norethindrone acetate (Rx)

Brand and Other Names:Aygestin

Dosing & Uses

AdultPediatric

Dosage Forms & Strengths

tablet

  • 5mg

Amenorrhea or Uterine Bleeding

2.5-10 mg/day PO for 5-10 days during latter part of cycle

Expect withdrawal bleeding within 3-7 days after stopping norethindrone

Endometriosis

5 mg PO qDay for 14 days, may increase by 2.5 mg up to 15 mg/day PO for 6-9 months

Pre-menarche: Not recommended

Next:

Interactions

Interaction Checker

and norethindrone acetate

No Results

     activity indicator 
    No Interactions Found
    Interactions Found

    Contraindicated

      Serious - Use Alternative

        Significant - Monitor Closely

          Minor

            All Interactions Sort By:
             activity indicator 

            Contraindicated (0)

              Serious - Use Alternative (21)

              • acitretin

                acitretin decreases effects of norethindrone acetate by unknown mechanism. Contraindicated. Contraceptive failure may result.

              • apalutamide

                apalutamide will decrease the level or effect of norethindrone acetate by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Coadministration of apalutamide, a strong CYP3A4 inducer, with drugs that are CYP3A4 substrates can result in lower exposure to these medications. Avoid or substitute another drug for these medications when possible. Evaluate for loss of therapeutic effect if medication must be coadministered. Adjust dose according to prescribing information if needed.

              • belzutifan

                belzutifan will decrease the level or effect of norethindrone acetate by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Coadministration of belzutifan with hormonal contraceptives may lead to contraceptive failure or increased breakthrough bleeding. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective nonhormonal contraception. Based on animal studies, belzutifan can cause fetal harm.

              • carbamazepine

                carbamazepine will decrease the level or effect of norethindrone acetate by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Avoid coadministration unless benefit outweighs risk. When coadministered, hormonal contraceptives are not a reliable method of effective birth control. Concomitant use may increase incidence of menstruation associated adverse effects (amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia).

              • enzalutamide

                enzalutamide will decrease the level or effect of norethindrone acetate by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Avoid coadministration unless benefit outweighs risk. When coadministered, hormonal contraceptives are not a reliable method of effective birth control. Concomitant use may increase incidence of menstruation associated adverse effects (amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia).

              • fexinidazole

                fexinidazole will increase the level or effect of norethindrone acetate by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Fexinidazole inhibits CYP3A4. Coadministration may increase risk for adverse effects of CYP3A4 substrates.

              • fosphenytoin

                fosphenytoin will decrease the level or effect of norethindrone acetate by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Avoid coadministration unless benefit outweighs risk. When coadministered, hormonal contraceptives are not a reliable method of effective birth control. Concomitant use may increase incidence of menstruation associated adverse effects (amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia).

              • idelalisib

                idelalisib will increase the level or effect of norethindrone acetate by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Idelalisib is a strong CYP3A inhibitor; avoid coadministration with sensitive CYP3A substrates

              • ivosidenib

                ivosidenib will decrease the level or effect of norethindrone acetate by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Avoid coadministration of sensitive CYP3A4 substrates with ivosidenib or replace with alternative therapies. If coadministration is unavoidable, monitor patients for loss of therapeutic effect of these drugs.

              • lumacaftor/ivacaftor

                lumacaftor/ivacaftor will decrease the level or effect of norethindrone acetate by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Avoid coadministration unless benefit outweighs risk. When coadministered, hormonal contraceptives are not a reliable method of effective birth control. Concomitant use may increase incidence of menstruation associated adverse effects (amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia).

              • mavacamten

                mavacamten will decrease the level or effect of norethindrone acetate by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Progestin and ethinyl estradiol are CYP3A4 substrates. Mavacamten may decrease systemic exposures of ethinyl estradiol and progestin, which may lead to contraceptive failure or an increase in breakthrough bleeding. Advise patients to use a contraceptive method that is not affected by CYP450 enzyme induction (eg, intrauterine system) or add nonhormonal contraception (eg, condoms) during coadministration and for 4 months after last mavacamten dose.

              • mitotane

                mitotane will decrease the level or effect of norethindrone acetate by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Avoid coadministration unless benefit outweighs risk. When coadministered, hormonal contraceptives are not a reliable method of effective birth control. Concomitant use may increase incidence of menstruation associated adverse effects (amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia).

              • phenobarbital

                phenobarbital will decrease the level or effect of norethindrone acetate by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Avoid coadministration unless benefit outweighs risk. When coadministered, hormonal contraceptives are not a reliable method of effective birth control. Concomitant use may increase incidence of menstruation associated adverse effects (amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia).

