Health Library

Norethindrone (By mouth)

Norethindrone (nor-ETH-in-drone)

Prevents pregnancy. Also treats menstrual problems and endometriosis. This medicine is commonly called a birth control pill.

Brand Name(s):

Camila, Deblitane, Emzahh, Errin, Heather, Incassia, Jencycla, Lyleq, Lyza, Nora-BE, Norlyda, Norlyroc, Ortho Micronor, Sharobel, Tulana

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed. Different brands of birth control pills have different instructions for when to start. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand what day to start taking your brand.
• You may take this medicine with food or milk if it upsets your stomach.
• Take your pill at the same time every day. Birth control pills work best when there is no more than 24 hours between doses.
• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• Missed dose:
  • This medicine has specific patient instructions on what to do if you miss a dose. Read and follow these instructions carefully, and call your doctor if you have any questions.
  • If you miss a dose, and it is more than 3 hours from your scheduled dose, take the pill as soon as you can, then take your next pill at the next regular time. Use a second form of birth control (including condom, spermicide) for the next 48 hours.
  • If you vomit after taking the pills, use another form of birth control for the next 48 hours.
  • Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some foods and medicines can affect how norethindrone birth control pills work. Tell your doctor if you are also taking any of the following:
  • Aprepitant, bosentan, carbamazepine, cyclosporine, felbamate, fluconazole, griseofulvin, itraconazole, ketoconazole, oxcarbazepine, phenytoin, rifabutin, rifampicin, rifampin, rufinamide, St John's wort, voriconazole
  • Barbiturates
  • Medicine to treat HIV or AIDS (including atazanavir/ritonavir, boceprevir, darunavir/ritonavir, efavirenz, etravirine, fosamprenavir/ritonavir, indinavir, lopinavir/ritonavir, nelfinavir, nevirapine, ritonavir, telaprevir, tipranavir/ritonavir)
• Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are using this medicine.
• Take this medicine at least 5 days after using ulipristal acetate. Use another form of birth control (including condom, spermicide) until your next menstrual period.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor right away if you think you have become pregnant. If you miss two periods in a row, call your doctor for a pregnancy test before you take any more pills.
• Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or if you have kidney disease, lupus, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, seizures, asthma, migraine headaches, diabetes, or a history of depression. Tell your doctor if you smoke.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Increased risk of ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside the uterus)
  • Cysts in the ovaries
  • Irregular menstrual bleeding
  • Increased risk of breast cancer
  • Liver problems, including liver cancer or tumor
  • Increased risk of blood clots, heart attack, or stroke
• This medicine will not protect you from HIV/AIDS or other sexually transmitted diseases.
• Use a second form of birth control during the first 3 weeks to make sure you are protected from pregnancy.
• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.
• Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Breast tenderness or swelling
• Chest pain, trouble breathing, coughing up blood
• Dark urine or pale stools, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
• Irregular, late, or missed menstrual period
• Numbness or weakness on one side of your body, sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking
• Severe headache, sensitivity to light or sound
• Trouble seeing, double vision, or other eye problems
• Unusual vaginal bleeding, spotting, discharge, or itching

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Headache, dizziness
• Vaginal spotting or light bleeding, itching, discharge

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024