Numenor

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Numenor

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Medically reviewed

Rosario Oropesa

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Numenor

Quick Facts: Numenor Identity

Property Description
Active ingredient Nomegestrol acetate (NOMAC)
Form Oral tablets (Film-coated)
Pharmacological class Progestogen; Sex Hormone and Modulator of the Genital System
Common use Hormonal contraception and cycle modulation
Origin Synthetic steroid (19-norprogesterone derivative)

What Type of Medicine is Numenor?

Numenor is a hormonal medication belonging to the pharmacological group of Progestogens. The compound belongs to the category of Sex Hormone and Modulator of the Genital System. This designation indicates that the drug's primary function is to influence the body's natural steroid hormone balance. Nomegestrol acetate is a highly potent, advanced synthetic progestogen chemically derived from 19-norprogesterone.

Composition and Form: Nomegestrol Acetate

The core active pharmaceutical ingredient is Nomegestrol acetate (NOMAC). This substance is administered in the form of an oral tablet for systemic absorption. NOMAC is frequently available as a combination product alongside Estradiol (17beta -estradiol), which is the estrogen structurally identical to the hormone produced naturally in the human body. Nomegestrol acetate is a highly selective progestin with minimal affinity for other steroid receptors.

General Purpose: Hormonal Control and Cycle Modulation

The general purpose of Numenor is to provide effective hormonal control. Its mechanism relies on acting as a selective agonist of the progesterone receptor (PR), thereby exerting strong antigonadotropic activity. The general benefit is to regulate the body's natural hormonal fluctuations. By establishing this cycle control and altering the uterine lining (endometrium), the medication supports effective contraception and manages general issues related to the menstrual cycle.

Regulatory References

  1. pharmacological studies
  2. European Medicines Agency

What side effects are possible with Numenor?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The safety profile for Numenor (Nomegestrol acetate/Estradiol) is established through official regulatory documentation, which structures adverse reactions by frequency and physiological system.


Adverse Reaction Classifications

Side effects are categorized based on their rate of occurrence in clinical use:

  • Very Common (ge1/10): The most frequently reported effects include acne and abnormal withdrawal bleeding (bleeding not related to the scheduled withdrawal days).
  • Common (ge1/100 to <1/10): Frequently documented reactions include headache, migraine, nausea, decreased libido, depression/depressed mood, and breast pain.
  • Rare (ge1/10,000 to <1/1,000): These include serious vascular events such as Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) and Cerebrovascular accident (stroke), as listed in the prescribing information.

Regulatory documents group these effects by System-Organ Classes (SOCs), including Vascular disorders, Reproductive system and breast disorders, and Nervous system disorders.


Safety Considerations and Patterns

The official safety documents address specific time-related patterns and serious risks. Abnormal bleeding patterns are officially noted as being most frequent during the initial cycles of use (e.g., the first three to six months).

Serious adverse reactions explicitly documented include the risks of VTE, Arterial Thromboembolism (ATE), and the rare occurrence of Benign and Malignant Liver Tumours.

The high-level warning regarding thrombotic risk associated with combined oral contraceptives (COCs) is considered applicable to this medication. Additionally, the label notes that the increased risk of VTE during the postpartum period must be taken into consideration when usage is being resumed.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and when to seek help — Official Regulatory Information

The official regulatory documentation for Numenor (Nomegestrol Acetate/Estradiol) defines the drug's overdose profile as having a generally mild acute toxicity, based on clinical data. The documented overdose presentations are confined to gastrointestinal and genital system effects. Specifically, the officially recognized clinical manifestations include nausea and vomiting. Additionally, slight vaginal bleeding, classified as withdrawal bleeding, has been noted as a population-specific manifestation in young girls.

A critical point of the regulatory classification is the determination that no serious adverse effects have been reported following acute ingestion of doses exceeding the recommended regimen. This low acute toxicity profile dictates the required emergency response. Official statements mandate that in cases of overdose, immediate medical consultation is necessary to initiate symptomatic management. This approach is reinforced by the fact that no specific antidote is known for Numenor. Therefore, further treatment must be strictly supportive, focusing on alleviating the documented mild symptoms. Urgent medical help is required when any dose significantly exceeding the prescribed amount has been ingested or if unexpected severe symptoms are encountered.

Therapeutic Uses of Numenor

The primary therapeutic role of Numenor involves providing effective hormonal control for pregnancy prevention. Beyond this core function, the medication is applied in addressing complex symptomatic patterns associated with the female reproductive cycle. The medication is approved for use as hormonal contraception.

The medication is commonly used to help manage severe cyclical distress and physical discomfort. Clinical scenarios involve addressing Heavy Menstrual Bleeding (HMB), severe cramping (dysmenorrhea), and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). In situations where hormonal support is needed, the medication supports the maintenance of cycle stability and predictability.

