norethindrone-oral contraceptive (cont.)
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, sleepiness, and dizziness.
NOTES: Do not allow anyone else to take this medication. Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. You should have a complete physical examination, including blood pressure measurements, breast and pelvic examinations, and a PAP test (for vaginal cancer), at least once a year. Follow your doctor's instructions for examining your own breasts, and report any lumps immediately. Some women may have as few as two menstrual periods per year while taking this medication. If no period occurs within 45 days, you should get a pregnancy test. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
MISSED DOSE: Use a back-up method of birth control for 2 days if you are more than 3 hours late taking this medicine. If you forget to take one dose, take the dose as soon as you remember, and take the next dose at your regular time. Use a backup method of birth control for 2 days. If you forget to take 2 doses, take 2 doses when you remember, and 2 the next day. Then use a backup method of birth control until your next period. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice on a reliable backup method of birth control as well as more missed dose details.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.
Last Editorial Review: 3/2/2005
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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