Description

Norgeston is an oral contraceptive pill (the ‘mini Pill’). You take it to stop you getting pregnant. Norgeston contains a type of female sex hormone, called a progestogen. This hormone stops you getting pregnant by working in three ways: by making the fluid (mucus) in your cervix thicker, which makes it more difficult for sperm to enter the womb; by preventing the lining of your womb thickening enough for an egg to grow in it; and in some women it also stops the ovary releasing an egg each month (ovulation).

Norgeston is taken every day without a break. You take a pill every day for 35 days.

Norgeston needs to be taken as directed to prevent pregnancy.

The likelihood of getting pregnant is slightly higher if you take a progestogen-only pill (POP) such as Norgeston than with some other medicines for hormonal contraception such as combined hormonal contraceptives containing an oestrogen and a progestogen. Your doctor can provide further information on this. The effect of Norgeston is similar to that of other POPs. The failure rate may increase if pills are missed or taken incorrectly.

The benefits of taking the Pill include:

▪ it is one of the most reliable reversible methods of contraception if used correctly
▪ it doesn’t interrupt sex

Norgeston will not protect you against sexually transmitted infections, such as Chlamydia or HIV. Only condoms can help to do this.

Uses / Instructions

Take ONE tablet daily for 35 days

Warnings

▪ You will need regular check-ups with your doctor or family planning nurse, usually when
you need another prescription of the Pill.
▪ You should go for regular cervical smear tests.
▪ Check your breasts and nipples every month for changes – tell your doctor if you can see
or feel anything odd, such as lumps or dimpling of the skin.
▪ If you need a blood test tell your doctor that you are taking the Pill, because the Pill can
affect the results of some tests.
▪ If you’re going to have an operation, make sure your doctor knows about it. You may need to stop taking the Pill about 4–6 weeks before the operation. This is to reduce the risk
of a blood clot. Your doctor will tell you when you can start taking the Pill again.

Side Effects

Possible side effects:

▪ bleeding and spotting between your periods
▪ no periods
▪ allergic reactions, including wheezing, rash or reddened skin.
▪ depressive moods, loss of interest in sex
▪ headaches or migraine
▪ dizziness
▪ feeling sick or being sick
▪ putting on weight or losing weight.

See patient information leaflet for more details.