Utovlan: Uses, Side Effects, Storage and Precautions

Utovlan is a prescription hormonal medicine containing norethisterone, a type of synthetic progestogen. It is primarily used to treat menstrual disorders, including absent, irregular, or heavy periods. Utovlan works by mimicking the effects of natural progesterone in the body to regulate ovulation and menstrual cycles.

It is also used to manage conditions like endometriosis, abnormal uterine bleeding, and can be prescribed to delay periods or prevent recurrent miscarriage. In some cases, it is used as a contraceptive option, especially for women who cannot take estrogen.

What are the Uses of Utovlan Tablet?

Utovlan is commonly used to manage menstrual disorders such as heavy, painful, or irregular periods. It may also be prescribed to delay menstruation or treat endometriosis symptoms.

• Menstrual Disorders (e.g., heavy, painful, or irregular periods)
• Endometriosis - Reduces abnormal tissue growth in the uterus.
• Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) - Helps manage mood swings, bloating, and other PMS symptoms.
• Delay of Menstruation - Used to postpone periods for travel, events, or religious reasons.
• Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding - Controls irregular or unexpected vaginal bleeding.
• Recurrent Miscarriage Prevention - Used in select cases to support early pregnancy.
• Hormonal Contraception - Sometimes used as a contraceptive for those who cannot take estrogen.

How Does Utovlan Tablet Work?

Utovlan contains norethisterone, which prevents the release of eggs from the ovaries and alters the lining of the uterus. This helps:

• Regulate menstrual cycles
• Reduce heavy or painful bleeding
• Prevent ovulation
• Stop sperm from reaching the egg
• Slow down endometrial tissue growth in endometriosis

Dosage of Utovlan Tablet

Dosage depends on the condition being treated and your doctor's recommendation. Always follow the prescribed course exactly.

Common Dosage Guidelines

• Menstrual Disorders: 5 mg three times a day, starting on day 5 of your cycle for 20 days.
• Endometriosis: 5 mg three times a day from day 5 of the cycle for 6 months.
• Delaying Periods: 5 mg three times a day, starting 3 days before the expected period. Continue until desired delay (max 10-14 days).
• PMS: 5 mg two or three times a day from day 19 or 20 until menstruation starts.
• Abnormal Uterine Bleeding: 5 mg three times a day for 10 days.
• Prevention of Miscarriage: 5 mg once or twice a day from day 16 to 25 of your cycle.

Note: Do not change your dosage without your doctor's advice. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it's close to your next dose. Do not take two doses at once.

Side Effects of Utovlan

Like any medication, Utovlan may cause side effects. These can range from mild discomforts like headaches or nausea to more serious reactions that require medical attention.

Common Side Effects

• Headache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Breast pain or tenderness
• Abdominal cramps, bloating
• Weight gain
• Irregular vaginal bleeding
• Dizziness
• Acne
• Hair loss or unwanted hair growth

Serious Side Effects (Seek Medical Attention)

• Mental depression
• Eye or vision changes
• Liver disorders
• High blood sugar
• Fluid retention or swelling
• Pulmonary embolism (blood clots in lungs)
• Stroke or heart attack
• Vaginal yeast infections
• Allergic reactions (rash, itching, trouble breathing)

Precautions Before Using Utovlan

Before starting Utovlan, it's important to discuss your medical history with your doctor. Certain conditions, such as liver problems or a history of blood clots, may require extra caution.

• Allergies to norethisterone or any ingredient in Utovlan
• Liver disease or gallbladder issues
• Kidney problems
• High blood pressure or diabetes
• Thyroid issues - Utovlan may lower thyroxine levels
• History of blood clots, stroke, or heart conditions
• Breast cancer - Do not use if currently diagnosed
• History of ectopic pregnancy

Warnings for Using Utovlan

Heart Disease

• Risk factors: Elevated blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, autoimmune disorders, current/history of blood clots.
• Patients with heart disease should be carefully monitored.
• Consult with a physician while using Utovlan.

Vision Abnormalities

• Increased risk for users of oral contraceptives.
• Potential issues: Sudden vision loss, eye displacement, double vision, migraines, and other eye-related problems.

Cigarette Smokers

• Female smokers are at higher risk.
• Smoking increases the risk of serious heart disease.
• Strong recommendation: Women using oral contraceptives should not smoke.

Combined Use of Oral Contraceptives

• Risk for users of combination oral contraceptives (progestin with estrogen).
• Potential development of liver tumours; rupture can be fatal due to bleeding.

Breast-feeding

• Consult your doctor before breastfeeding, as the drug might pass through breast milk.

Ectopic Pregnancy

• Increased risk for users of progestin-only oral contraceptives.
• Potential for ectopic pregnancy; stay alert for lower abdominal pain.
• Not recommended for patients with a history of ectopic pregnancy.

Ovarian Cyst

• Increased risk for users of oral contraceptives.
• Potential for ovarian cysts or large follicle formation causing moderate abdominal pain.

Breast Cancer

• Risk for users of combination oral contraceptives (progestin with estrogen).
• Increased risk of developing breast cancer; not for women with breast cancer.

Bleeding Genitals

• Risk for users of progestin-only oral contraceptives.
• Abnormal menstrual patterns, including genital bleeding, are common.
• Prolonged lack of menstrual periods should prompt a pregnancy assessment.

References