Norgeston is a type of oral contraceptive pill known as a mini pill or progesterone-only pill (POP). The active ingredient in Norgeston is levonorgestrel, a synthetic hormone that mimics a natural hormone in your body called progestogen. Unlike combined pills, Norgeston does not contain the hormone oestrogen.

Is Norgeston the same as Noriday?

Yes, both Norgeston and Noriday are progesterone-only pills. They both work in the exact same way and are equally effective. The only difference is the brand name and the manufacturer.

You can buy Norgeston online through Superdrug Online Doctor, even if you’ve never taken it before. All you need to do is fill in a short online assessment, which is reviewed by one of our doctors. Once our doctors assess that it’s safe and appropriate for you to take this medication, we will then send your Norgeston in the post, or to a Superdrug store of your choice. All of our deliveries are completely confidential and are sent in discreet and unmarked packaging.

Can you get Norgeston over the counter?

No, you cannot get Norgeston over the counter. Norgeston is a prescription-only medication, so you will need a prescription from a doctor or approval from our online doctors before you can buy it from a pharmacy.

Can you get Norgeston on the NHS?

You may be able to get Norgeston for free on the NHS, but this will depend on your individual situation and your local guidelines. To find out if you can get it for free, book an appointment with your GP or an NHS-partnered sexual health clinic.

Norgeston works by releasing and regulating the hormone levonorgestrel. This hormone prevents your ovaries from releasing an egg each month, meaning that you stop ovulating when you are taking Norgeston. The hormones also increase the thickness around the neck of the womb, making it more difficult for the sperm to reach an egg. They also thin the lining of the womb, making it harder for an egg that does become fertilised to implant itself there.

How long does Norgeston take to work?

If you start taking Norgeston on days 1-5 of your period, you will be protected against pregnancy straight away. If you start taking Norgeston after this time, then it will not work for 48 hours, so you will need to use additional protection for 2 days.

How effective is Norgeston?

When taken correctly, Norgeston is over 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. In reality, this is closer to 91% because missing pills, being sick, diarrhoea and taking certain other medicines can make Norgeston less effective.

Norgeston comes in strips of 28 tablets. Each tablet is marked with the day of the week it should be taken on. To take Norgeston correctly, you should:

• swallow 1 tablet whole with water every day for 28 days.
• try and make sure it’s around the same time every day.
• take Norgeston within the same 3 hour period every day or it won’t be effective.
• start a new strip after 28 days, without a break between packs.
• start each strip on the same day every time.

It’s common to not get your period when taking Norgeston. If this happens, this isn’t a cause for concern.

When should I start taking Norgeston?

You can start taking Norgeston at any point during your menstrual cycle, though you may not be protected straight away depending on when you take it. If you start taking Norgeston on day 1-5 of your period, then you’ll be protected from pregnancy straight away, so you won’t need to use another method of contraception, like condoms. If you take it after day 1-5 of your cycle, you’ll need to keep using protection for 2 days.

What happens if you miss a Norgeston pill?

If you miss a pill, or start your new pack a day late, take the pill you missed as soon as possible. You should take the missed pill even if it means taking two pills at once. As long as the replacement pill is taken within three hours of your usual time and you take your next pill at the normal time, you should still be protected from pregnancy. If it has been longer than 3 hours since you missed your pill, you may not be protected from pregnancy any more. Continue to take your pill as normal, but do not have unprotected sex for the next 2 days. You will need to use additional contraception during this time. If you’ve had unprotected sex since you missed your pill, you’ll need to use emergency contraception.

Can I take Norgeston to delay my period?

No, Norgeston is a mini pill that you take back to back with no break in between. Because of this, you can’t use it to delay your period.

Can I use Norgeston as emergency contraception?

Mini pills can not be used as an emergency contraceptive. If you are not using contraception and have had unprotected sex, then you should take the morning after pill within 2 or 5 days depending on which one or insert a copper coil within 5 days.

Is Norgeston safe?

Yes, if you have been prescribed Norgeston then it is safe for you to take. There is no evidence that Norgeston is any less safe than other contraceptive pills.

Norgeston is one of the most common contraceptive pills in the UK, and many women who take it will not experience any side effects. But, just like any medication, there will be some do who. Here is a list of possible side effects, listed from common, to rare:

Common side effects:

• Changes in menstrual bleeding
• Feeling sick
• Dizziness
• Headaches and migraines
• Low libido

Uncommon side effects:

• Weight changes
• Breast tenderness
• Skin problems, like spots
• Low mood
• Cysts on the ovaries

Rare side effects:

• Severe allergic reaction
• Breast cancer
• Severe liver problems
• Blood clots in veins or arteries

What should I do if I think I’m getting Norgeston side effects?

It’s important to note that side effects are common in the first three months as your body gets used to the hormonal changes of Norgeston. These initial side effects should go away or get more manageable after three months. If any side effects do not go away or they begin to worry you, book in an appointment to speak to your GP. They may suggest you stop taking Norgeston, or suggest you take an alternative contraceptive that may cause fewer side effects.

Can Norgeston cause anxiety or depression?

No. There is no evidence that Norgeston causes depression, but some women using the contraceptive have reported a low mood.

Can Norgeston cause weight gain?

Yes. Fluctuations in weight are a common side effect, but these usually stop after three months.

Can Norgeston affect fertility?

No. Norgeston does not have any lasting effects on your fertility.

Does Norgeston stop your period?

No, Norgeston is a mini pill that you take back to back with no break in between. Because of this, you can’t use it to delay your period.

How to stop bleeding on Norgeston

Changes in your regular bleeding pattern are very common when taking Norgeston. This will differ from person to person, so it could make your bleeding lighter, heavier, irregular, more frequent or less frequent. Changes to bleeding usually stop after three months of taking the pill and your body gets used to the hormone changes.

Although Norgeston is widely used, it may not be suitable for some women. If Norgeston or other similar mini contraceptive pills aren’t right for you, you may be able to try other pills that use a different type of progesterone, such as Noriday.

Drug warnings

You should not take Norgeston if you:

• Are pregnant
• Have a liver disease or tumours
• Have a hormone positive breast cancer or ovarian cancer
• Have had blood clots
• Have severe diabetes

Drug interactions

There are a few medications that are known to have negative interactions with Norgeston:

• Medicine for Epilepsy, such as carbamazepine or oxcarbazepine
• Medicine for HIV or Hepatitis C infections
• Medicine for high blood pressure, such as bosentan
• Medicine to treat serious vomiting, such as aprepitant
• Griseofulvin, an antifungal medicine
• Some antibiotics
• Some sedatives
• St John's Wort
• Grapefruit juice

For a complete list of conditions or medications that interact with Norgeston, read the patient information leaflet provided with your medication.

Norgeston risks

There are some risks are associated with taking Norgeston, but these risks are small:

• Blood clots: the pill may cause blood to clot more quickly
• Cancer: the pill can slightly increase your risk of breast cancer and cervical cancer

Can I drink while taking Norgeston?

Yes, alcohol does not affect the effectiveness of Norgeston.

Can I take painkillers when taking Norgeston?

Yes, painkillers do not affect the effectiveness of Norgeston.

Can I take Norgeston when I’m breastfeeding?

Yes, you can still take Norgeston if you are breastfeeding. There is no evidence that suggests that Norgeston, or other progestogen-only pills, have any effects on breast milk and will not affect your baby.