              • phenytoin

                phenytoin will decrease the level or effect of norethindrone acetate by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Avoid coadministration unless benefit outweighs risk. When coadministered, hormonal contraceptives are not a reliable method of effective birth control. Concomitant use may increase incidence of menstruation associated adverse effects (amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia).

              • primidone

                primidone will decrease the level or effect of norethindrone acetate by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Avoid coadministration unless benefit outweighs risk. When coadministered, hormonal contraceptives are not a reliable method of effective birth control. Concomitant use may increase incidence of menstruation associated adverse effects (amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia).

              • rifabutin

                rifabutin will decrease the level or effect of norethindrone acetate by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Avoid coadministration unless benefit outweighs risk. When coadministered, hormonal contraceptives are not a reliable method of effective birth control. Concomitant use may increase incidence of menstruation associated adverse effects (amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia).

              • rifampin

                rifampin decreases levels of norethindrone acetate by increasing metabolism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Avoid coadministration unless benefit outweighs risk. When coadministered, hormonal contraceptives are not a reliable method of effective birth control. Concomitant use may increase incidence of menstruation associated adverse effects (amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia).

              • rifapentine

                rifapentine will decrease the level or effect of norethindrone acetate by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Avoid coadministration unless benefit outweighs risk. When coadministered, hormonal contraceptives are not a reliable method of effective birth control. Concomitant use may increase incidence of menstruation associated adverse effects (amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia).

              • topiramate

                topiramate will decrease the level or effect of norethindrone acetate by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Avoid coadministration unless benefit outweighs risk. When coadministered, hormonal contraceptives are not a reliable method of effective birth control. Concomitant use may increase incidence of menstruation associated adverse effects (amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia).

              • tucatinib

                tucatinib will increase the level or effect of norethindrone acetate by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Avoid concomitant use of tucatinib with CYP3A substrates, where minimal concentration changes may lead to serious or life-threatening toxicities. If unavoidable, reduce CYP3A substrate dose according to product labeling.

              • voxelotor

                voxelotor will increase the level or effect of norethindrone acetate by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Voxelotor increases systemic exposure of sensitive CYP3A4 substrates. Avoid coadministration with sensitive CYP3A4 substrates with a narrow therapeutic index. Consider dose reduction of the sensitive CYP3A4 substrate(s) if unable to avoid.

              Monitor Closely (24)

              • albiglutide

                norethindrone acetate decreases effects of albiglutide by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. Oral contraceptives may decrease hypoglycemic effects of antidiabetics by impairing glucose tolerance. Monitor for glycemic control in diabetic patients.

              • atazanavir

                atazanavir, norethindrone acetate. Either decreases effects of the other by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Use alternatives if available.

              • cenobamate

                cenobamate will decrease the level or effect of norethindrone acetate by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Increase dose of CYP3A4 substrate, as needed, when coadministered with cenobamate.

              • clobazam

                clobazam will decrease the level or effect of norethindrone acetate by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor. Clobazam is a weak CYP3A4 inducer; effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives may be diminished when given concurrently with clobazam. Additional non-hormonal forms of contraception are recommended.

              • dabrafenib

                dabrafenib will decrease the level or effect of norethindrone acetate by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely.

              • elagolix

                elagolix decreases levels of norethindrone acetate by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Elagolix is a weak-to-moderate CYP3A4 inducer. Monitor CYP3A substrates if coadministered. Consider increasing CYP3A substrate dose if needed.

              • exenatide injectable solution

                norethindrone acetate, exenatide injectable solution. Other (see comment). Use Caution/Monitor. Comment: Oral contraceptives may decrease hypoglycemic effects of antidiabetics by impairing glucose tolerance. The effect of exenatide to slow gastric emptying may reduce the extent and rate of oral medications that require rapid GI absorption. Advise patients to take oral contraceptives at least 1 hr before exenatide. .

              • exenatide injectable suspension

                norethindrone acetate, exenatide injectable suspension. Other (see comment). Use Caution/Monitor. Comment: Oral contraceptives may decrease hypoglycemic effects of antidiabetics by impairing glucose tolerance. The effect of exenatide to slow gastric emptying may reduce the extent and rate of oral medications that require rapid GI absorption. Advise patients to take oral contraceptives at least 1 hr before exenatide.

              • fedratinib

                fedratinib will increase the level or effect of norethindrone acetate by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor. Adjust dose of drugs that are CYP3A4 substrates as necessary.

