Chemical Name: NORETHINDRONE (nor-eth-IN-drone)
This medicine is a progestin used to prevent pregnancy. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
WARNING: You should not use this medicine during the first 4 months of pregnancy because birth defects may occur. This medicine has not been proven to prevent natural abortions that occur early in the pregnancy. Often, the cause of an early natural abortion is due to a defective female egg. Using this drug does not fix a defective egg and may get in the way of expelling it. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including heart disease or circulation problems (e.g., stroke or heart attack), asthma, migraine headaches, any previous cancers, blood disorders (e.g., blood clots), liver disease, gallbladder disease, history of depression, diabetes, seizure disorders, any allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you are also taking nevirapine or rifampin. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking barbiturates, carvedilol, corticosteroids, felbamate, griseofulvin, metoprolol, modafinil, penicillin or tetracycline antibiotics, theophylline, troglitazone, troleandomycin, or medicine for seizures. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you have a history of pulmonary embolism. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine comes with a patient information leaflet. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. THIS MEDICINE MAY BE TAKEN on an empty stomach or with food. TRY TO TAKE THIS MEDICINE at the same time every day, not more than 24 hours apart. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature, away from heat and light. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. IF YOU ARE MORE THAN 3 HOURS LATE TAKING YOUR DOSE OR IF YOU MISS MORE THAN 1 DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take the missed dose as soon as you remember, then go back to your regular dosing schedule. Be sure to use an additional form of birth control (e.g., condom and/or spermicide) for the next 48 hours. If you have any questions, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. If you forget to take your pills on a regular basis, contact your doctor to discuss switching to another form of birth control.
TAKING CERTAIN ANTIBIOTICS or anticonvulsants while you are using this medicine may decrease the effectiveness of this medicine. To prevent pregnancy, use an additional form of birth control until your next period. If you have any questions, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE dark skin patches on your face. Exposure to the sun may make these patches darker. If patches develop, use a sunscreen or protective clothing when exposed to the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU SUSPECT THAT YOU COULD BE PREGNANT, contact your doctor. THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. IF YOU ARE OR WILL BE BREAST-FEEDING while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby. IF YOU HAVE DIABETES MELLITUS, this medicine may worsen blood sugar control. Check with your doctor before you adjust the dose of your diabetes medicine or change your diet.
SIDE EFFECTS that may go away during treatment, include dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, stomach upset, or bloating. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience mental/mood changes (e.g., severe depression, memory loss); breast tenderness; weight change; or swelling of your fingers or ankles. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience calf/leg pain or swelling; trouble breathing or shortness of breath; chest pain; sudden severe headache, dizziness, or fainting; abnormal vaginal bleeding; yellowing of the skin or eyes; dark urine; or abdominal pain, swelling, or tenderness; vomiting; vision problems; or coughing up blood. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, sleepiness, and dizziness.
DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.
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