts, changes in sexual interests, hair loss, unwanted hair growth are some less serious side effects of Norethindrone.