Noriday Shortage UK 2026: Contraceptive Pill Alternatives & What To Do

What Is Noriday and Why Does the Shortage Matter?

Noriday is a progestogen-only pill (POP), sometimes called the "mini pill." It contains norethisterone 350 micrograms and is taken every day without a break. It works primarily by thickening cervical mucus to prevent sperm reaching an egg, and in some people also suppresses ovulation.

Noriday is prescribed to people who cannot take oestrogen-containing contraception — this includes those who are breastfeeding, have a history of migraines with aura, certain clotting conditions, or are over 35 and smoke. For these patients, POPs are not just a preference — they are a medical necessity. A sudden gap in supply is therefore not merely inconvenient; it can directly compromise health and pregnancy prevention.

Check the current supply status at mediwatch.co.uk/shortages/medicine/noriday.

Who is most affected?

The shortage disproportionately affects people who were specifically switched to Noriday for medical reasons, and those who have been taking it long-term and have established a routine around it. It also affects those in areas where pharmacies are less able to source alternative stock quickly.

Why Is Noriday in Shortage?

The UK experiences shortages of norethisterone products periodically for several reasons:

• Limited UK manufacturing: Norethisterone products for the UK market are largely manufactured by a small number of sites. Any disruption to a key manufacturer causes immediate downstream shortages.
• Distribution concentration: Supply may be available in bulk but not reach all wholesalers and pharmacies equally, creating apparent shortages even when national stock exists.
• Demand spikes: Norethisterone is also used in higher doses to delay periods (as a non-contraceptive use), and when demand for this use rises — for example around major events — it can deplete stock of the contraceptive strength.
• Generic market pressures: Low-margin generic products are vulnerable to manufacturers exiting the market or deprioritising production, reducing competition and backup supply options.

For the latest updates, check the MediWatch contraception shortage page.

Alternative Progestogen-Only Pills

If Noriday is unavailable, there are other progestogen-only pills that may be prescribed as alternatives. These are all clinically suitable alternatives for most Noriday users, though you should always discuss with your prescriber or pharmacist.

Desogestrel 75mcg (recommended first alternative)

Desogestrel is the most commonly recommended alternative to norethisterone-based POPs. It is sold under several brand names:

Drospirenone 4mg (Slynd)

Slynd (drospirenone 4mg) is a newer progestogen-only pill that offers a 24-hour missed pill window — the longest of any POP. It also has a mild anti-androgenic effect that some patients find beneficial for skin. It is taken in a 24-day active / 4-day inactive pill pattern, which some people find easier to manage. It is suitable for most people who can take other POPs, but may not be available on prescription in all areas.

How to Switch Contraceptive Pills Safely

Switching from Noriday to another progestogen-only pill can generally be done on the same day, with no gap in contraceptive protection — provided you follow the correct instructions.

Switching from Noriday to desogestrel (Cerazette, Cerelle, Feanolla)

• Take your last Noriday tablet as normal
• Start the new desogestrel pill the following day
• No additional contraception (condoms) is needed if you switch without a gap
• Your bleeding pattern may change — desogestrel often causes lighter or no periods

Who can help with switching?

You do not always need a GP appointment to switch between progestogen-only pills. The following services can advise and often prescribe:

• Community pharmacist — many can prescribe or supply contraception under the NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service
• Sexual health clinic or contraception clinic — free, no referral needed
• GP surgery — your usual prescriber can issue a new prescription
• Online contraception services (e.g., via NHS-commissioned telehealth providers)

Other Contraceptive Options to Discuss

If you are open to changing your method of contraception, the shortage may be an opportunity to discuss alternatives that may better suit your needs.

Combined oral contraceptive pill

If you were originally prescribed Noriday because you cannot take oestrogen (e.g., migraines with aura, breastfeeding), the combined pill is not suitable for you. However, if your reason for taking a POP was preference rather than medical necessity, the combined pill is an effective option with a wide variety of formulations available.

Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC)

Long-acting methods are highly effective and remove the daily pill burden altogether:

These methods are available free on the NHS through GPs, sexual health clinics, and some community contraception services.

Emergency Contraception

If you have had unprotected sex due to the Noriday shortage (either because you missed doses or ran out completely), emergency contraception is available.

Emergency hormonal contraception (the morning-after pill)

• Levonorgestrel (Levonelle, Plan B): Effective up to 72 hours after unprotected sex. Available free from NHS sexual health clinics, many GPs, and most pharmacies (free under PGD for eligible patients).
• Ulipristal acetate (ellaOne): Effective up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex. Available on prescription or to buy over-the-counter at pharmacies.

Emergency IUD

The copper IUD, when fitted within 5 days of unprotected sex, is the most effective form of emergency contraception (99%+ effective). It can also remain in place as ongoing contraception. Available at sexual health clinics and some GP surgeries — call ahead to check availability.

Current Shortage Status

Frequently Asked Questions