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Norethindrone

Generic Name: Norethindrone [nor-eth-IN-drone] nor-eth-IN drone
Names of brands: Aygestin, Camila, Deblitane, Errin, Heather, etc. show the 17 brands.
Dosage Format: Oral tablet (0.35 mg, 5 mg)
Drug Classes: Contraceptives, progestins

What is Norethindrone?

Norethindrone is one of the forms of progesterone, which is a female hormone essential to regulating the menstrual cycle and ovulation.Norethindrone is used to provide contraception (contraception) for the purpose of helping avoid the occurrence of pregnancy.

Norethindrone can also be employed to address menstrual issues, endometriosis, or vaginal bleeding that is abnormal due to a hormonal imbalance.Different brands of norethindrone have the same purpose. Certain brands are intended for use solely as contraceptives. Some are used to treat vaginal bleeding and endometriosis issues. Be sure to use only the form, brand, and strength that your doctor prescribes.Norethindrone could also be used for additional reasons not mentioned in this guideline.

Norethindrone's Adverse Consequences

See a doctor immediately. If you are experiencing symptoms that indicate an allergic reaction, like hives, trouble breathing, or swelling of your lips, face, or tongue,Norethindrone could cause serious adverse side effects. Consult your doctor immediately in the event of:

  • Sudden vision loss, bulging eyes, or a severe headache;
  • Swelling rapidly and gaining weight;
  • Abnormal vaginal bleeding;
  • Missed menstrual period;
  • Pelvic pain in the pelvis (especially on one side);
  • A lump in the breast;
  • A feeling of lightheadedness, as if you're passing out;
  • Increased thirst and more frequent urine production;
  • issues with the liver: loss of appetite, nausea, gastric discomfort (upper right side), dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin),
  • symptoms of a blood clot: sudden weakness or numbness; problems with speech or vision; chest pain; breathlessness; redness or swelling in the arm or leg.

Common adverse effects of norethindrone could include:

  • Abnormal vaginal bleeding or spotting
  • Headache;
  • The breasts, swelling, or pain;
  • Stomach pain, bloating, nausea, and vomiting;
  • Hair loss;
  • Depression, insomnia;
  • Weight gain weight gain
  • Vaginal eruption and discharge

This isn't an exhaustive list of possible side effects, and other side effects could occur. Contact your physician for advice regarding medical adverse effects. You can report any adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

You shouldn't take norethindrone if you suffer from vaginal bleeding that is not diagnosed, breast cancer, liver disease, or a tumor in the liver. It is possible that you will not be able to take norethindrone in the event that you've experienced a heart attack, stroke, or blood clot.Use with caution if you're pregnant or are trying to get pregnant.In certain situations, it is recommended not to take norethindrone if nursing.

Before you Take this Drug

It is not recommended to use norethindrone if you have an allergy to it or suffer from:

  • Unusual vaginal bleeding that hasn't been examined by an ophthalmologist;
  • The liver, or a tumor;
  • Breast cancer;
  • A history of blood clots that have formed in your eyes, brain, and lungs.

Do not take norethindrone when you are expecting or planning to get pregnant. Stop taking the medicine and notify your doctor as soon as you become pregnant.Consult your physician about taking this medication while you are nursing. In certain situations, it is advised not to use norethindrone while nursing.Speak to your doctor if you are ever diagnosed with:

  • Heart disease, high blood pressure;
  • Liver disease;
  • Depression;
  • Migraine headaches;
  • Diabetes;
  • High cholesterol or triglycerides
  • Uterine fibroid tumors
  • Epilepsy;
  • Kidney disease;
  • Asthma;
  • If you smoke.

Avoid giving this medication to a child unless you have medical guidance.

How to Take Norethindrone?

Follow the instructions on the prescription label and go through all medication guides or instruction sheets. Make sure you use the medication exactly as prescribed.Be sure to follow your doctor's instructions regarding when you should begin taking norethindrone as a contraceptive in the event that you're switching to a mixed contraceptive pill (estrogen or progestin).

If you are taking norethindrone for contraception, you should take one pill each day, not more than 24 hours apart. You could become pregnant if you take one pill a day.It is possible to require backup contraceptives (such as condoms containing spermicide) when you're sick and suffering from diarrhea or vomiting or are more than three hours behind in having your regular dose.

