Norethindrone



Aygestin®; Camila™; Errin™; Jolivette™; Micronor®; Nora-BE™; Nor-QD®







Norethindrone

(nor eth IN drone)

U.S. Brand Names
Aygestin®; Camila™; Errin™; Jolivette™; Micronor®; Nora-BE™; Nor-QD®
Canadian Brand Names
Micronor®; Norlutate®
Pharmacologic Category
Contraceptive; Progestin
What key warnings should I know about before taking this medicine?
  • Do not take this medicine during the first 4 months of pregnancy. Progestins may cause birth defects. Contact healthcare provider if you think you may be pregnant. This medicine does not prevent the spread of sexually-transmitted diseases.
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to norethindrone or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • If you have any of the following conditions: Blood clots, breast cancer, liver disease, or unexplained vaginal bleeding.
  • If you are pregnant or may be pregnant.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to prevent pregnancy.
  • This medicine is used to treat abnormal uterine bleeding due to hormonal imbalance.
  • This medicine is used to treat endometriosis.
  • This medicine is used to treat females who do not have a menstrual cycle.
How does it work?
  • Norethindrone prevents egg development and ovulation which protects against pregnancy.
  • Progestins are produced by the body and are used for development of milk-producing glands and maintenance of the menstrual cycle.
How is it best taken?
  • Take tablet with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.
  • Take this medicine at a similar time of day.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
  • Missed dosing information can be found in the package insert or call healthcare provider for instructions.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • If you have any circulation problems, talk with healthcare provider.
  • If you have diabetes, talk with healthcare provider.
  • If you have high cholesterol, talk with healthcare provider.
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • To protect against sexually-transmitted diseases, use a latex condom.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Headache.
  • Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.
  • Feeling dizzy. Rise slowly over several minutes from sitting or lying position. Be careful climbing.
  • Breast tenderness.
  • Menstrual changes. These include lots of bleeding, spotting, or bleeding between cycles.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist regularly.
  • Follow up with healthcare provider.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Signs or symptoms of depression, suicidal thoughts, nervousness, emotional ups and downs, abnormal thinking, anxiety, or lack of interest in life.
  • Chest pain or pressure.
  • Difficulty breathing.
  • Swelling or pain of leg or arm.
  • Any rash.
  • Breast tenderness.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Store at room temperature.
  • Protect from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
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