Norgeston Tablets

The active ingredient in Norgeston contraceptive pills is a synthetic progestogen called levonorgestrel. This synthetic progestogen is like the natural progestogens produced by the body. Norgeston works to prevent pregnancy in three main ways:

• Levonorgestrel increases the thickness of the natural mucus found at the cervix. This makes it difficult for sperm to cross from the vagina into the womb. Since the likelihood if the sperm entering the womb decreases, the chances of successful fertilization and pregnancy are also decreased.
• The quality of the lining in the womb is also affected by Levonorgestrel. These alterations make it difficult for fertilized eggs to implant onto the wall of the womb.
• Levonorgestrel may also prevent the release of eggs from the ovaries.

Some benefits of Norgeston include:

• It is a convenient and reversible method of birth control if used the right way.
• It does not cause any interruptions in sexual intercourse.

Norgeston comes in a blister strip of 35 pills. These pills need to be swallowed whole with a glass of water and should not be chewed or crushed.

Each pill is marked with the day of the week. Start taking the pill according to the day of the week and continue to take all 35 pills a day until the pack finishes. Take the pill at the same time every day and ensure that you never take the pill more than 3 hours late as it may interfere with the contraceptive results and reduce protection.

Side Effects

Like all medicines, Norgeston may have some side effects that may or may not occur in the users. Below are some common side effects associated with Norgeston:

• Changes in menstrual bleeding
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Dizziness
• Headache/migraine.
• Difference in sex drive.
• Changes in weight
• Breast tenderness.
• Depression
• Cysts on the ovaries.
• Skin problems

Since everyone reacts to medicines differently, this may not be a complete list of all possible side effects. If you notice other effects not mentioned above, contact your physician right away. You can contact your pharmacist or doctor to discuss the associated risks of this medicine in more detail.

Warnings

Here are some things to consider before taking Norgeston:

• Norgeston does not provide protection against STDs and you may still need condoms for full protection from such infections.
• Progesterone only pills like Norgeston tend to cause menstrual irregularities such as missed periods or irregular cycles. These may disappear after some time. However, if irregularities persist, contact your doctor for more information.
• Women on hormonal contraceptives like Norgeston have a slightly increased risk of developing breast cancer as compared to women who do not use them. You can discuss the risks and benefits of using Norgeston with your doctor.
• Women who fall pregnant while on progesterone only contraceptives such as Norgeston may have a greater risk of ectopic pregnancy as compared to women using other forms of contraception. Consult your doctor right away, if you feel abdominal pain and irregularities in your periods.

Precautions

While on Norgeston, you should:

• Visit your gynaecologist or GP for regular check ups
• Regularly get cervical smear tests.
• Perform self-examination of your breasts and nipples every month. Inform your doctor if you see any lumps or dimpling.
• Tell your doctor about Norgeston before you take a blood test or operation.

High-Risk Groups

High-risk groups for Norgeston include:

• Women with a history of artery disease such as stroke, angina or heart attack.
• Women with an undiagnosed breast lump or gene mutations associated with breast cancer
• Diabetic women
• Women who suffer from active liver disease
• Women with Crohn's disease
• Women who have noticed irregular brown patches appearing on the skin during pregnancy or previous use of a contraceptive pill
• Women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Norgeston is indicated as:

• Contraception