Norethindrone acetate (hormone replacement)
Norethindrone acetate (hormone replacement)
What is this medicine?
NORETHINDRONE ACETATE (nor eth IN drone AS e tate) is a female hormone. This medicine is used to treat endometriosis, uterine bleeding caused by abnormal hormone levels, and secondary amenorrhea. Secondary amenorrhea is when a woman stops getting menstrual periods due to low levels of certain female hormones.
How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. You may take this medicine with or without food. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take this medicine at the same time each day. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
A patient information sheet will be given with each prescription and refill. Read this sheet carefully each time. The sheet may change frequently.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
breast tenderness or discharge
pain in the abdomen, chest, groin or leg
severe headache
skin rash, itching, or hives
sudden shortness of breath
unusually weak or tired
vision or speech problems
yellowing of skin or eyes
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
changes in sexual desire
change in menstrual flow
facial hair growth
fluid retention and swelling
headache
irritability
nausea
weight gain or loss
What may interact with this medicine?
Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
amprenavir or fosamprenavir
bosentan
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
antibiotics or medicines for infections, especially rifampin, rifabutin, rifapentine, and griseofulvin, and possibly penicillins or tetracyclines
aprepitant
barbiturate medicines, such as phenobarbital
carbamazepine
felbamate
modafinil
oxcarbazepine
phenytoin
ritonavir or other medicines for HIV infection or AIDS
St. John's wort
topiramate
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
Where should I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
blood vessel disease or blood clots
breast, cervical, or vaginal cancer
diabetes
heart disease
kidney disease
liver disease
mental depression
migraine
seizures
stroke
vaginal bleeding
an unusual or allergic reaction to norethindrone, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. You will need a regular breast and pelvic exam and Pap smear while on this medicine.
If you have any reason to think you are pregnant, stop taking this medicine right away and contact your doctor or health care professional.
If you are taking this medicine for hormone related problems, it may take several cycles of use to see improvement in your condition.
Updated:  
July 17, 2018