Hello XXXXXXX

Thanks for the Query,

Duphaston (Dydrogesterone) and Primolut N (Norethisterone) are orally active analogues of the sex hormone progesterone.

This medication is supposed to be taken only after the ovulation has occured, and you are expecting your period in due time.

These medications just prolongs the duration of the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, which follows the ovulatory phase. This usually lasts normally for 14 days after which progesterone withdrawal causes menstruation to begin. Taking Primolut N, acts like progesterone and prolongs this phase and hence delays the onset of the period.

The difference between the two medications is that Duphaston is a weaker analogue but is safe when pregnancy results due to accident. But Primolut N is a much stronger and potent analogue and has less chances of failure when compared to Duphaston. However, primolut is not safe in pregnancy, so you must ensure that you would not be pregnant during that cycle.

Hence taking Primolut N instead of Duphaston this time, during your holiday will definitely work and help you enjoy your holidays better.

Please note the following points about usage of this medication:-

1. The recommended dosage is 1 tablet of Primolut N 3 times daily.

2. The duration of use of this medicine should not be longer than 10-14 days.

3. The medication is begun about at least 3 days before the expected menstruation. (In your case you can take it as scheduled on 23rd August).

4. Bleeding will occur 2-3 days after having stopped the medication.

There is no issues with regarding to being sexually active while being on Primolut N.

In case you have not had sexual intercourse or have used barrier contraception during the fertile period of your cycle ( Day 12 to day 16 of the cycle) the chances of you being pregnant would be less likely and you can take Primolut N to delay the periods. In such a case taking the medication will delay the period and hence you can safely have sex without having to worry about conception until the onset of the period.

I hope this helps to answer your question effectively.

Please feel free to consult me if you have any doubts.

Regards.

Dr Anvekar.

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Hello XXXXXXX

Thank you for the follow up query.

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. I have provided a few important side effects that are known to be associated with Primolut N.

1. Nausea, Headache / migraine

2. Change in sex drive

3. Bloating, fluid retention, Weight gain

4. Breast discomfort

5. Dizziness, Depressed mood

6. Skin reactions such as itching

7. Hair loss (alopecia)‎

8. Excessive hair growth (hirsutism)

9. Sleepiness

10. Difficulty sleeping (insomnia)

But just the mentioning of a ‎effect does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side ‎effect.‎ Undesirable effects are more common during the first few days after start of intake of Primolut N, and ‎subside with duration of treatment.‎

For most part Primolut N is a medication that is used world wide by many women for its efficacy. Hence you can take it with full confidence.

I hope this helps.

Regards.

Dr Anvekar.

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Hello XXXXXXX

There is no need to stop the medication, unless they are highly intolerable. But such a probability is less likely.

You can continue to take them, and they will resolve on their own.

Bleeding will not occur during sexual intercourse, while you are on Primolut N. You can definitely be sure about that. Bleeding will resume a few days after you choose to stop taking the medication, and definitely not before that.

I hope this helps to clear your doubts.

Wish you a enjoyable vacation.

Regards.

Dr. Deepak Anvekar.

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