Pronunciation: nor-ETH-in-drone/ETH-i-nil ES-tra-DYE-ol/FER-us FUE-ma-rate
Generic Name: Norethindrone/Ethinyl Estradiol
Brand Name: Lo Loestrin Fe
Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious heart problems associated with use of Norethindrone/Ethinyl Estradiol. This risk increases with age and with heavy smoking. Women who are over 35 years old have a greater risk. Women who are over 35 years old and smoke should not use Norethindrone/Ethinyl Estradiol.
Norethindrone/Ethinyl Estradiol is used for:
Preventing pregnancy. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Norethindrone/Ethinyl Estradiol is a progesterone and estrogen combination birth control pill. It also contains iron. It works by preventing ovulation. It may also change cervical mucus to prevent the sperm from reaching the egg, and change the lining of the uterus to prevent a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus.
Do NOT use Norethindrone/Ethinyl Estradiol if:
- you are allergic to any ingredient in Norethindrone/Ethinyl Estradiol
- you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant
- you have a history of blood clotting problems, severe blood clots (eg, in the lungs, legs, eyes), or certain blood vessel problems (eg, in the brain or heart, bleeding in the brain, a heart attack, a stroke)
- you have a history of breast cancer; endometrial, cervical, or vaginal cancer; or estrogen-dependent growths
- you have certain heart problems (eg, heart valve problems, certain types of irregular heartbeat); certain types of headaches or migraines; uncontrolled high blood pressure; or undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding
- you have diabetes that affects circulation, nerves, eyes or kidney; liver disease; or liver tumors
- you have had surgery and are or will be confined to a bed or a chair for an extended period of time
- you are over 35 years old and you smoke
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Before using Norethindrone/Ethinyl Estradiol:
Some medical conditions may interact with Norethindrone/Ethinyl Estradiol. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
- if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
- if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
- if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
- if you have a history of endometriosis, growths in the uterus, an abnormal mammogram, irregular menstrual periods, abnormal vaginal bleeding, a lump in the breast, or fibrocystic breast disease, or if a family member has had breast cancer
- if you have a history of diabetes or high blood sugar, gallbladder problems, migraines or severe or persistent headaches, heart problems (eg, heart failure, angina), high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol or lipid levels, kidney or liver problems, blood or bleeding problems, mental or mood problems (eg, depression), lupus, high blood calcium levels, chloasma (dark skin patches), chorea (jerky, involuntary movements of the face, arms, or legs), varicose veins, pancreas problems, seizures, or a condition called hereditary angioedema
- if you smoke, are very overweight, are past menopause or have not yet had your first menstrual period, have certain blood problems (eg, porphyria), or have fluid retention or swelling problems
- if you have a history of yellowing of the eyes or skin caused by pregnancy or prior birth control use
- if you will be having surgery or will be confined to a bed or a chair for a long period of time
- if a family member has a history of high blood triglyceride levels
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Norethindrone/Ethinyl Estradiol. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
- Tranexamic acid because it may increase the risk of Norethindrone/Ethinyl Estradiol's side effects
- Azole antifungals (eg, ketoconazole), HIV protease inhibitors (eg, ritonavir), or nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) (eg, efavirenz) because they may decrease Norethindrone/Ethinyl Estradiol's effectiveness, resulting in pregnancy or breakthrough bleeding, or they may increase the risk of Norethindrone/Ethinyl Estradiol's side effects
- Acitretin, aprepitant, armodafinil, barbiturates (eg, phenobarbital), bosentan, carbamazepine, felbamate, griseofulvin, hydantoins (eg, phenytoin), modafinil, nevirapine, oxcarbazepine, penicillins (eg, ampicillin), phenylbutazone, rifamycins (eg, rifampin), rufinamide, St. John's wort, tetracyclines (eg, doxycycline), topiramate, or troglitazone because they may decrease Norethindrone/Ethinyl Estradiol's effectiveness, resulting in breakthrough bleeding or pregnancy
- Corticosteroids (eg, prednisolone), theophylline, tizanidine, or troleandomycin because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Norethindrone/Ethinyl Estradiol
- Certain antiseizure medicines (eg, phenytoin, valproic acid), lamotrigine, or penicillamine because their effectiveness may be decreased by Norethindrone/Ethinyl Estradiol
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Norethindrone/Ethinyl Estradiol may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
How to use Norethindrone/Ethinyl Estradiol:
Use Norethindrone/Ethinyl Estradiol as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
- An extra patient leaflet is available with Norethindrone/Ethinyl Estradiol. Talk to your pharmacist if you have questions about this information.
