Norimin
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* Includes Free Private Prescription & Consultation.
† Applies to UK only.


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MEDICAL INFORMATION
Norimin Key Facts
Other Related Names or Treatments
Microgynon 30 ED, Levest, Rigevidon
About Norimin
Norimin is a combined hormonal contraceptive used to provide protection against pregnancy. It contains norethisterone, a progesterone and ethinylestradiol, an oestrogen as its active ingredients.
Norimin works by stopping the release of an egg each month from the ovaries, preventing ovulation during the menstrual cycle. It also makes cervical mucus thicker, making it more difficult for sperm to pass through the cervix, and makes the lining of the womb thinner, so fertilised eggs are less likely to implant in the uterus wall.
NowPatient offers the Norimin birth control pills for the prevention of pregnancy only, following an online consultation with a prescribing clinician.
Key facts of Norimin
- For the prevention of pregnancy
- There is no evidence that the Norimin pill causes weight gain
- Norimin has some common side effects which include headache and migraine
- It can be dangerous if you take Norimin with certain medications. If you’re not sure if it is safe, discuss this with the prescribing clinician
- Norimin will not prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Who is Norimin not suitable for?
Norimin may not be suitable for some people. To make sure it’s safe for you, speak to the prescribing clinician before taking Norimin if you:
- Are allergic to the active ingredients norethisterone or ethinylestradiol, or inactive ingredients such as lactose, maize starch, or magnesium stearate
- Have ever had a blood clot in the leg or lungs
- Have a family history of heart attacks or stroke
- Have ever had angina or transient ischaemic attack
- Suffer from migraines with aura
- Have a liver disease, liver tumours or any other liver problems
- Have kidney disease
- Have ever had breast cancer or cancer of the cervix, vagina or uterus
- Have unexplained vaginal bleeding
- Have suffered from jaundice, pemphigoid gestationis (a rash involving blisters of the hands and feet), or pruritus while pregnant
- Have a family history of breast cancer
- Have pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
- Have diabetes
- Have Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
- Have haemolytic uraemic syndrome, high cholesterol, or sickle cell anaemia
- Have epilepsy
- Have systemic lupus erythematosus
How and where to get Norimin?
You can buy Norimin safely and securely from NowPatient. You can start a consultation today for free and if you qualify for treatment, you only pay for the cost of the medication. Delivery is made to your home or office from our registered pharmacy.
Our service is certified, safe and effective, and we only ever treat conditions. If you book a consultation with a prescribing clinician for a contraceptive, you can discuss if Norimin is a suitable treatment option for you.
At the end of the consultation, the clinician will decide if a treatment plan is suitable for you. If it is, the clinician will issue you with a prescription which can then be ordered, paid for and delivered directly to your chosen address by NowPatient.
Dosage and strength for Norimin for contraception
Each Norimin tablet contains 35 mcg of ethinylestradiol and 1mg of norethisterone.
Information about how to take Norimin for contraception
You should start Norimin tablets on the first day of your menstrual cycle. Take 1 Norimin tablet each day, at the same time for 21 days. After 21 days, you will take a 7 day break from taking Norimin tablets. You should expect a withdrawal bleed during your pill-free week. Start a new pack of Norimin tablets on day 8. Take your first tablet in order of the day of the week and follow the directions printed on the pack.
If you forget to take a Norimin tablet, take the missed pill as soon as you are able to do so. You will need to use extra precautions such as a condom for the next 7 days. Also, read the patient information leaflet or speak to your healthcare provider if you need further medical advice.
What happens if you take too much Norimin?
If you take more than prescribed, then it can lead to some unpleasant side effects. You should talk to your doctor or reach out to one of our prescribing clinicians, if you have taken too much Norimin and you experience any of the following side effects.
What are the side effects of Norimin?
Side effects of Norimin are split into common and serious.
Common side effects include:
- Breast tenderness
- Breast pain
- Weight changes
- Breakthrough bleeding between periods
- Mood changes
- Headache and migraine
- Nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea
- Vaginal dryness
- Vaginal thrush
- High blood pressure
- Hair loss
Serious side effects include:
- Increased risk of blood clots
- Cervical cancer
- Deep vein thrombosis
If you experience any serious side effects, you should contact NHS 111.
If you experience a serious allergic reaction with the signs shown below you should contact emergency services on 999.
- Your lips, mouth, throat or tongue suddenly become swollen
- You’re breathing very fast or struggling to breathe (you may become very wheezy or feel like you’re choking or gasping for air)
- Your throat feels tight or you’re struggling to swallow
- Your skin, tongue or lips turn blue, grey or pale (if you have black or brown skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet)
- You suddenly become very confused, drowsy or dizzy
- Someone faints and cannot be woken up
Always report adverse effects to the MHRA yellow card reporting system. You can read more about this here How and where do I report side effects of my medication? – NowPatient
Information about taking Norimin at the same time as other medications or herbal supplements
There is not enough evidence to suggest there are any drug interactions between herbal supplements and Norimin. In any event, you should let your prescribing clinician know if you are taking any herbal supplements or other medications such as:
- Epilepsy treatments – phenytoin or carbamazepine
- Rifampicin
- HIV medicines – ritonavir
- Hepatitis C medicines – telaprevir or boceprevir
- Antifungal medicines – ketoconazole or griseofulvin
- St John’s Wort
- Medicines for high blood pressure, chest pain or irregular heartbeats – diltiazem or verapamil
Why might Norimin not work for contraception?
