Steron 0.35 Tablet (Norethisterone 0.35 mg): Complete Guide
Clinical Reference Standards: CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation), Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) & WHO | Last Updated: September 2026
When to Call Your Doctor IMMEDIATELY
- Sudden severe headache or vision changes
- Chest pain or difficulty breathing
- Swelling, redness, or pain in one leg
- Severe one-sided abdominal pain or shoulder tip pain
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes, or dark urine
- Heavy vaginal bleeding with dizziness or fainting
- Swelling of the face, lips, or throat
If experiencing severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately.
What is steron 0.35 tablet used for?
This medicine is a low-dose progestin-only contraceptive tablet containing Norethisterone 0.35 mg. It is taken every day without a break to prevent pregnancy, mainly by thickening cervical mucus and thinning the uterine lining. It must be taken at the same time daily and does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.
- Generic Name: Norethisterone (0.35mg)
- Manufacturer: West-Coast Pharmaceutical Works Ltd
- Form: Allopathy
- Pregnancy Category: Consult doctor
- Prescription Required: Yes
🇮🇳 steron 0.35 tablet के बारे में (Hindi Summary)
उपयोग: यह दवा नोरेथिस्टेरोन 0.35 मिलीग्राम की एक कम खुराक वाली गोली है, जिसे मुख्य रूप से गर्भधारण रोकने के लिए रोज़ाना बिना रुके लिया जाता है। इसे मिनी-पिल भी कहा जाता है। यह मुख्य रूप से गर्भाशय ग्रीवा के बलगम को गाढ़ा करके शुक्राणु को अंडे तक पहुँचने से रोकती है, गर्भाशय की परत को पतला करती है और अंडे के निकलने को कम करती है। यह उन महिलाओं के लिए उपयुक्त मानी जाती है जो एस्ट्रोजन वाली गोलियाँ नहीं ले सकतीं, जैसे स्तनपान कराने वाली माताएँ। यह आपातकालीन गर्भनिरोधक गोली नहीं है और यौन संचारित रोगों से सुरक्षा नहीं देती। इसे डॉक्टर की सलाह के बिना शुरू या बंद न करें।
साइड इफेक्ट्स: इस दवा के सामान्य दुष्प्रभावों में शुरुआती महीनों में अनियमित रक्तस्राव या स्पॉटिंग, माहवारी का न आना, स्तनों में कोमलता, जी मिचलाना, सिरदर्द, चक्कर आना और मूड में बदलाव शामिल हैं। ये अक्सर कुछ समय में ठीक हो जाते हैं। गंभीर लेकिन दुर्लभ दुष्प्रभावों में खून के थक्के बनना, एक्टोपिक प्रेग्नेंसी और लीवर की समस्या शामिल हैं। अचानक तेज़ सिरदर्द, सीने में दर्द, साँस लेने में तकलीफ या पैर में सूजन हो तो तुरंत डॉक्टर से मिलें।
सुरक्षा सलाह: इस दवा को हर दिन एक ही समय पर लें, क्योंकि इसकी सुरक्षा नियमित सेवन पर निर्भर करती है। गर्भनिरोधक के रूप में उपयोग करते समय पहले दो दिन और देर से गोली लेने पर कंडोम जैसे बैकअप तरीके का इस्तेमाल करें। डॉक्टर से पूछे बिना दवा बंद या शुरू न करें। रिफैम्पिसिन, कुछ मिर्गी की दवाएँ और सेंट जॉन्स वर्ट जैसी चीज़ें इसकी असर को कम कर सकती हैं। धूम्रपान से बचें क्योंकि इससे खून के थक्के का खतरा बढ़ता है। तेज़ सिरदर्द, धुंधली दृष्टि, सीने में दर्द, साँस फूलना या पैर में सूजन होने पर तुरंत इलाज कराएँ।
💊 steron 0.35 tablet Uses & Benefits
[{"condition":"Contraception (progestin-only mini-pill)","description":"This low-dose 0.35 mg tablet is taken continuously every day without a hormone-free break to prevent pregnancy, mainly by thickening cervical mucus and thinning the uterine lining.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Contraception during breastfeeding","description":"Because it contains no estrogen, this medicine is often chosen by breastfeeding women after a clinician confirms it is appropriate.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Menstrual cycle disorders","description":"Higher doses of norethisterone are used to control heavy, irregular, or painful periods, but the 0.35 mg strength is not the usual strength for this purpose.","evidence":"Well-established for norethisterone as a class; strength-specific use is not established"},{"condition":"Endometriosis","description":"Norethisterone is used in higher doses to reduce endometriosis-related pain and bleeding; the 0.35 mg strength is not standard for this indication.","evidence":"Well-established for norethisterone as a class; strength-specific use is not established"}]