              • iloperidone

                iloperidone increases levels of norethindrone acetate by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor. Iloperidone is a time-dependent CYP3A inhibitor and may lead to increased plasma levels of drugs predominantly eliminated by CYP3A4.

              • insulin degludec

                norethindrone acetate decreases effects of insulin degludec by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. Progestins may impair glucose tolerance.

              • insulin degludec/insulin aspart

                norethindrone acetate decreases effects of insulin degludec/insulin aspart by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. Progestins may impair glucose tolerance.

              • insulin inhaled

                norethindrone acetate decreases effects of insulin inhaled by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. Progestins may impair glucose tolerance.

              • istradefylline

                istradefylline will increase the level or effect of norethindrone acetate by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor. Istradefylline 40 mg/day increased peak levels and AUC of CYP3A4 substrates in clinical trials. This effect was not observed with istradefylline 20 mg/day. Consider dose reduction of sensitive CYP3A4 substrates.

              • lenacapavir

                lenacapavir will increase the level or effect of norethindrone acetate by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor. Lencapavir may increase CYP3A4 substrates initiated within 9 months after last SC dose of lenacapavir, which may increase potential risk of adverse reactions of CYP3A4 substrates.

              • liraglutide

                norethindrone acetate decreases effects of liraglutide by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. Oral contraceptives may decrease hypoglycemic effects of antidiabetics by impairing glucose tolerance. Monitor for glycemic control in diabetic patients.

              • maraviroc

                norethindrone acetate increases levels of maraviroc by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor. Potential for increased toxicity.

              • mifepristone

                mifepristone decreases effects of norethindrone acetate by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. Backup contraceptive method recommended.

              • rucaparib

                rucaparib will increase the level or effect of norethindrone acetate by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Adjust dosage of CYP3A4 substrates, if clinically indicated.

              • rufinamide

                rufinamide decreases effects of norethindrone acetate by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor. Rufinamide is a weak inducer of the CYP 3A4 enzyme and can decrease exposure of drugs that are substrates of CYP3A4. .

              • siltuximab

                siltuximab, norethindrone acetate. Other (see comment). Use Caution/Monitor. Comment: CYP450 activity in the liver is down regulated by infection and inflammation stimuli including cytokines (eg, IL-6); inhibition of IL-6 by siltuximab may restore CYP450 enzymatic activity; caution if coadministered with CYP substrates that have a narrow therapeutic index.

              • stiripentol

                stiripentol, norethindrone acetate. affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Stiripentol is a CYP3A4 inhibitor and inducer. Monitor CYP3A4 substrates coadministered with stiripentol for increased or decreased effects. CYP3A4 substrates may require dosage adjustment.

              • tazemetostat

                tazemetostat will decrease the level or effect of norethindrone acetate by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor.

              • tecovirimat

                tecovirimat will decrease the level or effect of norethindrone acetate by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor. Tecovirimat is a weak CYP3A4 inducer. Monitor sensitive CYP3A4 substrates for effectiveness if coadministered.

              Minor (0)

                Previous
                Next:

                Adverse Effects

                Frequency Not Defined

                Edema

                Weakness

                Anorexia

                Amenorrhea

                Breakthrough bleeding

                Change in menstrual flow

                Spotting

                Deep vein thrombosis

                Thrombophlebitis

                Depression

                Dizziness

                Headache

                Nervousness

                Somnolence

                Breast tenderness

                Galactorrhea

                Abdominal pain

                Nausea

                Vomiting

                Weight change

                Cholestatic jaundice

                Previous
                Next:

                Warnings

                Contraindications

                Documented hypersensitivity

                Arterial thromboembolic disease (stroke, MI), thrombophlebitis, DVT/PE, thrombogenic valvular disease, cerebral apoplexy

                Known, suspected, or history of breast cancer; estrogen-dependent neoplasia, liver disease, liver tumors

                Undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding

                Diabetes mellitus with vascular involvement

                As diagnostic test for pregnancy

                Cautions

                Norethindrone acetate is 2 times as potent as norethindrone

                Patients with risk factors for arterial vascular disease (eg, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, tobacco use, hypercholesterolemia, and obesity) and/or venous thromboembolism (eg, personal history or family history of VTE, obesity, and systemic lupus erythematosus) should be managed appropriately

                Family history of breast cancer and or DVT/PE, current/history of depression, endometriosis, DM, HTN, bone mineral density changes, renal/hepatic impairment, bone metabolic disease, SLE; conditions exacerbated by fluid retention (eg, migraine, asthma, epilepsy).

