What is Utovlan?
Utovlan tablets are a medication used to delay menstruation. They are also prescribed to treat a range of menstrual conditions, such as heavy periods, painful periods, irregular periods, PMT and endometriosis and are sometimes given to breast cancer patients. The active ingredient in Utovlan is the progestogen norethisterone. When taken as prescribed, it stops your period until you stop taking it. Please note, that DrEd only prescribes Utovlan for the purpose of period delay. If you need to be treated for a menstrual disorder, please visit your local GP.
Utovlan is not a contraceptive pill and it does not prevent pregnancies. You need to make sure you are using appropriate protection, for example a condom, if you have sex while taking the tablets.
How is it taken?
To delay your period with Utovlan, you need to take three tablets per day. The tablets need to be taken at regular intervals, one in the morning, one at midday and one in the evening. You will start your course three days before your period is due to start. If you have forgotten one dose, take it as soon as you remember and then continue your treatment at the correct time. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed tablet.
Your period will return about three days after you have finished your course. If you do not experience a period and have had sexual intercourse during your treatment, visit your doctor. Your doctor will check whether you are pregnant.
Who can take Utovlan?
Utovlan tablets contain a hormone and it is a prescription-only medication. A doctor needs to review whether Utovlan is suitable for you. While most women can take the tablets, in some cases it may be necessary to abstain from using period delay tablets.
You can not take Utovlan if:
- you are allergic to any of the ingredients in Utovlan
- you have a family history of blood clots or thrombosis
- you have ever had a blood clot or thrombosis
- you have ever had a heart attack or angina
- you have liver problems
- you are pregnant or breastfeeding
- you have ever had any unexplained vaginal bleeding
- you have ever suffered from a condition called pemphigoid gestationis (which causes an itchy rash on the abdomen) or jaundice
- you are suffering from pruritus, a generalised itch all over your body
- you suffer from the blood disease porphyria
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