Off-label uses: [{"condition":"Cycle control in selected women","description":"A clinician may occasionally use this low-dose progestin for short-term cycle regulation, but this is not a standard labeled use of the 0.35 mg strength.","evidence":"Limited"}]
Primary treatment for: Contraception
Also treats: Menstrual cycle regulation (with higher doses, not this strength), Endometriosis (with higher doses, not this strength)
📋 Drug Information
| Generic Name(s) | Norethisterone (0.35mg) |
| Brand Name | steron 0.35 tablet |
| Manufacturer | West-Coast Pharmaceutical Works Ltd |
| Packaging / Form | Varies by brand (Allopathy) |
| Therapeutic Class | GYNAECOLOGICAL |
| Action Class | Progestins (First generation) |
| Route of Administration | Oral |
| Storage | Store at room temperature between 15°C and 30°C in a dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep the tablets in the original blister pack or container. |
| Shelf Life | The shelf life is usually 24 to 36 months from the date of manufacture, but the exact expiry date is printed on the pack. Do not use after the expiry date. |
| WHO Guideline | Not established from the available information. Progestin-only pills are included in World Health Organization guidance on contraceptive methods, but this specific product has not been individually assessed by WHO. |
| ICMR Guideline | Not established from the available information. Indian national family planning guidance includes progestin-only pills, but product-specific recommendations are not available. |
👨⚕️ Doctor's Practical Tips
Evidence-based practical advice from experienced clinicians
🔍 Is This Medicine Right for Your Symptom?
Educational reference. Always consult a doctor for diagnosis.
🔬 How This Medicine Works (Pharmacology)
Pharmacokinetics
How It Works
Norethisterone is a synthetic progestin that binds to progesterone receptors in the body and mimics the natural hormone progesterone. At the low 0.35 mg dose used for continuous contraception, its main effect is to make the cervical mucus thick and sticky so that sperm cannot swim through it easily. It also changes the lining of the uterus so that it is thin and less suitable for implantation, and it can partially suppress the release of an egg from the ovary. These combined actions make pregnancy much less likely when the tablet is taken every day without a break.
Mechanism Steps
💡 How to Take steron 0.35 tablet
Strength: Immediate-release tablet containing Norethisterone 0.35 mg.
Dosage Information
| Adult Dosage | For contraception, the usual adult dose of this 0.35 mg tablet is one tablet taken orally every day at the same time, with no hormone-free break between packs. The dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on your medical history, medicines, and needs. Do not change the dose or stop the medicine without medical advice. |
| Pediatric Dosage | Pediatric dosing is not established from available information. Consult a pediatrician or adolescent gynecology specialist. |
| Elderly Dosage | This medicine is not intended for use in women who have reached menopause, and its use in older women for contraception is not appropriate. Any use in older women must be decided by a specialist for a specific indication. |
| Renal Impairment | Specific dose adjustments for kidney disease are not established from the available information. A clinician should assess kidney function before prescribing this medicine. |
| Hepatic Impairment | This medicine should not be used in women with active or severe liver disease. For mild liver impairment, a clinician must decide whether it is safe to use. |
| Maximum Daily Dose | The maximum recommended daily dose for this 0.35 mg tablet is one tablet per day. Do not take more than one tablet in 24 hours unless specifically instructed by your clinician. |
Dosage Timeline
🍽️ Food Timing Guide
⏰ What to Do If You Miss a Dose
⚠️ Side Effects of steron 0.35 tablet
✅ Common Side Effects
🚨 Serious Side Effects
⚠️ Rare Side Effects
Consult your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.
