Norethisterone 350microgram tablets
Requires a prescription from a doctor or prescriber
Official documents, adverse reaction reporting, and safety monitoring
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Safety monitoring data
Yellow Card reports
The MHRA Yellow Card scheme collects reports of suspected side effects from healthcare professionals and patients. View the Drug Analysis Profile (iDAP) for real-world adverse reaction data.
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Suspected adverse reactions reported for Norethisterone
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Data from the MHRA Yellow Card scheme. A reported reaction does not necessarily mean the medicine caused it. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
EudraVigilance
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) collects suspected adverse reaction reports from across the EU/EEA through the EudraVigilance system. Search for safety data on this medicine.
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Suspected adverse reactions reported for Norethisterone
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3 branded products available
Part of the Micronor brand family (generic: Norethisterone)
MHRA licensed products
View all licensed products for Norethisterone on the MHRA register
Noriday 350microgram tablets
This is the NHS Drug Tariff indicative price used for reimbursement purposes. It may not reflect the price paid by patients or pharmacies.
View full Drug TariffSource: NHS Drug Tariff via NHSBSA. Derived from dm+d VMPP (Virtual Medicinal Product Pack) pricing data. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
WHO defined daily dose (DDD)
5 mg
Not a recommended dose. The DDD is the assumed average maintenance dose per day for a drug used for its main indication in adults. It is a statistical measure used for research and comparison purposes only.
Source: WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology, distributed via the NHS dm+d supplementary BNF/ATC mapping files (NHSBSA). Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Therapeutically similar medicines
Similarity is based on WHO Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) classification and on a factual NHS dm+d therapeutic-grouping code prefix. Source data: NHS dm+d via TRUD (OGL v3.0), WHO ATC/DDD Index.
NHS prescribing volume and spending trends
Guidelines from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence
NICE clinical guidance(6)
Relugolix–estradiol–norethisterone acetate for treating moderate to severe symptoms of uterine fibroids (TA832)
Linzagolix for treating symptoms of endometriosis (TA1067)
Relugolix–estradiol–norethisterone for treating symptoms of endometriosis (TA1057)
Linzagolix for treating moderate to severe symptoms of uterine fibroids (TA996)
Heavy menstrual bleeding: assessment and management (NG88)
Endometriosis: diagnosis and management (NG73)
Source: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
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Supply & safety information
Official UK regulator monitoring and safety alerts
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Codes for healthcare professionals and prescribing systems
These codes are used by healthcare IT systems and prescribers to identify this medicine.
NHS UK identifiers
Browse tools
SNOMED CT and dm+d codes from NHS TRUD (Technology Reference data Update Distribution), licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. BNF code shown is the factual mapping value distributed by NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) in the dm+d supplementary file under OGL v3.0; it is not affiliated with, nor licensed from, the publishers of the British National Formulary. ATC codes from the WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology (whocc.no).
Active and completed clinical studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
Source: ClinicalTrials.gov, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM), National Institutes of Health (NIH). Data accessed via ClinicalTrials.gov API v2. Trial information is provided for research purposes and does not constitute medical advice.
Academic studies and reviews for this medicine's active substance
Showing the 50 most relevant studies.
Reviews & meta-analyses: 17 · Randomised trials: 13 · 1960–2026
Showing the 50 most relevant studies, sorted by most relevant.
G. Irvine, M. Campbell‐Brown, M. Lumsden, et al.
BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 1998
G. Irvine, M. Campbell‐Brown, M. Lumsden, et al.
British journal of obstetrics and gynaecology, 1998
Yushan Li, Xiao Chen, Xingji Gong, et al.
European journal of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive biology, 2023
Yao Y, Xu S, Wang T, et al.
