Norix 1

Uses of Norix 1

The medication is primarily used for the following conditions:

• Emergency Contraception
• Long Term Contraception

How does Norix 1 work?

Levonorgestrel is a hormone that has been used in many birth control pills which works mainly by stopping the release of an egg from the ovary and prevents fertilization of an egg (the uniting of sperm with the egg) or by preventing attachment (implantation) to the uterus (womb).

Side Effects of Norix 1

Potential side effects may include breast tenderness, menstrual flow changes, fatigue, diarrhea, lightheadedness, and abdominal pain. Seek medical attention for severe side effects, such as skin allergies, breathing difficulties, chest pain, facial swelling, missed periods, or unusual bleeding.

Quick Suggestions:

• Levonorgestrel is a single tablet and you only have to take 1 dose for it to work.
• Take it as soon as possible, preferably within 12 hours and not later than 72 hours (3 days) of having unprotected sex or contraceptive failure.
• Notify your doctor if you vomit within 2-3 hours of taking this medicine.
• It is not as effective as regular methods of contraception and should be used only as an emergency measure.
• Take a pregnancy test about a week after you take Levonorgestrel as there is a 5-10% chance that it may not have worked.

Indication of Norix 1

A last-ditch method of preventing conception in the event of unprotected sexual activity is emergency contraception. After an unprotected sexual encounter, this contraceptive must be used as soon as possible, ideally within 12 hours and no later than 72 hours (3 days);

• If you or your partner engage in sexual activity without using a contraceptive method; if you have missed three consecutive doses of a contraceptive pill;
• If your partner has failed to use his condom, it has cracked, slipped, or was improperly removed;
• If you believe your intrauterine device has been expelled; if your contraceptive cap or vaginal diaphragm has moved or was prematurely removed;
• If you fear that the coitus interruptus method has failed, if you have had sexual activity while using the rhythm method during the time when you should be fertile, or if you have been sexually assaulted.

Pharmacology

By suppressing gonadotropins, oral contraceptives containing levonorgestrel reduce ovulation. Levonorgestrel slows the release of gonadotropin-releasing hormones by binding to progesterone and androgen receptors in the hypothalamus (GnRH). This process suppresses the luteinizing hormone (LH) spike that naturally occurs physiologically prior to ovulation. It stops the release of viable eggs from the ovaries and follicular rupture. Levonorgestrel has been demonstrated to be more effective when administered prior to ovulation.

Dosage & Administration of Norix 1

Norix tablets are emergency contraception pills that should be taken orally as soon as possible, but within 72 hours after unprotected intercourse. 

Norix 0.75 mg Tablets: A single dose of 0.75 mg should be taken within 72 hours after unprotected intercourse. It's essential to take the full dosage in one regimen.

Norix 1.5mg Tablets: A single dose of 1.5 mg should be taken as soon as possible, preferably within 12 hours, and no later than 72 hours after unprotected sex. These tablets can be taken at any time in the menstrual cycle, provided the person is not already pregnant. It's important not to chew the tablet but swallow it whole with water.

After using Norix, it's recommended to use additional local contraceptive methods (e.g., condoms, spermicide, cervical cap) until the next menstrual period resumes. The use of Norix does not contraindicate the continuation of regular hormonal contraception, such as the contraceptive pill. If using oral contraception, continue taking the usual tablets until the end of the treatment.

If no menstrual period occurs in the next pill-free period following the use of Norix, a pregnancy test should be performed to rule out pregnancy. It's crucial to follow these guidelines for effective emergency contraception and to prevent unintended pregnancy.

Interaction

When taking Levonorgestrel, it's essential to be aware of potential drug interactions and their interactions with certain diseases:

Interaction with Alcohol:

• Avoid or minimize alcohol consumption while taking this medicine.

Interaction with Lab Tests (Thyroid function tests):

• Levonorgestrel may interfere with thyroid function tests, leading to false values. Inform your doctor before undergoing a thyroid function test.

Interaction with Medicines:

• Carbamazepine, Griseofulvin, Phenytoin, Tranexamic Acid, Bosentan, and Amprenavir may reduce the efficacy of Levonorgestrel, potentially leading to unintended pregnancy. Alternate means of birth control are recommended while taking these medicines.

Interactions with Diseases:

• Levonorgestrel should not be used in patients with liver tumors, as it may worsen the symptoms.
• It is not recommended for patients with a current or past history of increased pressure around the brain (intracranial hypertension) and should be reported to the doctor if experienced.
• Patients with liver disease or impaired liver function should avoid using Levonorgestrel, especially if jaundice or associated symptoms are observed.
• Prolonged use of high doses of this medicine may cause fluid retention and edema in some patients.
• Use of Levonorgestrel may cause the blockage of blood vessels in the eyes (retinal thrombosis), leading to partial or complete loss of vision. Patients with pre-existing eye conditions should use this medicine with caution and report any abnormality in vision to the doctor.

It's crucial to discuss any existing medical conditions, ongoing medications, or allergies with your doctor before starting Levonorgestrel to ensure safe and effective use.

Contraindications

If you're allergic to levonorgestrel or any of its excipients, don't take it.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Norix 1 cannot terminate an existing pregnancy. Research shows that progestogen if used as emergency contraception and unsuccessful, does not have harmful effects on fetal development. A recommended option is lactation. Breastfeed just before taking each Levonorgestrel pill and stop nursing after each dose, as levonorgestrel is present in breast milk.

Precautions & Warnings

Levonorgestrel, used for emergency contraception, requires cautious use and should be reserved for extraordinary circumstances due to several medical conditions, including sex-steroid-dependent cancer, past ectopic pregnancy, malabsorption syndromes, functional ovarian cysts, active liver disease, recurrent cholestatic jaundice, history of jaundice in pregnancy, cardiovascular or renal impairment, diabetes mellitus, asthma, epilepsy, migraine, conditions aggravated by fluid retention, depression, thromboembolism (at high doses), and lactation.

It's crucial to understand that emergency contraception with Levonorgestrel is not intended as a regular method of contraception or to replace normal birth control. While the menstrual period typically starts on the expected date after taking Levonorgestrel, it may start a few days earlier or later. If there is atypical bleeding on the expected menstruation date or a delay of more than 5 days, a pregnancy test should be taken to check for pregnancy.

It's important to remember that emergency contraception does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases, so necessary precautions should be taken for prevention.

Levonorgestrel is not recommended for individuals who have had an ectopic pregnancy, salpingitis, or severe digestive diseases affecting medication absorption. In case of vomiting within three hours after taking the medicine, another Levonorgestrel tablet should be taken immediately. These precautions are essential to ensure the effectiveness and safety of emergency contraception with Levonorgestrel.

Storage Conditions

Store in a cool & dry place, protected from light. Keep out of reach of children