🔬 Drug Interactions
| Drug | Severity | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Rifampicin | Major | |
| Carbamazepine | Major | |
| Phenytoin | Major | |
| St John's wort | Major | |
| Bosentan | Moderate | |
| Some HIV protease inhibitors | Moderate |
🚨 Major Interactions
- Rifampicin
- Carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, primidone
- St John's wort
⚡ Moderate Interactions
- Bosentan
- Some HIV protease inhibitors
🍷 Alcohol Interaction
Moderate alcohol use is not known to directly reduce the effectiveness of this medicine, but alcohol can worsen dizziness, mood changes, and liver strain. It is best to limit alcohol while taking this medicine, and to avoid heavy drinking.
🔎 Check Your Other Medicines
Educational tool. Always confirm with your doctor or pharmacist.
🛡️ Safety & Warnings
🚫 Contraindications
["Known or suspected pregnancy","Unexplained vaginal bleeding","Active or severe liver disease","History of blood clots or thromboembolic disorders","Known or suspected hormone-sensitive cancers such as breast cancer","Hypersensitivity to norethisterone or any ingredient in the tablet"]
⚠️ Warnings & Precautions
["This medicine must be taken at the same time every day to work reliably.","It does not protect against HIV or other sexually transmitted infections.","Use backup contraception for the first two days and if a pill is taken more than three hours late.","Smoking increases the risk of blood clots, especially in women over 35.","Tell your clinician about all other medicines and herbal products you use.","Seek urgent care for severe headache, vision changes, chest pain, or leg swelling.","If you miss a period, take a pregnancy test and contact your clinician."]
🤱 Lactation Safety
This medicine is often considered suitable during breastfeeding because it contains no estrogen and low doses of progestin generally have little effect on milk production. However, a small amount may pass into breast milk, so the decision should be made with a clinician who knows both mother and baby.
💊 Overdose Management
Taking more than the prescribed dose may cause nausea, vomiting, vaginal bleeding, or breast tenderness. There is no specific antidote. If a large overdose is taken, contact a poison control center or go to the nearest emergency department for supportive care. Do not try to vomit unless instructed by a medical professional.
⏰ Missed Dose
If you are using this medicine as a contraceptive and you are less than three hours late, take the missed tablet as soon as you remember and continue your usual schedule. If you are more than three hours late, take the missed tablet as soon as you remember, continue the next tablet at the usual time, and use a backup contraceptive method such as condoms for the next two days. If you are unsure, contact your clinician or pharmacist.
Additional Safety Advice
Take this medicine at the same time every day, because the protection depends on steady hormone levels. If you are using it as a contraceptive, use a backup method such as condoms for the first two days and whenever you are more than three hours late taking a pill. Do not stop or restart this medicine without speaking to your clinician. Tell your doctor about all other medicines, especially rifampicin, certain anti-seizure drugs, and St John's wort, because they can reduce its effectiveness. Avoid smoking, as smoking increases the risk of blood clots, particularly in women over 35. Seek urgent care for severe headache, vision changes, chest pain, breathlessness, or swelling and pain in one leg. Keep all follow-up appointments so your blood pressure and overall health can be checked.
👴 Special Considerations for Elderly
💡 For Patients Above 65
This medicine is not intended for use in women who have reached menopause. Any use in older women must be for a specific indication and decided by a specialist.
🤰 Pregnancy Planning (TTC)
If you are planning a pregnancy, stop this medicine and consult your clinician. Fertility usually returns to its usual pattern after stopping, but it may take a few cycles for your periods to become regular. Start folic acid supplements as advised before conception.
🏥 Post-Surgery Considerations
Inform your surgeon and anesthesiologist that you are taking this medicine before any surgery. Some surgeons may advise stopping it before major surgery because of a small risk of blood clots. Follow your surgical team's instructions.
🦷 Dental Procedures
Tell your dentist that you are taking this medicine. There is no major interaction with common dental anesthetics, but it is important for your dental team to know your full medicine list.