2024
- Endometrial Hyperplasia
- Metformin
- Levonorgestrel
BackgroundEndometrial hyperplasia (EH) is a hyperplastic endometrial lesion with irregular gland size, increased glands, and increased glandular interstitial ratio. During follow-up, some EH progressed further to endometrial cancer. It is crucial to provide timely treatment for EH and improve the overall prognosis of EH patients.MethodsWe searched the PubMed, ClinicalTrials.gov., and Embase databases for studies published from their inception to March 31, 2023. The methodological quality of each study was evaluated in accordance with the Cochrane Collaboration's tool for assessing the risk of bias. The RevMan5.3 software provided by the Cochrane Collaboration was used for direct meta-analysis statistical analysis; and the relative risk and 95% confidence interval along with the mean difference and 95% confidence interval, were used as evaluation indexes.ResultsWe included 21 randomized controlled trials involving a total of 2276 women with EH, 6 studies were of high quality, and 15 were of moderate quality. The blinding of subjects and intervention providers was identified as the main source of potential bias. Six interventions were addressed in the network meta-analysis: medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), plus metformin, norethisterone (NET), levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUD), megestrol acetate, and other drugs. In the direct meta-analysis, we found the probability of endometrial complete regression (CR) in the LNG-IUD group to be significantly higher than those in the NET. In the network meta-analysis, we found the probability of CR in the NET group to be significantly lower than those in the MPA and plus metformin groups, the probability of CR in the LNG-IUD group to be significantly higher than those in the NET, the probability of CR in the other drugs group to be significantly higher than those in the LNG-IUD. The NET group had the lowest incidences of endometrial complete regression, plus metformin could have a better outcome.ConclusionAccording to the 21 randomized controlled trials included in this study, MPA is the most effective for EH endometrial outcome when applied as a single agent, while the combination of metformin can achieve a more significant effect.
Abstract licence: CC BY-NC
Devi S, V H, Mohan R, et al.
2025
Abnormal uterine bleeding due to ovulatory dysfunction (AUB-O) is a frequent gynecological problem affecting women of reproductive and perimenopausal age. While norethisterone, a synthetic progestogen, has been widely used for medical management, ormeloxifene, a selective estrogen receptor modulator, has recently emerged as a promising alternative. The objective of this study is to compare the efficacy and safety of ormeloxifene versus norethisterone in the treatment of AUB-O. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and registered with PROSPERO (CRD42024514294). A comprehensive search of PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library was performed up to 2025. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials and prospective comparative studies evaluating ormeloxifene against norethisterone in women with AUB-O. Outcomes assessed were hemoglobin improvement, reduction in endometrial thickness, and change in Pictorial Blood Assessment Chart (PBAC) score. Data were extracted independently by two authors and analyzed using RevMan 5.4 (The Cochrane Collaboration, Oxford, UK) with a random-effects model. Five studies comprising 661 women were included (331 received ormeloxifene; 330 received norethisterone). Ormeloxifene significantly improved hemoglobin levels compared with norethisterone (standardized mean difference (SMD) = 0.81 g/dL, 95% CI 0.14-1.47; p < 0.00001; I² = 93%). It was also superior in reducing endometrial thickness (SMD = -0.74 mm, 95% CI -1.48 to -0.01; p < 0.00001; I² = 91%) and lowering PBAC scores (SMD = -1.06, 95% CI -1.25 to -0.87; p < 0.00001; I² = 0%). This meta-analysis suggests that ormeloxifene is more effective than norethisterone in improving clinical outcomes of AUB-O, with better control of menstrual blood loss, hemoglobin levels, and endometrial thickness. Larger, high-quality multicenter trials with longer follow-up are warranted to confirm long-term safety and efficacy.
Abstract licence: CC BY
Weijuan Cui, Ling Zhao
Frontiers in Endocrinology, 2023
Theresa A Lawrie, J. Hofmeyr, M. Jager, et al.
BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 1998
Qian Z, Velu P, Prabahar K, et al.
2025
- Testosterone
- Estradiol
- Norethindrone
Douxfils J, Didembourg M, Maitrot-Mantelet L, et al.
2026
BackgroundRelugolix, an oral GnRH receptor antagonist, is effective in treating uterine myomas and endometriosis. However, concerns persist regarding the venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk associated with its combination with oral estradiol (E2) and norethisterone acetate (NETA).ObjectiveThis expert opinion evaluates the thrombotic risk of relugolix combined therapy (relugolix-CT) based on pharmacological data, clinical trials, and regulatory assessments.MethodsA review of pivotal trials (LIBERTY 1, LIBERTY 2, SPIRIT 1, SPIRIT 2), regulatory reports (European Medicines Agency, Food and Drug Administration), and real-world safety data was conducted, focusing on hemostatic effects and VTE risk.ResultsRelugolix monotherapy reduces estrogen levels, leading to minor decreases in coagulation factors. While E2 and NETA mitigate hypoestrogenic effects, concerns about their prothrombotic potential remain. However, clinical trials and postmarketing surveillance have not shown a significant increase in VTE risk. A meta-analysis suggests that E2-based regimens have a lower thrombotic risk than ethinylestradiol-based therapies.ConclusionThe VTE risk of relugolix-CT appears lower than that of traditional combined oral contraceptives. Nonetheless, patient selection is essential, particularly for those with thrombotic risk factors. Continued real-world surveillance is crucial to refining its safety profile in clinical practice.
