Norethindrone tablets (contraception)
Norethindrone tablets (contraception)
What is this medicine?
NORETHINDRONE (nor eth IN drone) is an oral contraceptive. The product contains a female hormone known as a progestin. It is used to prevent pregnancy.
How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. You may take it with or without food. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take this medicine at the same time each day and in the order directed on the package. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
Contact your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. This medicine has been used in female children who have started having menstrual periods.
A patient package insert for the product will be given with each prescription and refill. Read this sheet carefully each time. The sheet may change frequently.
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?
Try not to miss a dose. Every time you miss a dose or take a dose late your chance of pregnancy increases. When 1 pill is missed (even if only 3 hours late), take the missed pill as soon as possible and continue taking a pill each day at the regular time (use a back up method of birth control for the next 48 hours). If more than 1 dose is missed, use an additional birth control method for the rest of your pill pack until menses occurs. Contact your health care professional if more than 1 dose has been missed.
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.
Use an additional method of birth control during the first cycle that you take these tablets.
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.
This medicine does not protect you against HIV infection (AIDS) or any other sexually transmitted diseases.
Updated:
July 17, 2018