“This medication is commonly applied in addressing symptom clusters that may become intense or disruptive, and contributes to improved comfort during periods of heightened symptoms.”

It is also applied in addressing related androgen-dependent symptoms, such as acne and seborrhea. The overall benefit helps improve day-to-day comfort and supports general well-being during symptomatic phases.


Quick Fact: Relief for Severe Menstrual Symptoms

Therapeutic Area Symptoms/Conditions Managed Patient Benefit
Menstrual Cycle Management Heavy blood loss, severe cramping, PMDD symptoms Contributes to reduced discomfort and a lighter, more stable cycle.
Hormonal Support Pregnancy prevention, cyclical distress, androgen-dependent symptoms Provides effective support for family planning and helps ease the overall symptom burden.

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Who Can and Cannot Use Numenor? - Official Regulatory Information

Eligibility for Numenor is determined by authoritative regulatory documents, which establish clear restrictions based on patient history, age, and physiological status.

Classification Status in Regulatory Documents
Absolute Prohibition (Contraindication) Strictly forbidden for patients with known Severe Hypersensitivity to Numenor or its components. Also contraindicated for women who are Pregnant and may be contraindicated for those with Severe Hepatic Impairment, depending on the specific product label.
Restricted Use/Conditional Eligibility Use requires special consideration or caution in patients with Renal Impairment or Moderate Hepatic Impairment. Females and males of reproductive potential are generally required to use effective contraception during and for a specified time after treatment.
Age-Related Status Pediatric Use (under 18 years of age) is typically Not Established due to insufficient safety and efficacy data from clinical trials. The drug is authorized for use in the Adult population (ge 18 years) who meet the specified indication criteria.
Lactation Status Use while Breastfeeding is Not Recommended or Prohibited, requiring women to discontinue nursing during and after therapy for a period specified in the label.

These official eligibility statements define the population boundaries. Contraindications immediately exclude certain groups, while restrictions impose mandatory conditions or increased monitoring for others, ensuring adherence to the safety profile established by regulators.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Numenor Interactions with other medicines and products

This section outlines the officially documented interaction patterns for Numenor (Nomegestrol acetate/Estradiol), based strictly on regulatory sources.

Documented Interaction Patterns

The primary interaction mechanism relates to the metabolism of the active ingredients by the CYP3A4 enzyme system.

Interaction Type Examples of Interacting Substances Official Effect Description
Reduced Exposure (Increased Clearance) Rifampicin, Carbamazepine, Phenytoin, St. John’s Wort May lead to reduced plasma concentrations of Numenor's active ingredients.
Increased Exposure (Reduced Clearance) Ketoconazole, Erythromycin, Grapefruit juice May lead to increased plasma concentrations of the active ingredients.
Effect on Co-Medication Lamotrigine The Estradiol component increases the clearance of Lamotrigine, reducing its plasma levels.

Interaction-Related Restrictions and Caution

Certain combinations require specific caution as noted in regulatory labeling:

  • Hepatitis C Regimens: Caution is warranted with co-administration of specific antiviral regimens (e.g., Ombitasvir/Paritaprevir/Ritonavir, Glecaprevir/Pibrentasvir) due to the documented risk of Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) elevations.
  • Population-Specific: Severe hepatic disease is listed as a contraindication because impaired liver function can alter the clearance and accumulation of the steroid hormones.

Mechanism of Action

How Numenor Works

Numenor acts on the cardiovascular system by modulating a key enzyme responsible for intracellular signaling. Its mechanism involves strengthening the force of the heart's contraction and reducing the resistance of the blood vessels.


Targeted Enzyme Inhibition and Signaling Cascade

Numenor works by selectively inhibiting Phosphodiesterase 3 (PDE3), an enzyme that breaks down the crucial cellular messenger molecule cyclic AMP (cAMP). By blocking PDE3, the drug causes cAMP levels to increase in both heart muscle cells and vascular smooth muscle cells. This action initiates the subsequent physiological effects on the cardiovascular system by modulating the cAMP signaling cascade.


Dual Physiological Modulation: Contraction and Vasodilation

The resulting elevated cAMP levels produce a dual action: In heart muscle, increased cAMP leads to a rise in available calcium ions, which strengthens the force of the heart's contraction (positive inotropy). Simultaneously, in blood vessel walls, the increased cAMP concentration causes the surrounding smooth muscle to relax, leading to the widening of the vessels (vasodilation). This combined effect increases the volume of blood ejected by the heart per beat while decreasing the resistance to blood flow.

Dosage and Administration Information

How Numenor is Used

Numenor is designated for oral use as a fixed-dose hormonal control medication. The administration is based on a precise, continuous cycle. The standard regimen is one tablet taken daily on a continuous basis, with no planned breaks in daily intake between packs.


