• Basic Info
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What is this medicine?

NORETHINDRONE is an oral contraceptive. The product contains a female hormone known as a progestin. It is used to prevent pregnancy.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

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

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 information sheet will be given with each prescription and refill. Read this sheet carefully each time. The sheet may change frequently.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

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.

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

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

Last Updated: October 05, 2006