Abstract licence: CC BY-NC-ND
Wenjuan Tao, X-Z Cai, Mohammad Khaldoun Al Masri, et al.
Steroids, 2022
Sources: aggregated from Europe PMC (EMBL-EBI), OpenAlex, Crossref, PubMed and other open scholarly databases. Retracted articles are excluded. Study information is provided for research purposes and does not constitute medical advice.
Pharmacology and chemical data from DrugBank
Key facts
Drug status
Approved
Major interactions
None known
Half-life
8-10 hours
Mechanism
On a molecular level, progestins like norethisterone exert their effects on targ…
Food interactions
1 warning
Human targets
3 targets
Data: DrugBank · CC BY-NC 4.0
Pharmacokinetics at a glance
Absorption
5.39 to 7.36 ng/mL
Half-life
8-10 hours
[A188072][A188069][A10367][L9527][L10313]
Protein binding
38%
[A188072][L10307]
Volume of distribution
4 L/kg
[A188072][L10307]…
Metabolism
[A188078]…
Elimination
50%
[A182033]…
Clearance
0.4 L/h
Pharmacokinetic data: DrugBank · CC BY-NC 4.0
[L10313][L10307]
In combination with an estrogen component, oral norethisterone is also indicated as a hormone replacement therapy in the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis and moderate-to-severe vasomotor symptoms arising from menopause.
[L10304]
When applied via transdermal patch, the combination of norethisterone and estradiol is indicated for the treatment of hypoestrogenism, vulvovaginal atrophy, and moderate-severe vasomotor symptoms.
[L10301]
Norethisterone, taken in combination with intramuscular [leuprolide], is also indicated for the symptomatic treatment of endometriosis-related pain.
[L10310]
Known interactions with other medications. Always consult a healthcare professional.
Showing 50 of 925 interactions
[L10433]
There have been no reports of serious ill effects following overdose of oral contraceptives, including following ingestion by children.
[L10307][L10313]
Symptoms of overdosage are likely to be consistent with the adverse effect profile of the contraceptive and may, therefore, include significant nausea and/or vomiting.
When used as a component of hormone replacement therapy in menopausal women, norethisterone’s value is mainly in suppressing the growth of the endometrium.[A188156] As estrogen stimulates endometrial growth, the unopposed use of estrogen in postmenopausal women with an intact uterus can lead to endometrial hyperplasia which can increase the risk of endometrial cancer. The addition of a progestin to a hormone replacement therapy in this population protects against this endometrial hyperplasia and, therefore, lowers the risk associated with the use of hormone replacement therapies.
Norethisterone, along with other progestins and endogenous progesterone, has a low affinity for other steroid receptors, such as the androgen receptor and glucocorticoid receptor.[A10367][A188075] While affinity and agonistic activity at these receptors is minimal, it is thought that androgen receptor agonism is responsible for some of the adverse effects observed with progestin use (e.g. acne, serum lipid changes).[A10367]
How the body processes this drug — absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination
[L9527][L10304][L10307]
AUC0-24 values following single oral doses range from approximately 30 to 37 ng*hr/mL.
[L9527][L10304][L10307]
The oral bioavailability of norethisterone is approximately 64%.
[L10307]
When applied transdermally, norethisterone is well-absorbed through the skin, reaches steady-state concentrations within 24 hours, and has a Cmax ranging from 617 to 1060 pg/mL at steady state.
[L10301]
Norethisterone is often formulated as norethisterone acetate, which is completely and rapidly deacetylated to norethisterone following oral administration - the disposition of norethisterone acetate is indistinguishable from that of orally administered norethisterone.
