Nor-QD is a progestin-containing drug known as mini-pills. The main component is norethisterone.
Contents:
Indications for use
Nor-QD is prescribed for hormonal contraception.
Mechanism of action
Nor-QD is a synthetic progestin-containing birth control drug produced for oral application. Its main ingredient is similar with pharmacological properties of natural Progesterone. When taking this drug, it provides an expressed progestogenic effect on the endometrium. A long-lasting application is aimed at suppressing ovulation.
Norethisterone is rapidly absorbed. Metabolism processes take place in the liver. The maximum concentration of norethisterone in the blood samples is observed after 2-4 hours from the moment of taking in. Excretion of the substance is carried out through the kidneys and intestines.
Mode of application and dosage
Nor-QD should be taken daily for 365 days a year, always at the same time of the day, and regardless of whether any bleeding occurs (smearing spotting during the menstrual cycle, routine menstruation or complete absence of blood allocations). Tablets should be taken with the interval of 18-19 hours. The maximum contraceptive effect develops within 4-5 hours after taking the pill. Since sexual acts are more likely to occur during the night, it is recommended to take a mini-pill in the evening.
Contraindications
Absolute contraindications for taking Nor-QD are:
- hepatitis;
- epilepsy;
- renal pathology;
- disorders of the cardiovascular system;
- brain damage;
- hepatic cancer;
- vaginal bleeding of unknown etiology;
- breast cancer.
Side effects
Various undesirable effects caused by Nor-QD may develop, for example:
- nausea;
- weight gain;
- development of ample hemorrhages;
- smearing excretions.
In rare cases, there may arise:
- headache;
- nervousness;
- dizziness;
- migraine;
- depression;
- jaundice;
- chest pain;
- change in hepatic function.
There was also observed the following side effects as glucose tolerance, acne, chloasma, rashes and itching, hirsutism. After the drug withdrawal, there is a risk of swelling and amenorrhea development.
Interactions
Rifamycin, Hydantoin derivatives, barbiturates, carbamazepine and Aminoglutethimide, laxatives and Activated Carbon simultaneously taking with Nor-QD can reduce contraceptive effect.
However, this birth control is capable to magnify the therapeutic, pharmacological or toxicological effects of Cyclosporine, Troleandomycin, Theophylline and beta-blockers.
Intake with antibiotics from the macrolide group sometimes results in the appearance of toxic hepatic dysfunctions.
Properties of Insulin are decreased when taking together with norethisterone.
What if I miss a dose?
It is necessary to avoid the missing pills. Nor-QD is the contraceptive drug, which should not be missed. If after taking a skipped pill not more than 3 hours have passed, additional methods of contraception should be applied within 7 days.
The main action of Nor-QD on cervical mucus develops in a few hours, but several other days are required to admit other contraceptive effects.
If vomiting occurs within 2 hours after taking the tablet, and therefore it is impossible to take another pill, then another contraceptive method should be used within a week.
If within 12 hours after taking the last pill a liquid stool appeared, then the rule of the “7 days” comes into effect again, i.e. during this period, it is necessary to use other methods of contraception.
Nor-QD and pregnancy
Nor-QD is safe during pregnancy. An important advantage of mini-pills is that they can be used when breastfeeding. They do not bring a danger to the baby’s health. You can start taking pills 3 weeks after the labor.