Norethisterone

Norethisterone is an active ingredient of the class «contraceptive agents».

Chemical compound

Informational only — not medical advice. Ask a doctor or pharmacist; never change a dose on your own.

What it is used for

Endometriosis
Female reproductive system disease
Endometrial hyperplasia
Acne
Hypogonadism

Progestin-only oral contraceptives are indicated for the prevention of pregnancy. 2. Efficacy. If used perfectly, the first-year failure rate for progestin-only oral contraceptives is 0.5%.
US label

How it works

Progesterone receptor agonist

Class: contraceptive agents

Common side effects

Menstrual irregularity is the most frequently reported side effect. Frequent and irregular bleeding are common, while long duration of bleeding episodes and amenorrhea are less likely.
US label

Who should not take it

Progestin-only oral contraceptives (POPs) should not be used by women who currently have the following conditions: Known or suspected pregnancy Known or suspected carcinoma of the breast Undiagnosed abnormal genital bleeding Hypersensitivity to any component…
US label

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

7. Pregnancy. Many studies have found no effects on fetal development associated with long-term use of contraceptive doses of oral progestins.

8. Nursing mothers.

Excerpts from the US prescribing label (public domain), copied without changes.

Interactions

Recorded interactions from open sources (Wikidata, US labels). The list is not complete — ask a pharmacist.

Brand names

United States

Micronor · Nor-Qd · Norlutin

Canada

Jencycla · Maeve · Movisse

Other trade names

Camila · Errin · Heather · Incassia · Menzol · Micronor hrt · Norethidrone · Noriday · Primolut n · Utovlan

Approval status

US Food and Drug Administration: prescription · since 1973
Health Canada: prescription · marketed
First approval anywhere: 1962

Codes

ATC: G03AC01, G03DC02
RxNorm CUI: 7514
ChEMBL: CHEMBL1162
PubChem CID: 6230
UNII: T18F433X4S
Wikidata: Q421352

Frequently asked questions

What is Norethisterone used for?

Norethisterone is used for: Endometriosis, Female reproductive system disease, Endometrial hyperplasia, Acne, and Hypogonadism.

What kind of medicine is Norethisterone?

Norethisterone is an active ingredient of the class «contraceptive agents».

What are the brand names of Norethisterone?

Brand names of Norethisterone include Micronor, Nor-Qd, Norlutin, Jencycla, Maeve, Movisse, Camila, and Errin.

Medicines in the same class

Sources and licences

ChEMBL (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Wikidata (CC0 1.0)
openFDA / DailyMed (public domain)
Health Canada Drug Product Database (Open Government Licence – Canada)

Updated November 15, 2026