What is the most important information I should know about ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone?
Do not use
birth control pills if you are
pregnant or if you have recently had a baby.
Do not use this medication if you have any of the following conditions: a history of
stroke or blood clot, circulation problems, a hormone-related cancer such as breast or
uterine
cancer, abnormal
vaginal bleeding,
liver disease or
liver cancer, or a history of
jaundice caused
by birth control pills.
You may need to use back-up birth control, such as condoms or a spermicide, when you
first start using this medication. Follow your doctor's instructions.
Taking hormones can increase your risk of
blood clots, stroke, or
heart attack,
especially if you smoke and are older than 35.
Some drugs can make birth control pills less effective, which may result in pregnancy.
Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use, including
vitamins, minerals and herbal products. Do not start using a new medication without telling your
doctor.
What is ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone?
Ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone contains a combination of female hormones that
prevent ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovary). This medication also causes changes in
your cervical mucus and uterine lining, making it harder for sperm to reach the uterus and harder
for a fertilized egg to attach to the uterus.
Ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone are used as contraception to prevent pregnancy. It is
also used to treat severe acne.
Ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone may also be used for other purposes not listed in this
medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone?
This medication can cause
birth defects.
Do not use if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant, or if you miss two menstrual
periods in a row. If you have recently had a baby, wait at least 4 weeks before taking birth control
pills (6 weeks if you are breast-feeding).
Do not use this medication if you have:
-
a history of a stroke, blood clot, or circulation problems;
-
a hormone-related cancer such as breast or uterine cancer;
-
abnormal vaginal bleeding;
-
liver disease, liver cancer, or a history of jaundice caused
by birth control pills.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have any of the
following conditions.
The hormones in birth control pills can pass into breast milk and
may harm a nursing baby. This medication may also slow breast milk production. Do not use if
you are breast-feeding a baby.
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