I was prescribed Utovlan (otherwise known as norethisterone) last year for prolonged menstrual bleeding. While I was waiting for an vaginal ultrasound and for my already booked regular smear test, I took some, but only for a couple of days as they made me feel unwell. The bleeding stopped on it's own and my vaginal ultrasound and smear test showed absolutely nothing untoward. I was told it could be my body reaction to the Cerazettte contraceptive pill or moving towards menopause. This was September last year. I have not had any prolonged bleeding again until this month. I decided to try the Utovlan again and took it for 3 days. I stopped taking it Thursday last week. Monday I started stopping and by yesterday a full-blown period has started.
Today I am literally gushing blood every time I sit on the loo. It just pours out of me and I'm having enormous clots the size of an adult thumb.
After effects like this are not mentioned in the leaflet but I have seen some messages on forums like this saying the same thing.
I rang the pharmacist and she said to go back to GP. But I'm not sure what they can do other than refer me back, to scanning dept which takes weeks.
I rang 111 but they were taking "emergency cases only" so I hung up.
Anyone else experienced this? Will it stop on it's own?
Hi, I know this is a bit old but how did you get on with it? I was having the gushing and HUGE (size of my fist) clots before going on Utovlan. And yes, I think it's my age but also the horrible Cerazette pill.
The last episode was so severe that after bleeding non stop and not being able to move away from the loo, I rang 111 and they sent an ambulance which took me to A&E. Had drips and blood tests which showed I was even more aneamic than before and I was signed off work and sent home with some Utovlan. This stopped the bleeding within hours and I've been taking it for just over 10 days now. I was meant to stop yesterday but just took a few more because I couldn't face more bleeding (Cerazette made me bleed constantly for 3.5 months, sometimes very heavy).
GP told me that the longer I'm on Utovlan, the heavier I might bleed afterwards which is really scary but I've just decided to stop it and see what happens while I am still off work.
How are you now and did they find the cause of your flooding episodes?
Ta x
Hi, I know this is a bit old but how did you get on with it? I was having the gushing and HUGE (size of my fist) clots before going on Utovlan. And yes, I think it's my age but also the horrible Cerazette pill.
The last episode was so severe that after bleeding non stop and not being able to move away from the loo, I rang 111 and they sent an ambulance which took me to A&E. Had drips and blood tests which showed I was even more aneamic than before and I was signed off work and sent home with some Utovlan. This stopped the bleeding within hours and I've been taking it for just over 10 days now. I was meant to stop yesterday but just took a few more because I couldn't face more bleeding (Cerazette made me bleed constantly for 3.5 months, sometimes very heavy).
GP told me that the longer I'm on Utovlan, the heavier I might bleed afterwards which is really scary but I've just decided to stop it and see what happens while I am still off work.
How are you now and did they find the cause of your flooding episodes?
Ta x
Hello,
Sorry to read you've been having these problems.
Utovlan will just delay bleeding. The blood and tissue is in there, building up as the cycle progresses. It has to and will come out once control over it by drugs has left your system when you stop taking Utovlan. Basically it's a drug to give women a break from normal bleeding for convenience, for instance to avoid bleeding while on holiday or special occasion where having your period would "spoil the fun".
It's not a long-term fix, it's just designed to give you a bit of relief for a short time.
Unfortunately the price you pay could be similar or worse than what you are already experiencing.
Being on the pill can mask a lot of peri-menopausal symptoms, particularly the progesterone only pill like Cerazette.
I've had blood tests, scans, my smear test is up to date. Everything normal. The only explanation is coming up to menopause. I also haven't bled since I had the episode detailed in my original post. I'm still on Carazette.
I hope you get some answers soon.