How To Take And Store
Store Seasonique at 68 to 77 degrees F .
It’s important to take your pill at the same time every day, so you should decide at the outset what time of day will be easiest to incorporate the pill into your routine. You should start Seasonique on the first Sunday after you start your period, even if you are still bleeding. The pill packets are labeled with the day of the week, so that will help you stay on track.
You should use an alternative form of birth control in addition to Seasonique for the first seven days. Seasonique takes a week to become fully effective. In addition, the effectiveness can be compromised if you miss two or more doses at any point in the pill package.
Here’s what to do if you miss any doses of Seasonique:
If you miss one light blue-green pill: Take it as soon as you remember, then take the next pill at your regular time. This means you may take two pills in one day. If you have only missed one pill, you do not need to use a back-up birth control method. Taking more than one pill a day can make some women nauseated taking the pill with food can help.
If you miss two of the light blue-green pills in a row: Take two pills on the day you remember , and two pills the next day . Then, you’ll take one pill a day like normal until you finish the pack.
You can become pregnant if you have sex in the seven days after you miss two pills. You must use another birth control method for a week after you restart your pills.
How To Take Norethindrone Tablets
- Before you start this treatment, read the manufacturer’s printed information leaflet from inside your pack. The manufacturer’s leaflet will give you more information about norethindrone and a full list of side-effects which you may experience from taking it.
- Take norethindrone exactly as your physician tells you to. You may be asked to take the tablets regularly each day, or to take them just on certain days of your monthly cycle. This information will be printed on the label of your pack of tablets to remind you, but if you are still unsure ask your pharmacist for further advice.
- For treatment of endometriosis it is usual to start with a low dose of half to one tablet each day. Your physician will ask you to increase your dose slightly every two weeks until you are taking three tablets each day.
- If you are taking norethindrone for painful or heavy menstrual periods, the usual dose is between half and two tablets each day for five to ten days in each menstrual cycle.
- Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. You can take norethindrone tablets either before or after meals.
- Try to take your doses at the same times of day, as this will help you to remember to take them.
- If you do forget to take a dose at your usual time, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is nearly time for your next dose in which case leave out the forgotten dose. Remember to take your next dose when it is due but do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.
Who Should Not Take This Medication
Do not take this mediction if you:
- are allergic to norethindrone acetate, to ethinyl estradiol, or to any of the ingredients of the medication
- are or may be pregnant
- have eye damage resulting from blood vessel disease of the eye, such as a partial or complete loss of vision
- have had a heart attack or coronary artery disease
- have, have had, or may have breast cancer
- have liver disease
- have or have had benign or malignant liver tumours
- have or have had cerebrovascular disorders
- have or have had thrombophlebitis or thromboembolic disorders
- have or may have a tumour dependent on estrogen
- have undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding
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How Should I Take Birth Control Pills
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
You may need to use back-up birth control, such as condoms with spermicide, when you first start using this medication. Follow your doctor’s instructions.
Take one pill every day, no more than 24 hours apart. When the pills run out, start a new pack the following day. You may get pregnant if you do not take one pill daily.
Some birth control packs contain “reminder” pills to keep you on your regular cycle. Your period will usually begin while you are using these reminder pills.
Use a back-up birth control if you are sick with severe vomiting or diarrhea.
You may have breakthrough bleeding, especially during the first 3 months. Tell your doctor if this bleeding continues or is very heavy.
If you need major surgery or will be on long-term bed rest, you may need to stop using this medicine for a short time. Any doctor or surgeon who treats you should know that you are using ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone.
While taking birth control pills, you will need to visit your doctor regularly.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What Is This Medicine
ETHINYL ESTRADIOL NORETHINDRONE ACETATE is an oral contraceptive. The products combine two types of female hormones, an estrogen and a progestin. They are used to prevent ovulation and pregnancy.
This medicine may be used for other purposes ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
COMMON BRAND NAME: Aurovela, Gildess, Hailey 1.5/30, Junel 1.5/30, Junel 1/20, LARIN, Loestrin 1.5/30, Loestrin 1/20, Microgestin 1.5/30, Microgestin 1/20
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What To Know Before Taking Norethindrone
Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking norethindrone it is important that your physician knows:
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- If you have any problems with the way your liver works, or any kidney problems.
- If you have heart or blood vessel problems, or if you have ever had a blood clot in an artery or vein.
- If you have any of the following: diabetes, epilepsy, migraine, high blood pressure , or asthma.
- If you smoke, are overweight or have high cholesterol levels.
- If you have ever had cancer.
- If you have ever had a depressive illness.
- If you have ever had yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes , severe itching, or a skin condition called pemphigoid gestationis during a pregnancy.
- If you have a rare inherited blood disorder called porphyria.
- If you are taking any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.
- If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.
What Other Information Should I Know
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your body’s response to norethindrone.