- Take Norethindrone/Ethinyl Estradiol by mouth with or without food.
- Talk with your doctor about how you should start to take your first pack of Norethindrone/Ethinyl Estradiol. If you begin to take Norethindrone/Ethinyl Estradiol during the first 24 hours of your period, you do not need to use an extra form of birth control. If you begin to take Norethindrone/Ethinyl Estradiol on the Sunday after your period starts, you will need to use an extra form of birth control for 7 days after you start taking Norethindrone/Ethinyl Estradiol.
- If you are switching from another birth control pill to Norethindrone/Ethinyl Estradiol, start Norethindrone/Ethinyl Estradiol on the same day that you would have started a new pack of your previous birth control pills. If you are switching to Norethindrone/Ethinyl Estradiol from another type of hormonal birth control (eg, patch, vaginal ring), ask your doctor or pharmacist about when to start taking Norethindrone/Ethinyl Estradiol.
- Take Norethindrone/Ethinyl Estradiol at the same time each day. Take the tablets in the order directed on the blister pack. After taking the last pill in the pack, start taking the first pill from the new pack the very next day.
- Severe vomiting or diarrhea may decrease Norethindrone/Ethinyl Estradiol's effectiveness. Talk with your doctor about what to do if severe vomiting or diarrhea occurs while you take Norethindrone/Ethinyl Estradiol. If you vomit or have diarrhea within 3 to 4 hours after you take Norethindrone/Ethinyl Estradiol, this should be considered a missed dose.
- For Norethindrone/Ethinyl Estradiol to be effective, it must be taken every day. Do not skip doses even if you do not have sex very often. Do not skip pills if you are spotting, bleeding, or nauseated. If you have these side effects and they do not go away, check with your doctor.
- On the days you take the brown tablets (iron), certain other medicines should not be taken at the same time. If you take antacids, bisphosphonates (eg, etidronate), cephalosporins (eg, cefdinir), methyldopa, quinolones (eg, ciprofloxacin), tetracyclines (eg, minocycline), thyroid hormones (eg, levothyroxine), or thrombopoietin mimetics (eg, eltrombopag), ask your doctor or pharmacist how to take them with the iron tablets.
- If you miss 1 dose of Norethindrone/Ethinyl Estradiol, take it as soon as possible. Take your next dose at the regular time. This means you may take 2 doses on the same day. You do not need to use a backup form of birth control if you only miss 1 pill. If you miss more than 1 dose, read the extra patient leaflet that comes with Norethindrone/Ethinyl Estradiol or contact your doctor for instructions. You must use a backup form of birth control (eg, condom, spermicide) if you miss more than 1 dose. If you are not sure how to handle missed doses, use an extra form of birth control (eg, condoms) and talk with your doctor.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Norethindrone/Ethinyl Estradiol.
Important safety information:
- Norethindrone/Ethinyl Estradiol may increase the risk of a stroke, a heart attack, blood clots, high blood pressure, or similar problems. The risk is greater if you smoke. Do not smoke or use other tobacco products while taking Norethindrone/Ethinyl Estradiol.
- Bleeding or spotting may occur while you are taking Norethindrone/Ethinyl Estradiol, especially during the first 3 months. Do not stop taking Norethindrone/Ethinyl Estradiol if this occurs. If bleeding or spotting is persistent or if it occurs after menstrual cycles that were previously regular, contact your doctor.
- If you miss more than 2 periods in a row or if you miss 1 period when you have not taken your pills correctly, contact your doctor. Also, if you have morning sickness or unusual breast tenderness, contact your doctor. You may be pregnant if any of these occur.
- Certain antibiotics, anticonvulsants, and other medicines may decrease the effectiveness of Norethindrone/Ethinyl Estradiol. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may decrease Norethindrone/Ethinyl Estradiol's effectiveness. To prevent pregnancy while taking these medicines, use an extra form of birth control (eg, condoms). You may also need to use an extra form of birth control for a period of time after you stop taking these medicines. Check with your doctor for more information.
- Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Norethindrone/Ethinyl Estradiol before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery. If possible, Norethindrone/Ethinyl Estradiol should be stopped at least 4 weeks before surgery or any time you might be confined to a bed or chair for a long period of time (eg, long plane flight, bedrest, lengthy illness).
- You should usually not take Norethindrone/Ethinyl Estradiol within 4 weeks after giving birth or after a second-trimester abortion. Talk with your doctor about how to start taking Norethindrone/Ethinyl Estradiol in these instances.
- If you start to take Norethindrone/Ethinyl Estradiol after giving birth and you have not yet had a period, use an extra form of birth control for 7 days after you start to take Norethindrone/Ethinyl Estradiol.
- Norethindrone/Ethinyl Estradiol may cause dark skin patches on your face. Exposure to the sun may make these patches darker. If patches develop, use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing when exposed to the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths.
- If you wear contact lenses and you develop problems with them or other vision changes, contact your doctor.
- You may experience a delay in being able to become pregnant after stopping Norethindrone/Ethinyl Estradiol. This effect may be greater in patients who had irregular periods before starting Norethindrone/Ethinyl Estradiol. Discuss any concerns with your doctor or pharmacist.
- Norethindrone/Ethinyl Estradiol does not stop the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) to others through blood or sexual contact. Use barrier methods of birth control (eg, condoms) if you have HIV infection or an STD.
- When your medicine supply is low, get more from your doctor or pharmacist as soon as you can. Do not run out of medicine. Your chance of becoming pregnant may be increased if you do not take Norethindrone/Ethinyl Estradiol every day as directed.
- Diabetes patients - Norethindrone/Ethinyl Estradiol may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely. Ask your doctor before you change the dose of your diabetes medicine.
- Examine your breasts monthly as directed by your doctor. Report any lumps right away.
- Norethindrone/Ethinyl Estradiol may interfere with certain lab tests, such as cholesterol or diabetes. Be sure your doctor and lab personnel know you are taking Norethindrone/Ethinyl Estradiol.
- Lab tests, including breast exams, Pap, physicals, and blood pressure, may be performed while you use Norethindrone/Ethinyl Estradiol. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
- Norethindrone/Ethinyl Estradiol should not be used in CHILDREN who have not yet had their first menstrual period; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
- PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: Do not take Norethindrone/Ethinyl Estradiol if you are pregnant. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor right away. Norethindrone/Ethinyl Estradiol is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while you are taking Norethindrone/Ethinyl Estradiol.
Possible side effects of Norethindrone/Ethinyl Estradiol:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Breast tenderness; bleeding or spotting between menstrual periods; headache; nausea.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; unusual hoarseness); breast pain, lump, or discharge; calf or leg pain, swelling, or tenderness; change in the amount of urine produced; chest pain or heaviness; confusion; coughing up blood; fainting; irregular heartbeat; left-sided jaw, neck, shoulder, or arm pain; mental or mood changes (eg, depression); migraines; missed menstrual period; numbness of an arm or leg; one-sided weakness; persistent, severe, or recurring headache or dizziness; persistent vaginal spotting; severe or persistent trouble sleeping; severe stomach pain or tenderness; shortness of breath; slurred speech; sudden, severe vomiting; swelling of the fingers, hands, legs, or ankles; symptoms of liver problems (eg, yellowing of the skin or eyes, fever, dark urine, pale stools, loss of appetite); unusual or severe vaginal bleeding; unusual tiredness or weakness; vaginal irritation or discharge; vision changes (eg, sudden vision loss, double vision).
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org, or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include severe nausea; unexplained vaginal bleeding.
Proper storage of Norethindrone/Ethinyl Estradiol:
Store Norethindrone/Ethinyl Estradiol at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Norethindrone/Ethinyl Estradiol out of the reach of children and away from pets.
General information:
- If you have any questions about Norethindrone/Ethinyl Estradiol, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- Norethindrone/Ethinyl Estradiol is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
- If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
- Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.
This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Norethindrone/Ethinyl Estradiol. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
More Norethindrone/Ethinyl Estradiol resources
- Norethindrone/Ethinyl Estradiol Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Norethindrone/Ethinyl Estradiol Drug Interactions
- Norethindrone/Ethinyl Estradiol Support Group
- 654 Reviews for Norethindrone/Ethinyl Estradiol - Add your own review/rating
Compare Norethindrone/Ethinyl Estradiol with other medications
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