                Discontinue if the following develop jaundice, any signs of VTE, migraine with unusual severity, significant blood pressure increase, increased risk of thromboembolic complications after surgery.

                Discontinue medication pending examination if there is a sudden partial or complete loss of vision or if there is sudden onset of proptosis, diplopia, or migraine; if examination reveals papilledema or retinal vascular lesions, medication should be discontinued

                Drug may cause some degree of fluid retention, conditions which might be influenced by this factor, such as epilepsy, migraine, cardiac or renal dysfunctions, may require careful observation

                In cases of breakthrough bleeding, and in all cases of irregular bleeding per vagina,nonfunctional causes should be borne in mind; in cases of undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, adequate diagnostic measures indicated

                Patients who have a history of clinical depression should be carefully observed and the drug discontinued if the depression recurs to a serious degree

                Data suggest that progestin therapy may have adverse effects on lipid and carbohydrate metabolism; the choice of progestin, its dose, and its regimen may be important in minimizing these adverse effects, but these issues will require further study before they are clarified; women with hyperlipidemias and/or diabetes should be monitored closely during progestin therapy

                Rare hepatic adenomas and focal modular hyperplasia, resulting in fatal intra-abdominal hemorrhage reported with therapy

                Irregular menstrual bleeding is common with progestin only contraceptives; rule out nonpharmacologic causes of abnormal bleeding

                Not for use prior to menarche

                Discontinue 4 week before major surgery or prolonged immobilization. Patients on warfarin, oral anticoagulants (increase in anticoagulant dose may be warranted).

                Some studies link OCP use with increased risk of breast cancer, whereas other studies have not shown a change in risk. Woman's risk depends on conditions where naturally high hormone levels persist for long periods of time including early onset menstruation before age 12, late onset menopause, after age 55, first child after age 30, nulliparity.

                Increased risk of cervical cancer with OCP use, however HPV remains as main risk factor for this cancer. Evidence suggests long-term use of OCPs, 5 or more years, may be associated with increased risk. Increased risk of liver cancer with OCP use; risk increases with longer duration of OCP use.

                Previous
                Next:

                Pregnancy & Lactation

                Pregnancy Category: X

                Lactation: Excreted in breast milk; use caution

                Pregnancy Categories

                A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.

                B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.

                C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.

                D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.

                X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.

                NA: Information not available.

                Previous
                Next:

                Pharmacology

                Mechanism of Action

                Progestin; inhibits secretion of gonadotropins from pituitary gland; prevents follicular maturation & ovulation, stimulates growth of mammary tissues

                Absorption

                Bioavailability: 64%

                Peak Plasma Time: 1-2 hr

                Distribution

                Vd: 4 L/kg

                Protein Bound: 61%

                Metabolism

                Liver

                Metabolites: Sulfate and glucuronide metabolites (inactive)

                Elimination

                Half-Life: 4-13 hr

                Excretion: Urine 33-81%; feces 35-43%

                Previous
                Next:

                Images

                BRAND FORM. UNIT PRICE PILL IMAGE
                norethindrone acetate oral
                -
                5 mg tablet
                norethindrone acetate oral
                -
                5 mg tablet
                norethindrone acetate oral
                -
                5 mg tablet
                norethindrone acetate oral
                -
                5 mg tablet
                norethindrone acetate oral
                -
                5 mg tablet

                Copyright © 2010 First DataBank, Inc.

                Previous
                Next:

                Patient Handout

                Patient Education
                norethindrone acetate oral

                NORETHINDRONE - ORAL

                (nor-ETH-in-drone)

                COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Aygestin

                USES: This medication is used to treat women with abnormal bleeding from the uterus. It is also used to treat women who have stopped having menstrual periods for several months (amenorrhea) but who are not pregnant or going through menopause. In addition, this medication is used to treat a condition (endometriosis) in which tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus is found outside the uterus in the abdomen/pelvic area, causing painful/irregular periods. Norethindrone is a type of hormone (progestin). It is like the hormone progesterone that your body makes naturally. This medication works by stopping the normal growth of the uterus lining during the menstrual cycle and signaling hormone changes in the uterus to restore normal menstrual periods.This medication must not be used to test for pregnancy.Progestins are not effective in preventing miscarriages.

                HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using this drug and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.Take this medication by mouth as prescribed by your doctor. You may take it with food or after a meal to prevent stomach upset. Follow the dosing schedule carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.For the treatment of stopped menstrual periods and abnormal bleeding from the uterus, take this drug as directed by your doctor, usually once daily for 5 to 10 days during the second half of the planned menstrual cycle. Withdrawal bleeding usually occurs within 3 to 7 days after you stop taking the medication.Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.

                SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, mood swings, trouble sleeping, weight gain/loss, acne, breast swelling/tenderness, change in sexual interest, unwanted hair growth, or hair loss may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: changes in vaginal bleeding (such as spotting, breakthrough bleeding, changes in menstrual flow, no menstrual bleeding), change in vaginal discharge, depression, swelling of the hands/feet, frequent/burning/painful urination, yellowing eyes/skin, dark patches on the skin or face (melasma).This medication, especially if used along with an estrogen product, may rarely cause very serious (possibly fatal) problems from blood clots (such as heart attack, stroke, blood clots in the lungs or legs, blindness). Get medical help right away if you have: chest/jaw/left arm pain, weakness on one side of the body, trouble speaking, sudden vision changes (such as blurred/double vision, loss of vision, bulging eyes), confusion, sudden severe headache, severe dizziness, fainting, trouble breathing, coughing up blood, pain/redness/swelling/weakness of the arms/legs, calf pain/swelling that is warm to the touch.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

                PRECAUTIONS: Before taking norethindrone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: vaginal bleeding of unknown cause, bleeding in the brain, a loss of pregnancy with some tissue remaining in the uterus ("missed abortion"), family medical history (especially breast lumps/cancer or blood clots), obesity, heart disease (such as heart attacks, coronary artery disease, heart failure), high blood pressure, cancer (especially endometrial or breast cancer), blood clots, lupus, seizures, migraine headaches, asthma, liver disease, kidney problems, high blood levels of cholesterol/fats, depression, diabetes, strokes, smoking.This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).This medication may cause blotchy, dark areas on your face and skin (melasma). Sunlight may worsen this effect. Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors.This medication should not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor right away.This drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

                DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.Other medications can affect the removal of norethindrone from your body, which may affect how norethindrone works. Examples include azole antifungals (such as itraconazole), rifamycins (such as rifampin, rifabutin), St. John's wort, drugs used to treat seizures (such as carbamazepine, phenytoin), among others.This medication may interfere with certain lab tests, possibly causing false test results. Make sure lab personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

                OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include severe nausea and vomiting.

                NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.Regular complete physical exams which include lab and/or medical tests (such as blood pressure, breast exam, pelvic exam, Pap smear) should be done while you are taking this medication. Follow your doctor's instructions for examining your breasts, and report any lumps right away. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.

                MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

                STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

                Information last revised July 2023. Copyright(c) 2023 First Databank, Inc.

                IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

                Previous
                Next:

                Formulary

                FormularyPatient Discounts

                Adding plans allows you to compare formulary status to other drugs in the same class.

                To view formulary information first create a list of plans. Your list will be saved and can be edited at any time.

                Adding plans allows you to:

                • View the formulary and any restrictions for each plan.
                • Manage and view all your plans together – even plans in different states.
                • Compare formulary status to other drugs in the same class.
                • Access your plan list on any device – mobile or desktop.

                The above information is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. Individual plans may vary and formulary information changes. Contact the applicable plan provider for the most current information.

                Tier Description
                1 This drug is available at the lowest co-pay. Most commonly, these are generic drugs.
                2 This drug is available at a middle level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "preferred" (on formulary) brand drugs.
                3 This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs.
                4 This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs or specialty prescription products.
                5 This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs or specialty prescription products.
                6 This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs or specialty prescription products.
                NC NOT COVERED – Drugs that are not covered by the plan.
                Code Definition
                PA Prior Authorization
                Drugs that require prior authorization. This restriction requires that specific clinical criteria be met prior to the approval of the prescription.
                QL Quantity Limits
                Drugs that have quantity limits associated with each prescription. This restriction typically limits the quantity of the drug that will be covered.
                ST Step Therapy
                Drugs that have step therapy associated with each prescription. This restriction typically requires that certain criteria be met prior to approval for the prescription.
                OR Other Restrictions
                Drugs that have restrictions other than prior authorization, quantity limits, and step therapy associated with each prescription.
                Additional Offers
                Email to Patient

                From:

                To:

                The recipient will receive more details and instructions to access this offer.

                By clicking send, you acknowledge that you have permission to email the recipient with this information.

                Email Forms to Patient

                From:

                To:

                The recipient will receive more details and instructions to access this offer.

                By clicking send, you acknowledge that you have permission to email the recipient with this information.

                Previous
                Medscape prescription drug monographs are based on FDA-approved labeling information, unless otherwise noted, combined with additional data derived from primary medical literature.