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Noristerat Injection

By Dawn Stacey M.Ed, LMHC, About.com

Updated: July 28, 2009

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Noristerat Injection

Photo Courtesy of M. Donohue
Definition: The Noristerat injection is a reversible method of prescription birth control. It is not available in the United States but is common in the United Kingdom, Europe, Africa, and Central America. This contraceptive injection contains the synthetic progestin hormone norethisterone enantate. The Noristerat injection is a contraceptive that is given into the muscle of the buttock. It continuously releases its progestin into the bloodstream over a period of eight weeks (2 months).

Noristerat is intended to be a short-term method of contraception – mainly used by women:

  • Whose partners are having a vasectomy (to provide protection until the vasectomy becomes effective)

  • Who are being immunized against rubella (to prevent pregnancy during the period of activity of the virus).
The injection may be repeated once, after eight weeks.

The norethisterone protects against pregnancy mainly by preventing ovulation. Towards the end of the eight weeks, the norethisterone works primarily by thickening cervical mucus, which makes it harder for sperm to swim through. The hormone may also thin the lining of the uterus, making it less receptive to the implantation.

Also Known As: Doryxas, Norethisterone injectable, Norigest, Nur-Isterate, Syngestal, and Unidepo
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