Norgeston

What is it?

A progestogen-only contraceptive, available as sugar-coated, white tablets containing 30µg of levonorgestrel.

Medical Uses

Oral contraception.

Dosage

1 at the same time each day without a break, starting on the first day of the cycle.

Special Care

Patients with history of, or considered to be at risk of thrombosis, hypertension, focal migraine, cysts on ovaries, hormone dependent cancer, liver disease. Blood pressure, breasts and pelvic organs should be checked regularly during the course of treatment. Slight increased risk of breast cancer.

Avoid Use

Pregnancy, previous ectopic pregnancy, history of heart, arterial or thromboembolic disease or stroke, liver tumour, recent trophoblastic cancer, undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, cholestatic jaundice when previously taking oral contraceptives or which developed during pregnancy.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Meprobamate, chloral hydrate, rifabutin, ethosuximide, barbiturates, ritonavir, carbamazepine, chlorpromazine, griseofulvin, dichloralphenazone, pyrimidone, rifampicin, phenytoin, glutethimide, St John's Wort.

Known Side Effects

Headache, breast tenderness, ovarian cysts, acne, disruption to normal pattern of menstrual bleeding, acne. Discontinue immediately in event of pregnancy or if frequent serious headaches arise or migraines which were not previously occurring, jaundice, signs of thrombosis or thrombophlebitis, disturbance of vision.