GENERIC NAME: NORETHINDRONE - ORAL (nor-ETH-in-drone)
BRAND NAME(S): Aygestin
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
USES: This medication is a female hormone. It is used to treat amenorrhea (lack of menstrual flow), abnormal bleeding from the uterus, or endometriosis (a painful condition where the lining of the uterus is abnormal). It is also used to treat certain types of cancer.
HOW TO USE: May be taken with food or immediately after a meal to prevent stomach upset. Take this medication as prescribed. It is usually taken for 5 to 13 days during the later end of the menstrual cycle. A menstrual period should begin within 3 to 10 days of stopping the medication. For treatment of cancer, the medication is usually taken more often. Follow the dosing schedule carefully. Be sure to ask your doctor if you have any questions.
SIDE EFFECTS: This medication may cause nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, depression, sleeplessness, or irritability. These effects should disappear as your body adjusts to the medication. If they persist or become severe, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor promptly if you experience any of the following while taking this medication: dizziness or fainting, sudden severe headache, changes in vision, numbness or tingling in the arms or legs, swelling of the hands or feet, acute chest pain, shortness of breath, pain in the calves accompanied by swelling, warmth or redness, changes in vaginal bleeding (spotting, breakthrough bleeding, prolonged or complete stoppage of bleeding). If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: high blood pressure, seizures, migraine headaches, diabetes, asthma, heart problems, liver problems, kidney problems, strokes, blood clots, heart attacks, cancer of the breast or genitals, high blood level of cholesterol or fats, depression, excessive weight gain or fluid retention during menstrual cycle, jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes). Before having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor that you take this medicine. Do not smoke cigarettes. This medication may increase your risk of strokes, blood clots, high blood pressure, heart attacks, gallbladder disease, vision problems, and liver tumors. Cigarette smoking further increases the risk of strokes, blood clots, high blood pressure, and heart attacks. Due to the risk of fetal harm, this medication must not be used during pregnancy (especially during the first four months of pregnancy). If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. This drug is excreted into breast milk. The effect on nursing infants has not been determined. Consult your doctor before you breast-feed.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Endometriosis - Lern about endometriosis symptoms like pelvic pain, infertility, diarrhea, constipation, lower back pain, abdominal pain, irregular or heavy menstrual bleeding, and even blood in the urine.
- Cancer - Learn about cancer types, disease statistics, facts, and survival rates, and get information about how malignant tumors (cancerous growths) metastasize or spread.
- Sexual Health: FAQs About Sex and Relationships - Read about the frequently asked questions about sex and relationshiops. What are the most common causes of sex problems among couples? What causes sexual problems in women?
Latest Medical News
Back to Medications Index
Specialty RSS
Interactive Slideshows