Norimin

What is Norimin?

Norimin contains synthetic versions of two female hormones: oestrogen and progestogen. Therefore, Norimin is known as a type of combined oral contraceptive pill. It is usually prescribed as a contraceptive, but it has additional applications for period delay, reducing period pains and alleviating mood swings associated with the menstrual cycle. A doctor may prescribe Normin for any of those purposes. 

How does Norimin work?

What is the difference between Norimin and other contraceptive pills? The main difference between Norimin and other contraceptive pills is the forms of synthetic hormones that are used. All combined oral contraceptive pills contain synthetic forms of the female sex hormones, oestrogen and progestogen. However, the exact ingredients may be slightly different. In Norimin the active ingredients are ethinylestradiol (synthetic oestrogen) and norethisterone (synthetic progestogen). Another type of contraceptive pill called the mini-pill or progestogen-only pill is also available. These pills do not contain a synthetic oestrogen and may be more suitable for you if you have migraines. These pills are designed to be taken in a certain order and every day, without a break for your period. 

How effective is Norimin?

If it was always used perfectly, Norimin and other combined oral contraceptive pills would be over 99% effective. However, due to human error and individual differences, in reality, Norimin is 91% across the population. However, the failure of a contraceptive method does not guarantee you will become pregnant, so the rate of pregnancy in people who take Norimin is much lower than 9%. Norimin does not protect against STIs, so it is a good idea to use another method of contraception with a new sexual partner, even if you are taking Norimin. 

Who is Norimin suitable for?

Norimin may be suitable for you if you:

• Are under 40 years old
• Are not diabetic
• Are a non-smoker, or a smoker under 35 years old
• Are a healthy weight, not obese
• Are not a migraine sufferer
• Have taken the contraceptive pill before
• Have not experienced any side effects from other contraceptive pills in the past, or if your only side effect has been irregular periods

When to start taking Norimin

If you are currently taking another contraceptive pill, you can start taking Norimin as soon as you finish your last pack of pills. Otherwise, ideally you should take the first pill on the first day of your period. You can start taking Norimin on a different day, but you should use another contraceptive method for approximately a week, until the Norimin becomes effective.

The active ingredients in Norimin are norethisterone (a synthetic progestogen) and ethinylestradiol (a synthetic oestrogen). 

Very common side effects of taking Norimin (affecting 1 in 10 people) include:

• Headache
• Diarrhoea
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Menstrual problems (painful or irregular periods)
• Gastrointestinal problems

Common side effects of taking Norimin (affecting 1 in 100 people) include:

• Acne
• Back pain
• Chest pain
• Constipation
• Depression
• Dizziness
• Difficulty sleeping
• Mood changes
• Weight gain

Rare but serious side effects of taking Norimin can include:

• Increased heart rate
• Blood clots and thrombosis
• Slight increase in the risk of breast and cervical cancer

If you experience any severe side effects, including any symptoms of an allergic reaction i.e. difficulty breathing, swelling etc. you should seek emergency medical attention. If you experience any prolonged side effects or side effects which begin interfering with your life, you should speak to your doctor to discuss alternative treatments.