Norethindrone

Norethindrone 0.35 mg is a prescription birth control pill used to help prevent pregnancy. It’s a progestin-only pill, sometimes called a “mini-pill,” and it does not contain estrogen.

• Norethindrone is taken by mouth once every day.
• It works mainly by making cervical mucus thicker, which makes it harder for sperm to reach an egg.
• It may also stop ovulation in some users, but it does not prevent ovulation every cycle.
• It is taken continuously, without a pill-free break between packs.
• Taking it consistently and at the same time each day is important for maintaining pregnancy protection.
• Norethindrone does not protect against HIV or other sexually transmitted infections.

Your healthcare provider will review your health history and other medications to decide whether Norethindrone is appropriate for you.

Take one Norethindrone 0.35 mg tablet by mouth every day at the same time. Unlike some combination birth control pills, Norethindrone is taken continuously, so you start the next pack as soon as the current pack is finished.

• Try to choose a daily time that’s easy to remember and stick with it.
• Do not intentionally skip days between packs.
• Taking a pill late or missing a pill can reduce pregnancy protection.
• Specific instructions apply if you are more than 3 hours late, miss a pill, or vomit after taking a dose.
• Do not take extra tablets or change how you use Norethindrone unless your healthcare provider tells you to.

See the patient instructions or speak with your healthcare provider for guidance about starting Norethindrone, missed pills, or switching from another birth control method.

Changes in menstrual bleeding are the most commonly reported side effect of Norethindrone. You may notice spotting, irregular bleeding, or changes in when your period occurs. Not everyone experiences the same side effects.

Other reported side effects include:

• Headache
• Breast tenderness
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Less commonly reported effects such as acne, increased hair growth, or weight gain

Contact your healthcare provider if bleeding becomes prolonged or unusual, or if you develop new, persistent, or severe headaches.

Seek prompt medical attention if you have sudden or severe lower abdominal pain, particularly if pregnancy is possible, because this can require medical evaluation. If you think you may be pregnant while taking Norethindrone, stop taking it and contact your healthcare provider.

See Important Safety Information: and full Prescribing Information: Here

Before prescribing Norethindrone, your healthcare provider should review your health history and the medicines you take. Tell them about all prescription medicines, over-the-counter products, and supplements, because some medicines and herbal products can make Norethindrone less effective. Also let your provider know if you may be pregnant, are breastfeeding, have unexplained vaginal bleeding, breast cancer, liver disease or liver tumors, diabetes, or significant headaches or migraines. This information helps your provider decide whether Norethindrone is appropriate for you.

Yes. Norethindrone 0.35 mg is a prescription medication. A healthcare provider needs to determine whether it is appropriate for you based on your medical history, pregnancy status, and other medications or supplements you use.

If you are more than 3 hours late taking Norethindrone or miss one or more pills, take a missed pill as soon as you remember and then return to your regular schedule. Use a backup birth control method, such as condoms, every time you have sex for the next 48 hours. If you are unsure what to do, continue taking your pills and use backup protection until you can speak with your healthcare provider.

Vomiting soon after taking a pill may reduce how much medication your body absorbs. The patient labeling recommends using a backup birth control method, such as condoms, for the next 48 hours if you vomit soon after taking Norethindrone. Diarrhea may also reduce hormone absorption. Contact your healthcare provider if you are unsure whether you need additional protection.

Changes in bleeding can happen while taking Norethindrone, but a late period may sometimes require a pregnancy test. The patient labeling recommends testing if your period is late and you missed or took pills late and had sex without backup birth control. You should also take a pregnancy test if you miss two periods in a row. If you think you may be pregnant, stop taking Norethindrone and contact your healthcare provider.

Yes. Some medicines can reduce the contraceptive effectiveness of Norethindrone. The prescribing information includes certain seizure medicines, rifampin used for tuberculosis, and St. John’s wort among examples that may interfere with hormonal contraceptives. Some HIV medicines may also affect hormone levels. Tell your healthcare provider about everything you take - including prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, and herbal supplements - before starting Norethindrone or adding a new medication.

Norethindrone is a progestin-only contraceptive, and small amounts of progestin can pass into breast milk. The prescribing information also notes isolated reports of decreased milk production. If you are breastfeeding or recently gave birth, tell your healthcare provider before starting Norethindrone so they can advise you on whether and when to begin it based on your situation.

NORETHINDRONE tablet / Source: DailyMed; Link: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/lookup.cfm?setid=af851d82-b30f-463b-9dba-0437225dc1ee / Published: October 23, 2018