norethisterone enantate at a glance
Medicine class
Depot progestogen contraceptive
Administration
A healthcare professional gives a slow, deep injection into a buttock muscle.
Periods
Spotting, irregular bleeding, delayed periods or no bleeding can occur.
Sexually transmitted infections
It does not protect against STIs; condoms help reduce this risk.
What is norethisterone enantate used for?
The selected UK product is licensed for short-term contraception where protection independent of daily user action is required.
Temporary contraception while a partner’s vasectomy becomes effective.
Preventing pregnancy after rubella immunisation while the vaccine virus remains active.
How does norethisterone enantate work?
The injection forms a depot that releases norethisterone. It initially suppresses ovulation, then also thickens cervical mucus to impede sperm and changes the womb lining.
norethisterone enantate preparations and strengths
Injection
Route: Parenteral
Strengths: 200 mg
How to take norethisterone enantate
A doctor or nurse gives norethisterone enantate as a very slow, deep injection into a buttock muscle. It is not taken by mouth or intended for self-injection, and there are no special food or drink instructions.
Tell the clinician about all medicines and herbal products before the injection.
Tell laboratory staff that you use hormonal contraception because some test results may be affected.
norethisterone enantate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Changes in bleeding, including spotting, irregular bleeding or absent periods
- Headache or dizziness
- Nausea or bloating
- Weight gain
- Injection-site or other skin reactions
- Breast discomfort
Get urgent medical advice
- Symptoms of a blood clot, stroke or heart problem
- Severe allergic reaction
- Severe liver symptoms, including jaundice or upper-abdominal pain
- New or worsening severe depression
- Breathing or circulatory reactions during or immediately after injection
norethisterone enantate in pregnancy
Norethisterone enantate must not be given during known or suspected pregnancy. If pregnancy is possible, test and contact the prescribing clinic before any further injection; accidental exposure should be discussed with a clinician.
norethisterone enantate while breastfeeding
Only very small amounts pass into breast milk, and harmful effects have not been shown in healthy breastfed babies. Product information advises withholding breastfeeding if the baby has severe or persistent jaundice requiring treatment, so obtain specialist advice in that situation.
norethisterone enantate interactions
Direct interaction evidence for progestogen-only injections is limited; several product-listed interactions are theoretical. Check concurrent medicines with a prescriber or pharmacist.
Enzyme-inducing antiseizure medicines
Medicines such as carbamazepine, phenytoin, primidone, barbiturates, oxcarbazepine and topiramate may reduce contraceptive hormone exposure.
Rifampicin and ampicillin
The product information lists a possible reduction in contraceptive effectiveness.
St John’s wort
This herbal remedy may reduce contraceptive hormone exposure and additional contraception may be needed.
Common questions about norethisterone enantate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is norethisterone enantate used for?
It is a depot progestogen licensed in the UK for specific short-term contraceptive situations, including temporary cover around vasectomy or rubella immunisation.
How does norethisterone enantate prevent pregnancy?
It suppresses ovulation, thickens cervical mucus and changes the womb lining.
Can I inject norethisterone enantate myself?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.