GENERIC NAME: NORETHINDRONE - ORAL CONTRACEPTIVE (nor-ETH-in-drone)
BRAND NAME(S): Micronor, Nor-Q-D
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
USES: This medication is used as an oral contraceptive (birth control pill). This medication prevents pregnancy by changing the body's hormone balance.
HOW TO USE: Take the first pill on day 1 of menstruation. Use an additional form of birth control for the first two days if you are instructed to start this medication on any other day. Take it with food or immediately after a meal to prevent stomach upset. This medication should be taken daily at the very same time each day. Use an additional form of birth control during the first month of taking this medication, since you will be getting used to a regular schedule of taking this medication. Use an additional form of birth control if you are having regular periods on this medication, since ovulation may be occurring (and you could become pregnant). Read the patient information sheet that should be dispensed with this medication, and if you have questions regarding it, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
SIDE EFFECTS: This medication may cause weight gain, depression, fatigue, acne, oily scalp, hair loss, decrease in breast size and may increase susceptibility to yeast infections. If these effects persist or become intolerable, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop any of the following effects 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, chest pain, shortness of breath, pain in the lower legs with swelling/warmth or redness, symptoms of jaundice (dark urine, clay-colored stools, yellowing of the eyes or skin), changes in vaginal bleeding (e.g., spotting, breakthrough, prolonged, or lack of bleeding). If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
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.
- Hormonal Methods of Birth Control - Read about hormonal birth control methods, such as oral contraceptives, the patch, birth control injection, and vaginal ring. The hormones used in hormonal birth control are estrogen and/or progesterone.
- 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.
- Pregnancy Planning - The goals of pregnancy planning are to create a healthy environment for the fetus and to prevent birth defects and other pregnancy related problems.
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