[L10307]
[A188072][A188069][A10367][L9527][L10313]
[A188072][L10307]
[A188072][L10307]
Sulfated metabolites of norethisterone, as well as small quantities of parent drug, have been shown to distribute into breast milk.
[A188153]
[A188078]
The enzymes predominantly involved are 3α- and 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD) as well as 5α- and 5β-reductase.
[A188078][A188075]
The 5α-reduced metabolites, including 5α-dihydronorethisterone and its derivatives, appear to carry biological activity while the 5β-reduced metabolites appear inactive.
[A188075]
Norethisterone and its metabolites are also extensively conjugated - most of the plasmatic metabolites are sulfate conjugates, while most of the urinary metabolites are glucuronide conjugates.
[A188072][L10307]
The major metabolites in plasma are a disulfate conjugate of 3α,5α-tetrahydronorethisterone and a monosulfate conjugate of 3α,5β-tetrahydronorethisterone, while the major metabolite(s) in the urine are comprised of glucuronide and/or sulfate conjugates of 3α,5β-tetrahydronorethisterone.
[A188150]
Norethisterone has also been observed to undergo some degree of metabolism via the cytochrome P450 enzyme system, predominantly by CYP3A4 and, to a much lesser extent, by CYP2C19, CYP1A2, and CYP2A6.
[A35871]
The metabolites generated by these reactions have not been fully characterized.
[A182033]
[A188147]
Proteins and enzymes this drug interacts with in the body
PMID:19022849
Transcription factor activity is modulated by bound coactivator and corepressor proteins like ZBTB7A that recruits NCOR1 and NCOR2 to the androgen response elements/ARE on target genes, negatively regulating androgen receptor signaling and androgen-induced cell proliferation .
PMID:20812024
Transcription activation is also down-regulated by NR0B2. Activated, but not phosphorylated, by HIPK3 and ZIPK/DAPK3
PMID:27120390 PMID:37478846
Has a dual mode of action: as a transcription factor that binds to glucocorticoid response elements (GRE), both for nuclear and mitochondrial DNA, and as a modulator of other transcription factors .
PMID:28139699
Affects inflammatory responses, cellular proliferation and differentiation in target tissues. Involved in chromatin remodeling .
PMID:9590696
Plays a role in rapid mRNA degradation by binding to the 5' UTR of target mRNAs and interacting with PNRC2 in a ligand-dependent manner which recruits the RNA helicase UPF1 and the mRNA-decapping enzyme DCP1A, leading to RNA decay .
PMID:25775514
Could act as a coactivator for STAT5-dependent transcription upon growth hormone (GH) stimulation and could reveal an essential role of hepatic GR in the control of body growth (By similarity)
Enzymes involved in drug metabolism — important for understanding drug interactions
Proteins that transport this drug across cell membranes
PMID:2897240 PMID:35970996 PMID:8898203 PMID:9038218 PMID:35507548
Catalyzes the flop of phospholipids from the cytoplasmic to the exoplasmic leaflet of the apical membrane. Participates mainly to the flop of phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, beta-D-glucosylceramides and sphingomyelins .
PMID:8898203
Energy-dependent efflux pump responsible for decreased drug accumulation in multidrug-resistant cells PMID:2897240 PMID:35970996 PMID:9038218
Proteins that carry this drug through the body
PMID:19021548
Major calcium and magnesium transporter in plasma, binds approximately 45% of circulating calcium and magnesium in plasma (By similarity).
Potentially has more than two calcium-binding sites and might additionally bind calcium in a non-specific manner (By similarity). The shared binding site between zinc and calcium at residue Asp-273 suggests a crosstalk between zinc and calcium transport in the blood (By similarity). The rank order of affinity is zinc > calcium > magnesium (By similarity).
Binds to the bacterial siderophore enterobactin and inhibits enterobactin-mediated iron uptake of E.coli from ferric transferrin, and may thereby limit the utilization of iron and growth of enteric bacteria such as E.coli .
