The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) issued a medicine supply notification (MSN) for norethisterone 350mcg (Noriday®) tablets on 22 August 2024. 

• Norethisterone (Noriday®) 350mg tablets will be out of stock until early December 2024.
• Desogestrel 75mg tablets remain available and can support increased demand.
• Levonorgestrel (Norgeston®) 30mg tablets remain available but cannot support an uplift in demand.

Prescribers should: 

• identify patients who have insufficient supplies of norethisterone (Noriday®) 350mg tablets to last until the re-supply date;
• consider prescribing desogestrel 75mg tablets, if appropriate, ensuring that the patient is not intolerant to the drug and any of the excipients and is counselled on the dosing regimen and management of missed doses (see MSN for supporting information); and
• discuss other contraceptive options with patient if desogestrel is not suitable

Refer to the MSN below for full supporting information and the SPS Medicines Supply Tool (needs a login).