Utovlan is a prescription medication used by women to delay the onset of a period. It is the branded version of the generic period delay pill Norethisterone. The active ingredient contained in Utovlan is the hormone ‘norethisterone’ – a synthetic version of the naturally occurring sex hormone ‘progesterone’. Utovlan period delay tablets are taken three days prior to the start of your menstrual cycle, until the course is completed. A woman’s period will usually resume three days after completing the course.

Utovlan period delay tablets require a prescription, which can be obtained when you buy Utovlan online through The Independent Pharmacy using our online doctor consultation service. It is not available over the counter. Our simple health questionnaire takes just a few minutes to complete, and we offer same-day UK dispatch on all orders placed before 4pm with tracked delivery and plain packaging.

What is Utovlan used for?

Utovlan pills contain norethisterone: a hormone that postpones the start of your period should you wish to skip it while on holiday or for any other reason. It belongs to a group of medicines known as ‘progestogens’, which mimic the female hormone progesterone. Utovlan is used to delay your next period, but may also be used to treat, manage or relieve:

Heavy, painful or irregular periods
Premenstrual tension (PMT)
Endometriosis
Breast cancer

When Utovlan is taken to delay a period, the norethisterone keeps progesterone levels high, which prevents your period from starting as it usually would. Please note: Utovlan is not a contraceptive pill, so patients are advised to use other forms of protection if they wish to avoid getting pregnant.

Why delay your period?

Periods are healthy and a normal part of being a woman. However, there may be occasions where the timing isn’t ideal, and you’d rather it didn’t arrive when it was due. For instance, you may be about to go on holiday, or planning to wear a light-coloured dress. Most women have experienced an occasion at some point in their lives where they’ve thought about delaying their period for the sake of convenience. And in terms of reasoning, there are no strict criteria that prevent you asking your doctor for period delay medication like Utovlan.

If you’re thinking of delaying your period, ask yourself why you want to delay it, and for how long. Utovlan is designed for one-off, occasional use to postpone your period – not for preventing periods altogether. If you’re trying to delay your period simply because it’s too painful to handle, this is a sign you should visit your doctor.

We don’t recommend ‘alternative’ means of delaying your period – such as drinking gelatin or vinegar – since there’s no evidence that either option works.

How long does Utovlan delay your period for?

You can use Utovlan to delay your period for up to 17 days. You can buy the following quantities for Utovlan online from The Independent Pharmacy:

30 tablets (1 box) - up to 7 days period delay
60 tablets (2 boxes) - up to 17 days period delay

We do not recommend delaying your period for longer than 17 days using Utovlan.

Can I use Utolvan with my contraceptive pill?

We don't normally recommend using Utovlan to delay your period if you are also taking the contraceptive pill. For more information on using your contraceptive pill to skip or delay your period, see our Period Delay information page.

What are the female sex hormones and what do they do?

The following hormones are responsible for women’s menstrual cycle:

Oestrogen – Estrogen is responsible for building up the uterine lining, ready for a fertilized egg. If the woman doesn’t get pregnant, then her cycle will continue, and her estrogen levels will decrease. As it does so, the lining will start to shed.

Follicle-stimulating hormone – Made in the pituitary gland, this hormone prepares the follicles for ovulation every month. While it may prepare several, one will continue to grow. When it ruptures, the egg is released.

Luteinizing hormone – This hormone is responsible for releasing the egg from the ovary – the moment of ovulation.

Progesterone – This hormone is produced by the ruptured follicle from which the egg was released. After release, the follicle closes and starts to secrete progesterone – often leading to a rise in body temperature. If no pregnancy occurs, progesterone (and estrogen) levels drop, and menstruation follows.

As a synthetic form of progesterone, taking Utovlan means the womb lining is maintained until the treatment is stopped, thereby delaying the onset of your period.

Norethisterone as a hormonal replacement therapy

In addition to its use as a period delay medication, Norethisterone can also be used as a hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) when taken in combination with estrogen. HRT replaces the hormones that a woman's body stops producing naturally when she enters the menopause, which can alleviate some of the troublesome symptoms.

HRT most commonly involves taking a combination of estrogen and progesterone (combined HRT), since this option is safer than taking estrogen on its own (linked to an increased risk of endometrial cancer). Oestrogen-only HRT may be recommended for women who have had a hysterectomy.

The Independent Pharmacy does not prescribe Utovlan for HRT. You can see our HRT treatments here.

What else can cause a missed period?

A missed period on occasion is not usually cause for concern. While it can be a sign of early pregnancy, it may also be caused by stress, extreme exercise, weight loss, low body fat, or a hormonal imbalance. Periods can also start to become irregular when the menopause starts. In rare cases, a missed period can be a sign of something more serious, like ovarian cancer. Speak to your doctor if you are worried.

Bear in mind too that Utovlan is not a form of contraception, so while taking it, you will still need to protect yourself against pregnancy using another method.

*Prescription medicines are supplied subject to a medical consultation at the discretion of a doctor.