Norimin may not work for you and common reasons may be:
- Missed pills
- Taking other medicines that interfere with Norimin
- Norimin not being absorbed due to vomiting and diarrhoea
Can Norimin taken for contraception be taken long term?
Using medication like Norimin is safe, provided your doctor has approved it. You should speak to your doctor when deciding to stay on hormonal contraception long term.
Is there a herbal Norimin?
No. Herbal Norimin does not exist. If you have been marketed such a formulation, it may be fake.
Can women use Norimin?
Women can take Norimin for contraception, but it is not advised when breast-feeding. Speak to your doctor if you are considering taking Norimin while you are breast-feeding.
Should I avoid any particular food or drink when taking Norimin?
You can eat and drink normally when taking Norimin.
Alternatives to Norimin
Alternative methods of contraception include:
- Implants
- Intrauterine devices (IUDs)
- Oral birth control pills (combined oral contraceptive pill and progestogen only pill)
- Vaginal rings
- Barrier method – condoms, diaphragms
- Tubal ligation and vasectomy
- Emergency contraception
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
NowPatient has taken all reasonable steps to ensure that all material is factually accurate, complete, and current. However, the knowledge and experience of a qualified healthcare professional should always be sought after instead of using the information on this page. Before taking any drug, you should always speak to your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider.
The information provided here about medications is subject to change and is not meant to include all uses, precautions, warnings, directions, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or negative effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a particular medication does not imply that the medication or medication combination is appropriate for all patients or for all possible purposes.
Related Articles
FAQs
Answers to Popular Questions About Norimin
What is Norimin?
Norimin is a combined oral contraceptive pill containing norethisterone 1 mg and ethinylestradiol 35 micrograms. It is a monophasic pill, meaning every active tablet contains the same dose of hormones. Norimin belongs to the first-generation progestogen group, which is associated with the lowest risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) among combined pills. It is taken in a 21-day cycle followed by a 7-day pill-free interval.
How does Norimin work?
Norimin works through three mechanisms to prevent pregnancy. First, it suppresses ovulation by inhibiting the release of gonadotrophins (LH and FSH) from the pituitary gland. Second, it thickens the cervical mucus, making it difficult for sperm to reach the egg. Third, it alters the endometrium (womb lining), making it less receptive to implantation. When taken correctly, Norimin is over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.
What is the difference between Norimin and Brevinor?
Both Norimin and Brevinor contain norethisterone and ethinylestradiol. The difference is in the dose: Norimin contains norethisterone 1 mg with ethinylestradiol 35 mcg, while Brevinor contains norethisterone 500 mcg (0.5 mg) with ethinylestradiol 35 mcg. Norimin has a higher progestogen dose, which may provide better cycle control in some women. Both carry the same low VTE risk associated with first-generation progestogens.
How do I take Norimin?
Take one Norimin tablet daily at the same time each day for 21 consecutive days, followed by a 7-day pill-free interval. During the 7-day break, you will usually have a withdrawal bleed. Start the next strip on the 8th day, whether or not bleeding has stopped. If starting for the first time, begin on day 1 of your period for immediate protection. If starting on any other day, use additional contraception (such as condoms) for the first 7 days.
What should I do if I miss a Norimin pill?
If you miss one pill (less than 24 hours late), take it as soon as you remember and continue as normal — no additional contraception is needed. If you miss two or more pills (more than 48 hours late), take the most recently missed pill, leave any earlier missed pills, and use condoms for the next 7 days. If the 7 days of extra precaution run into your pill-free week, skip the break and start a new strip immediately. If you missed pills in week 1 and had unprotected sex, consider emergency contraception.
What are the common side effects of Norimin?
Common side effects include headaches, nausea, breast tenderness, mood changes, and breakthrough bleeding (particularly in the first 2–3 months). Norethisterone-containing pills may also cause acne or oily skin in some women, as norethisterone has mild androgenic activity. These side effects usually settle within the first 3 months. If side effects persist, speak to your prescriber about switching to an alternative pill.
Does Norimin cause weight gain?
Weight gain is not a proven side effect of combined oral contraceptives including Norimin. Some women notice mild fluid retention, particularly in the first few months, but clinical studies have not shown a significant difference in weight between pill users and non-users. If you experience persistent weight changes that concern you, discuss this with your prescriber.
Who should not take Norimin?
Norimin is not suitable for women with a history of blood clots (DVT or PE), certain types of migraine with aura, uncontrolled hypertension, active liver disease, breast cancer, or those who smoke and are over 35. These are assessed using the UK Medical Eligibility Criteria (UKMEC). Your prescriber will review your medical history before prescribing.
How can I get a prescription for Norimin?
Norimin can be prescribed by your GP, sexual health clinic, or through online services such as NowPatient. Your prescriber will assess your suitability based on your medical history, BMI, blood pressure, and family history. NowPatient offers convenient online consultations with qualified UK prescribers and home delivery.
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