Norethisterone 5 mg: uses, price & cheaper substitutes
Prescription required (Schedule H)
Common uses: Delaying a period for a wedding, exam, travel or pilgrimage; Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia / dysfunctional uterine bleeding).
Listed MRPs range from ₹1.31 to ₹5.79 per tablet across 9 listings. Use only on a doctor's prescription.
Price comparison
| Brand | Manufacturer | Pack | MRP | ₹ / tablet | As on |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Norethisterone Tablets IP 5 mgJan Aushadhi | Jan Aushadhi (PMBJP) | 10 | ₹13.13 | ₹1.31 | 19 October 2026 |
| Sysron-N | Systopic Laboratories Pvt Ltd | 10 | ₹53.81 | ₹5.38 | 19 October 2026 |
| NorGEST | Micro Labs Ltd | 10 | ₹56.59 | ₹5.66 | 19 October 2026 |
| DUB 5 | Obsurge Biotech Ltd | 10 | ₹56.59 | ₹5.66 | 19 October 2026 |
| Regestrone 5 | Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd | 10 | ₹57.50 | ₹5.75 | 19 October 2026 |
| Prevent N 5 | Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd | 10 | ₹57.54 | ₹5.75 | 19 October 2026 |
| Primolut-N | Zydus Healthcare Limited | 15 | ₹86.85 | ₹5.79 | 19 October 2026 |
| Norlut-N | Cipla Ltd | 10 | ₹57.90 | ₹5.79 | 19 October 2026 |
| Gynaset | Mankind Pharma Ltd | 10 | ₹57.89 | ₹5.79 | 19 October 2026 |
MRPs as printed/listed on the date shown; actual price may vary.
Uses
- Delaying a period for a wedding, exam, travel or pilgrimage.
- Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia / dysfunctional uterine bleeding).
- Irregular or absent periods – to bring on a withdrawal bleed.
- Endometriosis and premenstrual syndrome, under a gynaecologist.
How to take it
Swallow the tablet with water at the same time(s) each day, with or without food. To postpone a period, doctors usually prescribe one tablet two or three times a day starting 3 days before the expected date and continuing until you want the period to begin; bleeding starts 2 to 3 days after the last tablet. For heavy bleeding, the usual course is up to three times a day for about 10 days, then a bleed follows when you stop. For endometriosis it is taken daily for months. Follow your doctor's schedule exactly – it is not a contraceptive, so use condoms if you need protection. See a doctor if bleeding is very heavy, if you get leg pain or chest pain, or if your period does not come within a week of stopping.
Side effects
Common
- Spotting or breakthrough bleeding.
- Bloating, breast tenderness, nausea.
- Headache, mood changes.
- Acne, fluid retention, slight weight gain.
Serious
Stop and get medical help urgently if you notice any of these.
- Signs of a blood clot – painful swollen calf, sudden chest pain, breathlessness, coughing blood – seek emergency help.
- Sudden severe headache, vision changes, weakness on one side (stroke warning).
- Yellowing of skin or eyes (liver problem).
- Depression or severe mood changes.
Safety information
Alcohol
No direct interaction, but alcohol can worsen nausea and mood effects.
Pregnancy
Do not take if you may be pregnant – do a test first if your period is late. Not usually used in breastfeeding except under a doctor's advice.
Kidney problems
Use with care if you have kidney disease because of fluid retention; tell your doctor.
Liver problems
Do not take if you have active liver disease or a history of jaundice with hormones.
Children
Not for use before periods have started; adolescents only under a gynaecologist.
Missed dose
Take it as soon as you remember unless the next dose is nearly due. Missing doses when delaying a period can let bleeding start. Never double up.
Interactions
- Epilepsy medicines (carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital), rifampicin and St John's wort – make norethisterone less effective.
- Antifungals and some HIV medicines – can raise hormone levels.
- Blood thinners such as warfarin – effect may change; INR should be checked.
- Diabetes medicines – progestogens can raise blood sugar slightly; monitor.
- Ciclosporin – levels may rise.
Frequently asked questions
How do I take Primolut-N to delay my period?
Start 3 days before your period is due, usually one tablet two or three times a day as your doctor prescribes, and continue for as long as you need to postpone it (generally not more than 2 weeks). Your period usually starts 2 to 3 days after the last tablet. Ask a doctor before using it this way, especially if you have had clots or migraines.
When will my period come after stopping Regestrone?
Usually within 2 to 3 days of the last tablet, sometimes up to a week. If it has not come within 7 days, do a pregnancy test and see your doctor.
Is Primolut-N a contraceptive?
No. At the 5 mg dose used to delay periods or control bleeding, norethisterone does not reliably prevent pregnancy. Use condoms or another method if you need contraception.
Can I take Primolut-N if I might be pregnant?
No. Rule out pregnancy with a urine test first if your period is late or you have had unprotected sex. Progestogens like norethisterone should not be used to "bring on" a period without checking for pregnancy.
Primolut-N vs Regestrone – is there any difference?
Both contain norethisterone 5 mg and work identically. Primolut-N (Zydus, earlier Bayer) is the older brand; Regestrone is Torrent's brand. Choose whichever your doctor prescribed – the dose and schedule matter more than the brand.
Does Primolut-N cause weight gain?
Some women notice bloating, breast fullness or a kilo or so of water weight during a course, which goes away after stopping. Long courses for endometriosis are more likely to cause weight change; discuss it with your gynaecologist.
Is Primolut-N safe for someone who has had a blood clot?
Norethisterone is a progestogen, and part of it converts to oestrogen in the body, so it is generally avoided in women with a history of DVT, pulmonary embolism, stroke or hormone-sensitive cancer. Tell your doctor about any such history before taking it.
Can I use Primolut-N for heavy periods every month?
It can be used in a planned cyclical way for heavy bleeding under a gynaecologist, but repeated self-use every month without a diagnosis is not advised. Heavy periods need a check for fibroids, thyroid problems, anaemia and other causes, and tranexamic acid or a hormonal IUD may be better long-term options.
Do I need a prescription for Primolut-N in India?
Yes. Norethisterone is a Schedule H hormone tablet and should be sold only against a prescription. It is also listed at Jan Aushadhi stores at a lower price.
Sources
- MedlinePlus – Norethindrone (19 October 2026)
- NPPA Pharma Sahi Daam (ceiling prices) (19 October 2026)
- PMBI Jan Aushadhi Product & MRP List (19 October 2026)
Medyzen Editorial Team · Last updated
This page is general information, not medical advice. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without asking a doctor or pharmacist. Terms