How do you take Utovlan?

Utovlan period delay tablets should be taken as directed by your pharmacist. Be sure to check with us if you are not sure. The recommended dose may vary depending on your reasons for taking Utovlan tablets.

As a general guide:

If you’re taking Utovlan to delay your period:

Take 1 tablet 3 times a day
Start taking the tablets 3 days before your period is due to start
Your period will usually start within 3 days of finishing the tablets

Do not exceed the stated dose of your prescription. If you do, contact your doctor immediately. Should you forget to take Utovlan, take your tablet as soon as you remember and then continue as normal, taking it at the same time every day. Do not double dose.

Utovlan side effects

All medicines have the potential to cause side effects. These may vary from person to person, and will not necessarily affect everyone. If you experience bad side effects while taking Utovlan tablets, seek professional medical help and advice.

In some rare cases, Utovlan can lead to a serious allergic reaction. Stop taking the medication immediately and consult a doctor if you experience any of the following allergy symptoms:

Difficulty breathing
Feeling faint
Swelling of the face, tongue, hands or feet
Itchy skin rash

Utovlan is linked to an increased risk of blood clots, stroke and deep-vein thrombosis (DVT). Look out for symptoms that include:

Sharp chest pains
Coughing up blood
Shortness of breath
Rapid heart beat
Severe headache
Feeling faint
Difficulty speaking
Impaired vision
Pain, swelling, discolouration or heat in the lower leg

If you experience any of the above symptoms, stop taking the tablets and see your doctor. You should also consult a medical professional if you experience:

Yellowing skin (jaundice)
Migraine (if you are not prone to them)

Other side effects may include:

Bleeding and spotting between periods – or no period at all
Unexpected or unusual vaginal bleeding
Changes in vaginal discharge
Breast pain and tenderness
Milky discharge from the breast (when not pregnant or breastfeeding)
Headache
Depression, confusion, nervousness or euphoria
Dizziness
Fatigue
Difficulty sleeping
Lack of concentration
Nausea
Constipation or diarrhoea
Abdominal pain
Dry mouth
Acne
Increase in body or facial hair
Hair loss
Fluid retention
Change in appetite

If you’re worried about side effects, including those not listed, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Utovlan ingredients list

The active ingredient contained in Utovlan is norethisterone. Each tablet contains 5 mg of norethisterone.

Other ingredients include:

Lactose monohydrate
Maize starch
Povidone
Magnesium stearate

Utovlan warnings and precautions

Taking Utovlan can be a useful aid, but it isn’t necessarily suitable for everyone. Before you start taking norethisterone medication, read the following warnings to check that none of them apply to you.

You should not take Utovlan if:

You’re allergic to norethisterone or any of the other ingredients
You are or could be pregnant
You have ever had unexplained vaginal bleeding that wasn’t a period
You have a family history of blood clots or DVT
You’ve ever had a heart attack or angina
You have liver problems
You had jaundice while pregnant
You have pruritus
You have porphyria
You suffer from any of the following:

Epilepsy
Migraine headaches
Asthma
Heart problems
Kidney problems

Hormone-based medicines like Utovlan slightly increase your risk of developing a blood clot in the leg, lungs or brain. However, this risk is compounded if you:

Are very overweight
Have systemic lupus erythematosus
Have had a blood clot before (or it runs in the family)
Are immobile or recently had major surgery
Have had more than one miscarriage

Utovlan drug interactions

If you’re taking any of the following medicines, as the effect of Utovlan may be altered. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking the two together:

Epilepsy medication
Antibiotics
HIV antiviral medicines
Anticancer medicines
St John’s Wort
Aminoglutethimide
Ciclosporin
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
High blood pressure medication

Norethisterone and pregnancy

Hormonal medicines like Utovlan should not be taken while pregnant, as they can affect the developing baby. Utovlan is also not a contraceptive, therefore other precautions must be taken if you do not plan to get pregnant. If you wish to take Utovlan while breastfeeding, consult your doctor for advice.

Delivery & Shipping Information

UK Orders

We offer FREE standard tracked delivery on orders over £40.

The following delivery options are available:

Standard Tracked Delivery - 2/3 day delivery - £2.95
Express Tracked Delivery - 1/2 day delivery - £4.45
DPD Next Day - 1 working day - £6.95
Special Delivery (Guaranteed before 1pm) - £8.95
Saturday Guaranteed before 1pm - £10.45

Important Delivery Information

All our orders are sent out using Royal Mail (unless stated). We always aim to dispatch all Royal Mail orders received before 4pm the same working day. Any orders received after 4pm or over the weekend will be dispatched the next working day. We aim to dispatch all DPD orders placed before 3pm on the same working day. Orders will not be dispatched on weekends or bank holidays.

All orders are subject to approval by our team of doctors and pharmacists. Your delivery date in the checkout is subject to your consultation being approved by our healthcare team.

All orders can be fully tracked from your dispatch email and in your account.

