What is Utovlan and How Does It Work?

Utovlan is a branded version of a medication containing norethisterone, a synthetic form of the hormone progesterone.

Normally, in a woman's cycle, progesterone levels drop during the stage after ovulation, and when this happens, a period occurs. Utovlan's period delay treatment works to keep the level of progesterone hormone high and therefore delays the menses phase of the cycle (menstrual bleeding).

There are four phases of a menstrual cycle: menstruation, the follicular phase, ovulation and the luteal phase. Menstruation is the phase in which a period bleed occurs. The hormone progesterone peaks in the luteal phase of the cycle and then drops, causing the menstruation phase to begin.

Progesterone is a hormone that's naturally found in the body. In women, levels vary throughout their cycle, dropping towards the end. As progesterone levels fall, the lining of the womb sheds, and your period starts.

Utovlan tablets are a prescription-only medication, which our team at Quick Meds can provide a prescription for. This is dispensed via our Pharmacy and delivered to you by post in discreet packaging.

Norethisterone, the key chemical within Utovlan, is a synthetic form of progesterone that works similarly to mimic progesterone, to stop your womb lining from shedding. This can delay your period until after you stop taking the medication.

When is Utovlan Used?

Utovlan is an effective way to delay your period short-term for various reasons, such as holidays, events, exams, or religious reasons. It's a trusted and clinically approved method to delay your period and is more reliable than herbal or unlicensed alternatives.

Utovlan can also be used by Doctors for managing conditions like heavy or painful periods (menorrhagia) or irregular periods; however, this is not a treatment indication by Quick Meds, and treatment is to be sought through a patient's usual Doctor/ Primary Healthcare Practice.

The Primary chemical within Utovlan (Norethisterone) has been used off-label for endometriosis or other hormone-related conditions (under doctor supervision), however this is not a treatment indication by Quick Meds and treatment is to be sought through a patients usual Doctor/ Primary Healthcare Practice.

How to Take Utovlan Tablets

Take one 5mg tablet three times a day (each tablet is taken roughly 8 hours apart). Tablets must be started three days before your expected period. Approximately three days after you stop taking the tablets, you will have your period.

If you take Utovlan less than three days before your period, or when your period has already started, it may not work, and you may still experience spotting or bleeding.

Utovlan is for occasional use only. Utovlan is not to be used for durations longer than what has been licensed or prescribed to you by a Clinician.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember and continue the other doses at their normal time. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose. Please see the patient information leaflet for further information on missed doses.

What is the Active Ingredient in Utovlan?

Norethisterone, the key chemical within Utovlan, is a synthetic form of progesterone that works similarly to mimic progesterone, to stop your womb lining from shedding. This can delay your period until after you stop taking the medication.

• The ingredients in Utovlan period delay tablets are:

• Norethisterone 5mg

• Polyvidone

• Lactose Monohydrate

• Maise starch

• Magnesium Stearate

Ingredients are dependent upon the brand available at the time but are commonly the same. For a full list of ingredients, please see the patient information leaflet.

If you are allergic or hypersensitive to any of these ingredients, please do not take Utovlan.

Is Utovlan Suitable If I’m on the Contraceptive Pill?

If you are taking the combined contraceptive pill, you can take your packet back to back and avoid taking the 7-day pill-free period; therefore, your hormones stay high, thus delaying periods. If you're taking the "every day" combined pill, you may need to switch to the 21-day pill packets to do this. It is not advised to take Utovlan whilst taking the combined oral contraceptive pill.

Women should not take period delay tablets as regular contraception. Utovlan does not act as a contraceptive, and there is a possibility of pregnancy. If you don’t want to get pregnant, make sure you have other barrier measures in place.

What Should I Tell the Doctor Before I Take Utovlan?

Please inform the Doctor/Clinician of all concurrent medications that you are taking, including 'over-the-counter' or herbal medications/remedies, especially:

• St John’s Wort

• Anticonvulsants

• Medications that treat HIV or tuberculosis

If you have a personal or family history of the following conditions, then this must be informed to the Doctor/Clinician:

• A confirmed history of blood clots or a known increased risk of developing blood clots

• Stroke or heart disease

• Cancer, whether personal or familial

• High blood pressure

Can I Buy Utovlan Online from Quick Meds?

Yes - Utovlan is a prescription-only medication, and our team at Quick Meds can provide a prescription for you, which is dispensed via our pharmacy and delivered to you by post. It is available after an online consultation with one of our UK-registered prescribers.

• We provide a fast & discreet delivery service across the UK, through Royal Mail.

• You do not require an appointment with your local or registered GP.

• The consultation process is a straightforward & confidential assessment process.

• Both the branded Utovlan and generic Norethisterone options are available.

Utovlan vs Generic Norethisterone – What’s the Difference?

Utovlan is a branded version of a medication containing norethisterone, a synthetic form of the hormone progesterone. Both the brand and generic contain the same active ingredient.

Utovlan, as the brand, may be preferred for trust/familiarity to patients; however, studies show the same clinical outcome due to the presence of the same active ingredient. Therefore, both the efficacy rates and safety parameters for Utovlan and Norethisterone remain the same.

The generic version (Norethisterone) is more cost-effective than the brand, and this will reflect in the final cost of the selected medicinal treatment.

How Long Can You Delay Your Period With Utovlan?

As a distance selling Pharmacy, we can provide period delay treatment for up to 30 days. Longer durations of period delay treatment are not advised without supervision from your local GP. Your period is expected to resume within a few days following cessation of treatment.

Is Utovlan a Suitable Treatment for Heavy or Painful Periods?

Progesterone treatment can alleviate the symptoms of heavy periods as an additional benefit alongside the period delay intended outcome. This works through Utovlan's effect of keeping the level of progesterone hormone high and therefore delays the menses phase of the cycle (menstrual bleeding), which will also help lighten periods/blood flow.

Utovlan or generic Norethisterone can be prescribed short-term for period regulation. However, this is not a treatment indication by Quick Meds, and treatment is to be sought through a patient's usual Doctor/ Primary Healthcare Practice. This is not a long-term solution unless advised by a doctor.

Can Utovlan Affect Your Mood or Sex Drive?

• Mood swings and libido changes are possible side effects of Utovlan.

• If this occurs, it usually resolves after stopping the medication.

• Not all patients may experience this as a side effect.

What if I Forget a Dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember and continue the other doses at their normal time. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose. Please see the patient information leaflet for further information on missed doses.

Multiple missed doses during your intended period free treatment period may lead to reduced efficacy of the medication. This may potentially cause your period to restart or spotting to occur.

Why Choose Quick Meds for Utovlan?

• We are a GPhC and MHRA-regulated online pharmacy and employ UK-licensed prescribers.

• We use discreet packaging and delivery processes, as well as providing same-day dispatch on orders before cut-off times.

• Our friendly and clinically trained Pharmacists provide personalised advice and follow-up plans to ensure you get the best treatment experience possible.

• We are already trusted by thousands of UK customers.