What is the most important information I should know about mestranol 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.
What is mestranol and norethindrone?
Mestranol 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.
Mestranol and norethindrone is used as contraception to prevent pregnancy.
Mestranol and norethindrone may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this
medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking mestranol 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 or 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.
How should I take mestranol and norethindrone?
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. You will take your first pill on
the first day of your period or on the first Sunday after your period begins (follow your doctor's
instructions).
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.
The 28-day birth control pack contains seven "reminder" pills to keep you on your regular
cycle. Your period will usually begin while you are using these reminder pills.
You may have breakthrough bleeding, especially during the first 3 months. Tell your
doctor if this bleeding continues or is very heavy.
Take one pill every day, no more than 24 hours apart. When the pills run out, start a new
pack the following day. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of pills completely.
If you need to have any type of medical tests or surgery, or if you will be on bed rest, you
may need to stop using this medication for a short time. Any doctor or surgeon who treats you
should know that you are using birth control pills.
Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
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