PMID:6234017
Does not prevent iron uptake by the bacterial siderophore aerobactin PMID:6234017
Regulates the plasma metabolic clearance rate of steroid hormones by controlling their plasma concentration
ATC H01CC53
ATC H01CC54
ATC G03AA05
ATC G03DC02
ATC G03AB04
ATC G03AC01
ATC G03FA01
ATC G03FB05
Chemical identifiers
CAS, UNII, InChI Key and database cross-references
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Chemical identifiers
CAS, UNII, InChI Key and database cross-references
Linked compound data from DrugBank Open Data (CC BY-NC 4.0)
Norethisterone
Additional database identifiers
Drugs Product Database (DPD)
7500
Drugs Product Database (DPD)
7498
ChemSpider
5994
BindingDB
50148732
PDB
NDR
ZINC
ZINC000085205451
HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC)
HGNC:8910
GenAtlas
PGR
GeneCards
PGR
GenBank Gene Database
X51730
GenBank Protein Database
35652
Guide to Pharmacology
627
UniProt Accession
PRGR_HUMAN
HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC)
HGNC:644
GenAtlas
AR
GeneCards
AR
GenBank Gene Database
M20132
GenBank Protein Database
178628
Guide to Pharmacology
628
UniProt Accession
ANDR_HUMAN
HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC)
HGNC:7978
GenAtlas
NR3C1
GeneCards
NR3C1
GenBank Gene Database
X03225
GenBank Protein Database
31680
Guide to Pharmacology
625
UniProt Accession
GCR_HUMAN
HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC)
HGNC:2637
GenAtlas
CYP3A4
GeneCards
CYP3A4
GenBank Gene Database
M18907
Guide to Pharmacology
1337
UniProt Accession
CP3A4_HUMAN
HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC)
HGNC:387
GenAtlas
AKR1C4
GeneCards
AKR1C4
GenBank Gene Database
S68287
GenBank Protein Database
4261710
UniProt Accession
AK1C4_HUMAN
HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC)
HGNC:5218
GenAtlas
HSD3B2
GeneCards
HSD3B2
GenBank Gene Database
M67466
GenBank Protein Database
184401
UniProt Accession
3BHS2_HUMAN
HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC)
HGNC:11284
GenAtlas
SRD5A1
GeneCards
SRD5A1
GenBank Gene Database
M32313
GenBank Protein Database
177767
UniProt Accession
S5A1_HUMAN
HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC)
HGNC:11285
GenAtlas
SRD5A2
GeneCards
SRD5A2
GenBank Gene Database
M74047
GenBank Protein Database
338469
Guide to Pharmacology
2633
UniProt Accession
S5A2_HUMAN
HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC)
HGNC:25812
GeneCards
SRD5A3
UniProt Accession
SR5A3_HUMAN
HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC)
HGNC:388
GeneCards
AKR1D1
GenBank Gene Database
Z28339
GenBank Protein Database
431857
UniProt Accession
AK1D1_HUMAN
HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC)
HGNC:2621
GeneCards
CYP2C19
GenBank Gene Database
M61854
GenBank Protein Database
181344
Guide to Pharmacology
1328
UniProt Accession
CP2CJ_HUMAN
HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC)
HGNC:2596
GenAtlas
CYP1A2
GeneCards
CYP1A2
GenBank Gene Database
Z00036
Guide to Pharmacology
1319
UniProt Accession
CP1A2_HUMAN
HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC)
HGNC:2610
GenAtlas
CYP2A6
GeneCards
CYP2A6
GenBank Gene Database
X13897
Guide to Pharmacology
1321
UniProt Accession
CP2A6_HUMAN
HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC)
HGNC:399
GenAtlas
ALB
GeneCards
ALB
GenBank Gene Database
V00494
GenBank Protein Database
28590
UniProt Accession
ALBU_HUMAN
HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC)
HGNC:10839
GenAtlas
SHBG
GeneCards
SHBG
GenBank Gene Database
X16349
GenBank Protein Database
296673
UniProt Accession
SHBG_HUMAN
HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC)
HGNC:40
GenAtlas
ABCB1
GeneCards
ABCB1
GenBank Gene Database
M14758
GenBank Protein Database
307180
Guide to Pharmacology
768
UniProt Accession
MDR1_HUMAN
DrugBank citations
If you use DrugBank data in your research, please cite the following publications:
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Structured knowledge from the free knowledge base
Linked open data from Wikidata (Q421352), a free and open knowledge base operated by the Wikimedia Foundation. Data is available under the Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Public Domain Dedication. WHO INN from the World Health Organization.