Side effects of norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol tablets

Ethinyl Estradiol 0.02 MG/Norethindrone Acetate 1 MG Oral Tablet

Uses

This medicine is used for the following purposes:

• acne
• birth control
• depression
• endocrine disorder
• menstrual problem

Instructions

This medicine may be taken with or without food.

It is very important that you take the medicine at about the same time every day. It will work best if you do this.

Store at room temperature in a dry place. Do not keep in the bathroom.

Keep the medicine away from heat and light.

If this is the first time that you are using this medicine, please speak with your doctor about when you should start this medicine.

If you are switching from a different birth control pill, start this medicine on the same day you would start your other birth control pack.

If you are using a birth control pack with 28 pills, start the first pill of a new pack on the day after the last pill of the previous pack.

If you are using a birth control pack that has 21 pills, wait 7 days after taking the last pill of the empty pack before you take the first pill of a new pack.

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, you are allowed to take 2 doses at once. Return to your normal dosing schedule on the following day. If you miss more than one dose, ask your doctor what you should do to get back on schedule.

Speak with your doctor about using additional forms of birth control if you forget one or more doses of your medicine.

Some patients may have mild vaginal bleeding or spotting while on this medicine. If this happens, do not stop taking this medicine. If the bleeding or spotting lasts more than a few days or becomes heavier, contact your doctor.

This medicine may cause dark patches to appear on your face. Avoid sunlight and use sunscreen lotion to minimize further darkening of these skin patches.

Please tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the medicines you take. Include both prescription and over-the-counter medicines. Also tell them about any vitamins, herbal medicines, or anything else you take for your health.

This medicine may affect your blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, talk to your doctor before changing the dose of your diabetes medicine.

Vomiting or diarrhea can prevent birth control pills from working well. If you have vomiting or diarrhea, you may need to use an extra form of birth control (such as condoms). Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions.

This medicine may interfere with some lab test results. Be sure to tell all your healthcare providers that you are taking this medicine.

It is very important that you keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.

Cautions

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine. Symptoms of an allergic reaction can include trouble breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness.

This medicine is associated with an increased risk of serious heart problems, heart attack, and stroke. Please speak with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medicine. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience chest pain or difficulty breathing.

Do not use the medication any more than instructed.

Avoid smoking while on this medicine. Smoking may increase your risk for stroke, heart attack, blood clots, high blood pressure, and other diseases of the heart and blood vessels.

If you miss your period while on this medicine, contact your doctor.

Ask your doctor to show you how to perform a self breast examination. You should check your breasts once a month and report any changes to your doctor.

Talk to your doctor about getting a complete physical exam every year while on this medicine.

Use condoms to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted diseases.

Tell the doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant, planning to be pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant while on this medicine, contact your doctor immediately.

Do not take St. John's wort while on this medicine.

Ask your pharmacist if this medicine can interact with any of your other medicines. Be sure to tell them about all the medicines you take.

Please tell all your doctors and dentists that you are on this medicine before they provide care.

Do not start or stop any other medicines without first speaking to your doctor or pharmacist.

Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.

Side Effects

The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.

• bloating
• breast pain or swelling
• swelling of the legs, feet, and hands
• headaches
• high blood pressure
• menstruation changes (missed or fewer periods)
• nausea
• stomach upset or abdominal pain
• vaginal bleeding or spotting between periods
• vomiting
• weight gain

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:

• severe or persistent abdominal pain
• breast lumps
• chest pain
• changes in memory, mood, or thinking
• depression or feeling sad
• fainting
• severe or persistent headache
• jaw pain
• sudden leg pain, swelling, warmth or redness
• symptoms of liver damage (such as yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine, unusual tiredness or weakness; severe stomach or back pain)
• shortness of breath
• symptoms of stroke (such as one-sided weakness, slurred speech, confusion)
• blurring or changes of vision

A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.

Extra

Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This document tells you briefly how to take your medicine, but it does not tell you all there is to know about it.Your doctor or pharmacist may give you other documents about your medicine. Please talk to them if you have any questions.Always follow their advice. There is a more complete description of this medicine available in English.Scan this code on your smartphone or tablet or use the web address below. You can also ask your pharmacist for a printout. If you have any questions, please ask your pharmacist.

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