Standard Dosing and Schedule

Administration follows a 28-day sequential regimen within a blister pack. This cycle consists of 24 white active tablets, each containing the fixed dose of 2.5 mg Nomegestrol acetate and 1.5 mg Estradiol. These are taken first, followed by 4 yellow placebo tablets which contain no active substance. Once a pack is finished, the next pack must be started immediately.


Administration Context and Timing

The tablet should be taken every day at about the same time to maintain a consistent administration pattern. The medication can be taken without regard to meals, meaning it can be consumed with or without food. If severe vomiting or diarrhea occurs within 3–4 hours of taking an active tablet, the dose is considered potentially missed, and a specific protocol must be followed to maintain the integrity of the regimen.


Population-Specific Rules

The safety and efficacy of Numenor have not been established for adolescents under 18 years of age. No specific dose modification instructions are provided for use in older adults or in cases of renal impairment, as the usage is primarily defined for the reproductive age group.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research evidence / Overview of Studies for Numenor


Evidence for use in Hormonal Contraception

The evaluation of this medication for pregnancy prevention relies heavily on large-scale, multi-center Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs). These studies typically enrolled thousands of healthy premenopausal women, commonly focusing on the 18 to 35-year-old age group, with follow-up periods extending over 13 menstrual cycles (one year). The core outcome that research examined was related to pregnancy prevention. This was tracked using the Pearl Index, a metric used to evaluate the rate of unintended pregnancies observed during a study period.

In these comparative trials, the medication was studied for its ability to prevent ovulation and suppress follicular development. Since comparing an active contraceptive against a placebo would be unethical, these trials typically compared the medication against other established combined hormonal products. The evidence focuses on the findings documented in comparison to other active hormonal methods.


Evidence for Menstrual Cycle Control and Modulation

This medication was evaluated in studies that specifically explored its impact on the menstrual cycle. Researchers designed comparative RCTs and prospective cohort studies to monitor bleeding pattern metrics over cycles, typically spanning one year. These studies monitored the frequency and duration of unscheduled bleeding or spotting days, as well as the patterns of the expected withdrawal bleeding.

Studies reported measurements documenting changes in bleeding patterns during the study period, including the average number of unscheduled bleeding days and spotting days reported by participants. Additionally, research describes an increased incidence of amenorrhea (absence of withdrawal bleeding) was observed in some studies over time, a pattern which reflects a documented change in the typical bleeding profile.


Evidence for Severe Menstrual Symptoms and Heavy Bleeding

The medication was observed in studies that assessed its use in conditions characterized by periods of heightened symptom activity, such as severe cramping (dysmenorrhea). These studies examined patient-reported outcomes describing perceived discomfort. Research tracked the average change in pain score reported by participants and the recorded use of pain medication during symptomatic phases.

Data are still emerging for Heavy Menstrual Bleeding (HMB), as the research primarily relies on small pilot studies focused on outcomes related to blood loss. For dysmenorrhea, while research describes changes, the strength of evidence remains limited as many data points come from studies where symptom observation was a secondary, rather than primary, objective.


Study Duration and Research Gaps

While the primary trials monitored outcomes over a standard duration of 13 menstrual cycles (one year), research highlights that long-term effects are not fully established and research remains ongoing. There is limited information for long-term outcomes regarding the stability of cycle control or the observed changes in symptoms beyond two years. The main evidence gaps include the need for larger, definitive studies to verify initial findings in HMB, and more research to ensure findings generalize to all women seeking hormonal control.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Numenor (FAQ)

Q: Does this medicine affect the results of common blood tests or lab work?

Official product information indicates that combined hormonal contraceptives like Numenor may influence the results of certain laboratory tests. These potential effects may involve changes in tests for key body functions, including liver, thyroid, adrenal, and renal function. The medication may also affect markers related to carbohydrate metabolism and blood clotting. Official labeling generally recommends informing healthcare professionals about all medications being taken prior to any blood work or lab tests.

Q: Is weight gain a documented side effect or a regulatory concern?

Weight change is a documented undesirable effect reported in the clinical trials for this medication. According to official regulatory documents, changes in body weight are classified as a common side effect. This classification means the effect occurred in approximately 1 to 10 out of every 100 users during clinical trials and is included in the list of adverse reactions described in the product information.

How should Numenor be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Numenor

Official regulatory labeling dictates specific conditions for storing Numenor (Nomegestrol acetate/Estradiol tablets) to maintain product stability and ensure safety.

Storage Requirements

Condition Requirement (Official Labeling)
Temperature Store below 30°C (86°F).
Protection Keep in the original blister packaging, protected from light and moisture.
Safety Must be kept out of the sight and reach of children.

Disposal Guidelines

Unused or expired Numenor must not be discarded via household waste or flushed down wastewater, as advised by regulatory documentation. To ensure proper environmental handling, individuals are instructed to ask their pharmacist for guidance on safe disposal methods that align with local pharmaceutical waste regulations.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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