Reviewed by Dr Samantha Miller MB ChB
(2017, University of Glasgow)
GMC number: 7561464
Information last reviewed 04/03/2021
Noriday is a type of contraceptive pill known as the mini pill, or progestogen-only pill (POP). It contains only one type of sex hormone, progestogen, as opposed to the combined pill which contains both oestrogen and progestogen. It is mainly used to prevent unplanned pregnancies but it can also be given to treat heavy, painful periods.
Noriday works by having an effect on certain parts of the womb so that a pregnancy cannot take place. While the lining of the womb usually thickens in preparation for pregnancy, Noriday has the opposite effect of thinning the womb lining so a fertilised egg can’t implant. It also causes the mucus surrounding the entrance of the womb to become thicker, making it harder for sperm to get through and reach an egg. In some cases, Noriday also prevents ovulation from occurring.
Noriday is over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy as long as it is taken correctly. The mini pill must be taken every day of the month and at the same time each day for it to be effective. Taking into account everyday factors that may cause you to forget or take the pill late, the efficiency rate is 91%. Setting an alarm or reminder on your phone can help you to remember to take your pill on time.
Noristherone is the active ingredient within Noriday.
The inactive ingredients are maize starch, povidone, magnesium stearate and lactose monohydrate.
If you miss a pill (i.e. take it more than three hours late, or forget it altogether) then you may not be protected against pregnancy. Take the one you have missed as soon as possible, continuing with the rest of your pack as usual. This may mean you are taking two pills on the same day which is fine. For the next seven days, you will need to use additional contraception until Noriday becomes effective again. If you have had unprotected sex after missing your pill then visit a pharmacist as soon as you can for emergency contraception, informing them that you are taking Noriday. The sooner you take the morning after pill the more effective it is.
Noriday should ideally be started on the first day of your menstrual cycle but can be safely started at any time. For the first seven days of your first pack, you should also use a condom to protect against pregnancy while Noriday comes into effect.
It's very important that Noriday is taken at the same time every day. Choose a time that is suitable for you to ensure you do not forget. The mini pill is taken continuously throughout the month and there is no break between packs. Noriday will only be effective if it is taken at the correct time, or within three hours of it, each day.
Noriday, like all progestogen-only pills, has fewer recorded side effects than a combined pill. The most common side effect is irregular bleeding, which often settles into a regular pattern after the first couple of months of pill-taking.
Possible side effects include:
Side effects often subside within the first couple of months of taking Noriday.
Noriday is suitable for most women and makes a safe option for those who cannot take the combined pill. Tell your doctor if:
It’s important to discuss your medical history with your doctor prior to starting any new medication, including Noriday.
Certain types of medication cause Noriday to become ineffective. If you are taking any of the following drugs you may need to consider a different type of contraception:
You can drink alcohol with Noriday without experiencing any adverse effects.
The main purpose of Noriday is to prevent pregnancy but it can also be given to women who experience painful and heavy periods to help ease these symptoms and provide a more comfortable menstrual cycle.
Noriday cannot be used for period delay. If you are on the mini pill and wish to delay your period for an important event or milestone then speak to your doctor who may be able to prescribe you with a norethisterone pill, which is specifically designed to delay your period. Alternatively, the combined pill can be used for period delay so you may be able to switch to this if it is suitable for you.
If you are switching to Noriday from a different type of progestogen-only contraceptive pill then you can usually just stop taking your current pill and start taking Noriday the next day. If you’re taking a combined pill, it’s often better to finish your current pack before starting Noriday. You’ll usually be required to use condoms for a period of seven days to protect yourself from unwanted pregnancy. Always check the instructions provided with your pill and ask the advice of your doctor or pharmacist before doing so as different types of the pill may have specific guidance attached to them.
Noriday is a type of progestogen-only pill, commonly known as the mini pill. The combined pill differs as it contains both oestrogen and progestogen hormones. Noriday produces less potential long term side effects than the combined pill and is suitable for women who are unable to tolerate oestrogen or who cannot take the combined pill due to potential health risks. The combined pill has a little more flexibility as it doesn’t need to be taken within such a strict time frame each day, and can be used to delay your period.
Noriday is one variety of the mini pill. There are several other brands available including Cerelle, Cerazette, and Norgeston. The combined pill is another alternative method of contraception although it is not suitable for everyone. Your doctor will be able to assess your health and medical history to determine which pill is right for you. Other long term methods of contraception include the IUD (copper coil), IUS (hormonal coil), contraceptive implant and injection.
Noriday takes seven days to work as a contraceptive. Use condoms, or another barrier method of contraception during this time to ensure you do not become pregnant.
Noriday must be taken within a three hour window each day. For example, if you usually take your pill at 8am then you must take it before 11am for it to be effective. If you take it too late then you may not be protected against pregnancy. If this happens, continue with the rest of your pack as usual and use additional contraception for the next seven days. If you have had unprotected sex before realising that you've taken your pill late then ask the advice of a pharmacist as soon as possible as you may need emergency contraception.
If you vomit after taking Noriday then your pill may not work as it's likely that the body has not had a chance to digest it yet. In this situation, take another pill right away. If you take a second pill within your three hour window then you do not need to do anything else, just continue to take the rest of your pills as normal. If you take the second pill after three hours, you'll need to use additional contraception for seven days to prevent pregnancy. If you continue to be sick then use condoms until you have been symptom-free, and able to swallow your pill, for seven days.
You can get pregnant as soon as you stop taking Noriday. You are also at risk of falling pregnant if you miss a pill or take one too late. Noriday must be taken within a 3 hour time period in order to be effective.
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