We ensure all parcels are in plain packaging for discreet delivery of your medicines and pharmacy goods. Where possible, we will attempt to size all parcels to fit through your letterbox in tamper-proof packaging. By placing an order on our website, you confirm that it is safe and appropriate for a package containing medicines to be posted through your letterbox, if the carrier is able to do so. You should notify our customer support team if it is not safe for the package to be posted through the letterbox, for example due to animals or small children.

Deliveries containing pharmacy-only or prescription medicines may require a signature on receipt.

Delivery is free for all NHS prescriptions.

Royal Mail

Royal Mail are the most widely recognised mail delivery company in the UK. Being on the UK’s 29 million doorsteps six days a week means they offer unparalleled price and convenience. The Independent Pharmacy uses Royal Mail’s Tracked 48, Tracked 24, and Special Delivery Guaranteed parcel services to offer reliable, fully-tracked delivery at very competitive prices. Your Royal Mail parcel will arrive with your normal daily delivery of post.

Please note: Royal Mail do not deliver on Sundays or Bank Holidays - this should be taken into account when ordering.

If you are not home to accept your delivery, a card should be left by the Royal Mail representative. This card will provide details of where you can collect the order or how to arrange re-delivery.

Should you be unable to collect your missed delivery or arrange for your medication to be redelivered by Royal Mail, the pharmacy can resend your medication to the same, or a different address provided it has been returned to us and this happens within a 30 day window.

Once a package has been shipped with Royal Mail we advise that you are bound to the terms and conditions of their use together with the terms and conditions contained herein.

You have the right to cancel your order up to the point when your treatment is dispatched. The pharmacist must destroy any medication within 30 days of it being returned, even un-opened boxes, so we are not able to offer refunds once your treatment has been dispatched.

DPD

DPD Local is the most innovative parcel carrier around. Thanks to their industry-leading Predict service, they provide parcel recipients with a one hour delivery window, notified by email, so you don't have to wait in all day. What's more, it enables receivers to watch the progress of their delivery on a real-time map, all the way down to a final 15 minute time-slot.

As well as keeping customers informed at every stage of the journey, DPD believe in maximising choice and convenience. That's why DPD provide access to a suite of options both on the day of delivery and the night before, allowing customers to take delivery of their goods in a way that suits. If you wish to reschedule, you can:

Select an alternative delivery date
Opt for delivery to a nominated neighbour
Have the parcel left in a specified safe place
Collect the parcel from your local DPD Pickup Shop
Upgrade delivery to By 12

Please note: DPD do not deliver on Saturdays, Sundays or Bank Holidays - this should be taken into account when ordering.

Once a package has been shipped with DPD we advise that you are bound to the terms and conditions of their use together with the terms and conditions contained herein.

Forwarding houses

We are unable to ship orders to mailing or forwarding houses for onwards shipping to locations outside of the UK.

BFPO Postcodes

Unfortunately we are unable to deliver medicines to BFPO postcodes.

Remote Areas

Please be aware that Royal Mail Guaranteed services are not available to all customers in the UK, especially those that live in remote postcodes. Royal Mail advise customers of the following:

We deliver by 5.30pm the next working day in the following postcode areas:
AB30 - 39, 41 - 45, 51 - 56
GY9 Alderney (Channel Islands)
HS1, 3 - 9
IV21 - 28, 40 - 49, 51 - 56
KA27, 28
KW1 - 3, 5 - 15
KW16 Stromness Town only
PA20 (0&9)
PA28 - 38, 41 - 49, 76, 77
PH15, 17 - 26, 31 - 40, 49, 50
ZE1

We deliver within two working days by 5.30pm to the following postcodes areas:
GY1 Herm (Channel Islands)
GY9 Sark (Channel Islands)
GY10
HS2
PA60 - 75, 78
ZE2, 3

We deliver within three working days by 5.30pm to the following postcode areas:
KW16 - non-Town
KW17
PH30, 41 - 44

Please note: This applies to our 'Special Delivery' and 'Saturday Guaranteed' services.

International Orders

We are currently unable to ship orders outside of the UK.

We are unable to ship orders to mailing or forwarding houses for onwards shipping to locations outside of the UK.

Can't find what you're looking for?

Utovlan 5mg Tablets (30 tablets)

From: £19.99

Product Information

What is Utovlan used for?

Why delay your period?

How long does Utovlan delay your period for?

Can I use Utolvan with my contraceptive pill?

What are the female sex hormones and what do they do?

Norethisterone as a hormonal replacement therapy

What else can cause a missed period?

How do you take Utovlan?

Utovlan side effects

Utovlan ingredients list

Utovlan warnings and precautions

Utovlan drug interactions

Norethisterone and pregnancy

Delivery & Shipping Information

UK Orders

Important Delivery Information

Royal Mail

DPD

Forwarding houses

BFPO Postcodes

Remote Areas

International Orders

Utovlan 5mg Tablets Reviews

Related Treatments

Frequently Asked Questions

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