Medications and Drugs

GENERIC NAME: ESTRADIOL/NORETHINDRONE - ORAL (ess-truh-DYE-all/nor-ETH-in-drone)

BRAND NAME(S): Activella

Medication Uses | Other Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: This combination estrogen/progesterone hormone replacement therapy (HRT) medication is used to treat various female medical conditions caused by a natural decrease in these hormones (e.g.,"hot flashes" with menopause, vaginal/vulvar dryness), as well as to prevent bone loss (osteoporosis). There are several medications (e.g., raloxifene or bisphosphonates) that are safe and effective to prevent or treat bone loss. These medicines should be considered for use before estrogen/progestin HRT therapy for osteoporosis. If you have other medical conditions as well, and are prescribed estrogen/progestin HRT for more than one condition, consult your doctor about your treatment plan and its options. Combination HRT should not be used to prevent heart disease. This medication is not recommended for women who have had their uterus removed (hysterectomy). Estrogen hormones alone are recommended in those cases.

OTHER USES: This drug may also be used to regulate your menstrual cycle.

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth usually once daily, or as directed by your doctor. Try to take this medication at the same time each day. Doing so may help you to remember to take it. This medication should be used for the shortest possible length of time, so you obtain the benefits and minimize the chance of serious side effects from long-term treatment. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details.

SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, vomiting, headache, diarrhea, unusual weight change (gain or loss), swelling or bloating, skin spots, hair loss, breast tenderness, or difficulty wearing contact lenses may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: unusual or severe vaginal bleeding, dizziness, flu- like symptoms (e.g., fever, cough, unusual weakness/fatigue, sore throat, muscle aches), mental/mood changes, trouble sleeping, vaginal infections. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: severe headache, pain/swelling in the legs, pain in the groin, trouble breathing, chest pain, vision changes, severe stomach pain, one-sided weakness, slurred speech, yellowing eyes or skin, lumps in the breast. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.