💚 Lifestyle Tips for Better Results
🏋️ Exercise Considerations
This medicine is not known to limit exercise. However, if you feel dizzy or unwell, avoid strenuous activity until you feel better. Regular moderate exercise is good for overall health and circulation.
🥗 Diet Recommendations
💼 Impact on Daily Work & Life
This medicine is not expected to affect your ability to work or study. Some women may feel dizzy or have mood changes, which could affect concentration. If you feel unwell, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you feel normal.
🛑 When to Stop This Medicine
Do not stop this medicine without talking to your clinician, because stopping suddenly removes your contraceptive protection. If you wish to stop, discuss alternative contraception first. Seek urgent care and stop the medicine if you develop signs of a blood clot, severe liver problems, or a severe allergic reaction.
📅 Long-Term Use Effects
Long-term use of this medicine is generally considered safe for most women, but it requires regular medical review. Some women may continue to have irregular bleeding, and a small number may develop blood clots or liver problems over time. Blood pressure, bleeding patterns, and any new symptoms should be checked at follow-up visits. If you have risk factors for blood clots or liver disease, your clinician may recommend a different contraceptive method.
🌿 Non-Medicine Approaches
These can complement medicine but do not replace prescribed treatment.
Condoms and diaphragms provide contraception without hormones and also protect against sexually transmitted infections.
Evidence: Well-establishedA long-acting, hormone-free contraceptive option.
Evidence: Well-establishedOther progestin-only options that may suit different women.
Evidence: Well-established💉 Vaccination Considerations
💉 If You're Getting Vaccinated
There is no known interaction between this medicine and routine vaccines. You can receive vaccinations while taking this medicine unless your clinician advises otherwise.
📦 Storage Guide
✅ DO
Store at room temperature between 15°C and 30°C
❌ DON'T
Do not refrigerate unless the label says so
✅ DO
Keep in the original blister pack or container
❌ DON'T
Do not transfer to unmarked containers
✅ DO
Keep away from direct sunlight and moisture
❌ DON'T
Do not store in the bathroom cabinet
✅ DO
Check the expiry date before use
❌ DON'T
Do not use expired tablets
✈️ Traveling with This Medicine
Carry this medicine in its original packaging with a copy of your prescription, especially for international travel. Keep enough tablets for your entire trip plus extra in case of delays. Since this medicine must be taken at the same time every day, adjust the timing gradually if you cross time zones, or continue on your home schedule if your doctor advises. Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and do not leave it in a hot car. Check customs rules for your destination, as some countries have restrictions on certain medicines.
💰 Cost Analysis & Savings
👥 Real Patient Stories
Educational, anonymized scenarios. Individual results may vary.
💬 Questions Patients Often Ask
A: This medicine starts providing contraceptive protection after the first few days of correct daily use. Use a backup method such as condoms for the first two days.
A: It is often considered suitable during breastfeeding because it contains no estrogen, but you should confirm with your clinician who knows your full history.
A: If you are less than three hours late, take the missed tablet as soon as you remember. If you are more than three hours late, take it as soon as you remember and use backup contraception for two days.
A: No. This medicine does not protect against HIV or other sexually transmitted infections. Condoms are needed for that protection.
A: There is no evidence that this medicine causes permanent infertility. Fertility usually returns to its usual pattern after stopping the medicine.
🤔 Common Patient Concerns
🛑 Myths vs. Facts
- Myth: This medicine works as an emergency contraceptive.
Fact: This medicine is a daily contraceptive pill, not an emergency contraceptive. Emergency contraception requires different medicines and should be taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex. - Myth: You need a break from this medicine every few months.
Fact: This medicine is designed to be taken continuously without a break. Stopping it will remove your contraceptive protection. - Myth: This medicine protects against sexually transmitted infections.
Fact: This medicine does not protect against HIV or other sexually transmitted infections. Condoms are needed for that protection.
🔄 Alternative Options
Generic Alternatives
- Norethisterone 0.35 mg tablet
Brand Alternatives
- Steron 0.35 tablet