Noriday

What is Noriday?

Noriday is a type of contraceptive pill known as the mini pill, or progesterone-only pill (POP). It contains only one type of sex hormone, progesterone, as opposed to the combined pill which contains both oestrogen and progesterone. It is mainly used to prevent unplanned pregnancies but it can also be given to treat heavy, painful periods.

How does Noriday work?

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 as ovulation occurs, Noriday has the opposite effect to alter this so a fertilised egg cannot embed itself in the womb. 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 can prevent ovulation from occurring but this does not always happen.

How effective is Noriday?

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 which may cause you to forget or take the pill late, the efficiency rate is 92%. Setting an alarm or reminder on your phone can help you to remember to take your pill on time. 

Active ingredients

Noristherone is the active ingredient within Noriday.

Inactive ingredients

The inactive ingredients are maize starch, povidone, magnesium stearate and lactose monohydrate.

What should I do if I missed a pill?

If you miss a pill then you will 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 in the same day which is fine. For the next 48 hours you will need to use additional contraception until Noriday becomes effective again. If you have 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. 

How to start Noriday

Noriday should be started at the beginning of your menstrual cycle within the first 5 days of your period. If you have a short cycle then start it on the first day of your period. You will be protected from pregnancy right away. Otherwise, you can start taking Noriday at any time during your cycle but you won't be protected from pregnancy for the first 48 hours. 

How to take Noriday

It's very important that Noriday is taken at the same time everyday. 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 side effects

Possible side effects include: 

• Irregular periods
• Spotting between periods
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Acne
• Headaches
• Breast tenderness
• Changes to mood
• Depression 
• Weight gain
• Loss of sex drive
• Tiredness
• Ovarian cysts 

Side Effects should subside within the first couple of months of taking Noriday. 

Contraindications

Noriday is suitable for most women and makes a safe option for those who cannot take the combined pill. Tell your doctor if: 

• You have any unexplained vaginal bleeding 
• You have breast cancer or have experienced it in the past
• You have liver problems 
• You have a heart or artery disease which has caused a stroke or heart attack
• You have porphyria 

Drug interactions

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: 

• Treatment for epilepsy 
• Efavirenz
• Nevirapine
• Ritonavir
• Griseofulvin 
• Modafinil 
• Rifabutin
• Rifampicin 
• St John's wort

Noriday and alcohol

You can drink alcohol with Noriday without experiencing any adverse effects. 

Noriday for non-contraceptive purposes

The main purpose of Noriday is to prevent pregnancy but it can also given to women who experience painful and heavy periods to help ease these symptoms and provide a more comfortable menstrual cycle. 

Can you use Noriday for period delay?

Noriday cannot be used for period delay given the way the mini pill is taken. If you are on the mini pill and wish to delay your period during 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. 

Switching contraceptive pills

If you are switching to Noriday from a different type of contraceptive pill then you can usually just stop taking your current pill and start taking Noriday right away without any disruption to your protection. 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 vs the combined contraceptive pill

Noriday is a type of the progesterone-only pill, commonly known as the mini pill. The combined pill differs as it contains both oestrogen and progesterone 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 more flexibility with taking it later than usual and can be used to delay your period. 

Alternatives to Noriday

Noriday is one variety of the mini pill. There are several other brands available including Cerelle, Cerazette, Norgeston and Micronor. 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. 

When does Noriday start to work?

Noriday will start to work right away if you take it at the beginning of your menstrual cycle. It's recommended to start it on the first day of your period but you can begin Noriday up to the fifth day of your period provided you don't have a shorter cycle. If you start taking Noriday at any other time during your cycle then you will need to wait 48 hours before it starts to work. Use condoms, or another barrier method of contraception during this time to ensure you do not become pregnant. 

What should I do if I took a pill too late?

Noriday must be taken within a three hour window. 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 will not be protected against pregnancy. If this happens, continue with the rest of your pack as usual and use additional contraception for the next 48 hours. 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 I have vomited, will Noriday still work?

If you vomit within two hours of 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 the three hours, you'll need to use additional contraception for 48 hours to prevent pregnancy. If you continue to be sick then use condoms until you have been symptom free for two days. 

When can I get pregnant after stopping Noriday?

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.

Sources

• NHS > Progestogen Only Pill