If you're taking norethindrone for vaginal abnormalities or menstrual irregularities, you will need to take a break from bleeding, and you will likely use the drug for 5–10 days. Vaginal bleeding is expected to occur within 3–7 days of the last dose.If you are taking norethindrone to treat endometriosis, norethindrone is generally consumed daily over a number of months. Your physician may alter your dosage.

Your doctor should be able to check your health regularly. Check the breasts to detect lumps and bumps on an annual basis and get regular mammograms.

Inform us of any vaginal bleeding that is unusual right away.

Norethindrone may influence the results of some medical tests. Be sure to inform any doctor treating patients that you are taking norethindrone.Place this medication in a room away from heat, moisture, and light.

Details on Dosage

Usual Adult Dose for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding:

2.5 up to 10 mg every day
Time of treatment: 5–10 days
Comments:
This drug is recommended in cases where the endometrium has been prepared with both exogenous and endogenous estrogen.
The bleeding that occurs with withdrawal usually happens within 3–7 days after the treatment has been stopped.Treatment of additional amenorrhoea and abnormal bleeding from the uterus caused by hormonal imbalance that is not organic (e.g., submucous fibroids, the uterine tumor)

Usual Adult Dose for Amenorrhoea:

2.5 or 10 mg at least once per day.
Therapy duration: between 5 and 10 days
Comments:
The drug should be utilized to treat endometrial cancer when the uterus is prepared with exogenous and endogenous estrogen.
Withdrawal bleeding usually occurs within 3–7 days after the treatment has been stopped.
Use: Treatment for secondary amenorrhoea and abnormal bleeding from the uterus because of a hormonal imbalance that is not organic (e.g., submucous fibroids and uterine cancer).

Usual Adult Dose for Contraception:

0.35 mg taken orally, once a day
Comment:
The drug is best taken at the same time every day.
Use: Preventing pregnancy

Usual Adult Dose for Endometriosis:

Initial dosage: 5 mg orally daily for 2 weeks
Maximum dose: 15 mg/day
Comments:
It is recommended to increase the dose by 2.5 mg/day every two weeks until the 15 mg threshold is attained.The treatment can last for six to nine months, or until the bleeding requires a temporary cessation.
Applications: Treatment of endometriosis

Usual Paediatric Dose for Contraception:

Postpubertal adolescents (under 16 years old): 0.35 mg orally daily, at least once
Comments:
This drug should be taken when menarche is occurring.The dosage should be taken at the exact same time every day.Pregnancy prevention: Use to prevent pregnancy

What Happens if I Miss the Dose?

Consult your physician for guidance or follow the instructions included with your prescription.

In the event of missing a birth control pill, it increases the chance of getting pregnant. In the event that you're longer than 3 hours late to take your pill, you should take the medication whenever you remember and then use backup birth control for a minimum of 48 hours. The next dose should be taken at the regular time and on your usual dosing schedule.

If you do not have your period for more than 2 months consecutively, contact your doctor as you could be pregnant.

What Happens If I Overdose?

Get medical attention in an emergency or contact the Poison Help line toll-free at 1-800-222-1222.A high dose of norethindrone isn't likely to pose a risk.

What Should be Avoided?

Do not use estrogen medication unless your doctor tells you to.

Don't smoke. It can greatly increase the chances of developing stroke, blood clots, or a heart attack when you are taking norethindrone to prevent contraception.Norethindrone does not shield you against sexually transmitted infections, including HIV or AIDS. Utilizing a condom is the only way to shield yourself from the aforementioned diseases.

Interaction with Other Drugs

Certain drugs may reduce the effectiveness of norethindrone and could result in unintended pregnancy if you are using norethindrone to prevent contraception. Discuss with your doctor any other medications, particularly:

  • St. John's wort;
  • Medication to treat the symptoms of an illness (antibiotics or antifungal medicines);
  • Medication used to cure tuberculosis;
  • Medication for treating HIV or AIDS medicine to treat HIV or AIDS
  • Seizure medication.

This list isn't exhaustive. Other medications could influence norethindrone, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Some interactions with drugs are not listed here. are included here.

 

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Prescription only

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