Utovlan side effects: what to expect from the period delay pill
Menstruating is a healthy and normal part of life for many people. However, sometimes there may be times or occasions when you’d prefer not to have your period — such as if you’re going on holiday or taking part in a sporting event.
In these circumstances, taking period-delay tablets like Utovlan can delay the onset of your period. But are there any Utovlan side effects that you need to know about first?
It is best to look into any new medicine you are thinking of taking so that you know what to expect when using it, including any possible side effects you may experience as well as the positive results you will benefit from.
In this section, we’ll be taking a closer at the side effects of Utovlan that you need to know about, including more common side effects, more serious effects and allergic reactions. Read on to find out more (or you can just skip to the side effects here).
Summary list of Utovlan side effects
All medicines have the potential to cause side effects, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they will. Side effects can vary from person to person, even when taking the same medication. Side effects will not necessarily affect everyone who uses a treatment either.
Progestogen pills like Utlovan are generally well tolerated by the body, and side effects are usually rare. Most users will not experience Utovlan effects at all.
However, it’s worth being aware of the possible side effects of Utovlan tablets just in case you encounter them.
Here is a summary list of the known Utovlan side effects:
- Breakthrough bleeding or spotting between periods
- Unexpected or unusual vaginal bleeding
- Changes in vaginal discharge
- Breast pain and tenderness
- Milky discharge from the breast (when not pregnant or breastfeeding)
- Headache
- Mood changes such as depression, confusion, nervousness or euphoria
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Difficulty sleeping
- Changes in sex drive
- Lack of concentration
- Confusion
- Nausea or being sick
- Constipation or diarrhoea
- Abdominal pain
- Dry mouth
- Acne
- Increase in body or facial hair
- Hair loss
- Fluid retention and bloating
- Weight gain
- Change in appetite
As you can see, the possible side effects of Utovlan are not generally serious or dangerous.
The likelihood of experiencing any of the above side effects will vary from user to user; what one individual may encounter could be completely different from another. However, you are unlikely to have a negative experience with Utovlan. To find out what real users think of this medication, you can read our Utovlan customer reviews.
If you’re worried about any Utovlan side effects — whether they are listed above or not — then it’s a good idea to discuss this with your GP or pharmacist.
Generally speaking, if you are using Utlovan to delay your period for a week or two and you experience side effects, it will only be for a short time and they will stop once you have stopped taking the tablets.
If you are using Utovlan for a longer period of time to treat any other conditions such as endometriosis or heavy periods and you are worried about side effects continuing, speak to your GP about your options.
More common side effects and symptoms
The most common Utovlan side effects are changes in your period such as irregular bleeding or spotting, headaches or feeling sick. These side effects may affect between 1 in 10 and 1 in 100 users.
These more common side effects do not usually need medical attention — they are just a result of your body adjusting to the changing levels of hormones.
Serious side effects and symptoms
Serious side effects of Utovlan are very unusual but they may happen.
Norethisterone medications like Utovlan have been linked to an increased risk of blood clots in the blood vessels, which can lead to a number of more serious dangers to health, including stroke (a blood clot in the brain) and deep-vein thrombosis (DVT).
Look out for any of the below symptoms of these more serious side effects including:
- Having an unusually severe, sudden or long-lasting headache
- Feeling faint or dizzy
- Fainting or collapsing
- Any part of your body feeling weak or numb
- Sharp chest pains
- Coughing up blood
- Shortness of breath
- Rapid heartbeat
- Difficulty speaking
- Sudden problems with your eyesight (impaired vision or eyesight affected in any other way)
- Pain, swelling, tenderness, discolouration or heat in the lower legs
Tell your doctor straight away and stop taking the tablets if you notice any of these unlikely but serious symptoms.
You should also consult a medical professional if you experience:
- Yellow skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellow (jaundice) — this could be indicative of liver or gallbladder problems
- Migraine-like headaches that appear for the first time
If you have been taking Utovlan and you are concerned about any side effects you are experiencing (particularly if they feel severe, long-lasting or painful), then you should consult a medical professional for further guidance.
If you feel like your symptoms are dangerous or life-threatening in any way, you should call emergency services.
Utovlan allergic reactions
A serious allergic reaction to Utovlan is very rare, but it can happen.
You should stop taking this medication and seek medical attention immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction:
- Difficulty breathing or talking
- Breathlessness
- Wheezing
- Tightness in the chest or throat
- Feeling faint
- Severe dizziness
- Swelling (particularly in the face, tongue, throat, hands or feet)
- Any skin irritations such as rashes, or skin that is itchy, red, swollen, or blistered
These are the symptoms of a serious allergic reaction and you should treat this as an emergency and seek immediate medical attention.
Utovlan weight gain
Although it is listed as a possible side effect, Utovlan weight gain is very unusual.
In fact, any weight gained that may be associated with Utovlan is probably a result of fluid retention and bloating (hormonal changes can change the way that water is held in the body).
In some cases, Utovlan may cause weight loss. Progesterone-based medication can cause both weight loss and weight gain, depending on the situation of the individual using it.
If you are worried about Utovlan weight gain or you think that this is something that is affecting you, then speak to your GP about your concerns. If you are taking Utovlan for a longer time to help with painful periods or any other condition, they may suggest changing your dosage or trying lifestyle changes such as exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy diet.
However, if you’re taking Utovlan short-term to delay your period (it can be used for a maximum of 17 days), then it is unlikely that weight gain is going to substantially impact you during this time.
Summary
Utovlan is a prescription medication that can be used to delay the onset of a period. It is the branded version of Norethisterone — the generic period delay pill. The active ingredient in Utovlan is the hormone norethisterone (a synthetic version of progesterone).
Utovlan side effects are rare and normally mild. The most common side effects (which may impact between 1 in 10 and 1 in 100 women) are breakthrough bleeding or spotting headaches or feeling nauseous.
Most people who use this period delay pill will not experience any negative side effects.
Utovlan period delay tablets cannot be purchased over-the-counter and require a prescription.
If you want to buy Utovlan online through The Independent Pharmacy, you can use our consultation service. It’s quick and easy to do — you’ll just need to answer a few questions as part of the consultation, which will only take a few minutes.
Once you do, one of our qualified prescribers will be able to approve your order and your medication can be dispatched for next working day delivery.