Before having any laboratory test, tell your doctor and the laboratory personnel that you are taking norethindrone.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
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What Are The Benefits Of Norethindrone/ethinyl Estradiol Birth Control
The biggest benefit of Estrostep and other norethindrone/ethinyl estradiol birth control is that it stops pregnancy. Used according to the instructions, Estrostep has a success rate of over 99% as a contraceptive.
There are several other benefits of Estrostep, as well as other norethindrone/ethinyl estradiol birth control drugs. Like other combined oral contraceptives, Estrostep could potentially lower your risk of developing ovarian cysts, cancer of the ovaries or pelvic inflammatory disease.
Estrostep can also result in shorter, lighter periods, making it a good birth control option if you have long, heavy or uncomfortable periods.
As weve covered in the section above, norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol is also widely used as an acne treatment, as per its approval by the FDA.
How Can I Safely Skip My Period On Birth Control
There are many different combined hormonal birth control pills containing different types of synthetic hormones and doses. Some pills are monophasicâmeaning they have the same dose of hormones in each pill. Other pills are multiphasicâmeaning that the number of hormones in the pills changes throughout your pack. Your birth control package will indicate which kind of pill you have. You can choose to skip your âperiodâ on either type of pill, but itâs best to consult with your healthcare provider before you start.
If you are taking a monophasic combined hormonal birth control pill
Take your hormonally active pills as normal.
Once you reach your placebo pills , then simply skip over those and start your new pack the next day as Day 1.
Monophasic dose birth control pills allow flexibility since you can technically schedule your period for whenever you wish. You can stop taking your pill for a few days to have a withdrawal period . Note that this is considered âmissing two or more pillsâ even though you are missing them on purpose. Youâll need to use a backup birth control method for seven days to prevent pregnancy.
One study found that if you experience three days of consecutive breakthrough bleeding, choosing to start your period at that time would result in fewer bleeding days throughout the entire year .
If you are taking a multiphasic pill:
Take your hormonally active pills as normal.
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Important Information About All Medicines
Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else might have taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the Emergency Room of your local hospital. Take the container with you, even if it is empty. This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours. If you buy any medicines ‘over the counter’, always check with a pharmacist that they are suitable to take with your other medicines. Do not keep out-of-date or unwanted medicines. Ask your pharmacist about ways to dispose of medicines safely in your local area. If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist. |
Bleeding Irregularities And Amenorrhea
Unscheduled Bleeding and Spotting
Unscheduled bleeding and spotting sometimes occur in patients on COCs, especially during the first three months of use. If bleeding persists or occurs after previously regular cycles, check for causes such as pregnancy or malignancy. If pathology and pregnancy are excluded, bleeding irregularities may resolve over time or with a change to a different contraceptive product.
In a clinical trial of norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol tablets and ferrous fumarate tablets, the frequency and duration of unscheduled bleeding and/or spotting was assessed in 743 women . A total of 10 subjects discontinued norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol tablets and ferrous fumarate tablets, at least in part, due to bleeding or spotting. Based on data from the clinical trial, of women using norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol tablets and ferrous fumarate tablets experienced unscheduled bleeding per cycle in the six months of the trial. The percent of women who experienced unscheduled bleeding tended to decrease over time.
Amenorrhea and Oligomenorrhea
Some women may experience amenorrhea or oligomenorrhea after discontinuation of COCs, especially when such a condition was preexistent.
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Coc Use Before Or During Early Pregnancy
Extensive epidemiologic studies have revealed no increased risk of birth defects in women who have used oral contraceptives prior to pregnancy. Studies also do not suggest a teratogenic effect, particularly in so far as cardiac anomalies and limb reduction defects are concerned, when oral contraceptives are taken inadvertently during early pregnancy. Discontinue Hailey 24 Fe use if pregnancy is confirmed.
Administration of COCs to induce withdrawal bleeding should not be used as a test for pregnancy .
How To Use Norethindron
Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using this product and each time you get a refill. The leaflet contains very important information on when to take your pills and what to do if you miss a dose. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. Pick a time of day that is easy for you to remember, and take your pill at the same time each day.
If you are taking the chewable tablet, you may either swallow it whole or chew it thoroughly and swallow. Carefully follow the manufacturer’s directions for your brand.
It is very important to continue taking this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. With certain brands of birth control pills, the amount of estrogen and progestin in each active tablet will vary at different times in the cycle. It is very important that you follow the package instructions to find the first tablet, start with the first tablet in the pack, and take them in the correct order. Do not skip any doses. Pregnancy is more likely if you miss pills, start a new pack late, or take your pill at a different time of the day than usual.
Vomiting or diarrhea can prevent your birth control pills from working well. If you have vomiting or diarrhea, you may need to use a back-up birth control method . Follow the directions in the Patient Information Leaflet and check with your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
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Where Should I Keep My Medicine
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C . Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
What Are The Common Side Effects Of Birth Control Pills
The most common side effects of birth control pills are headache, vaginal candidiasis, nausea, menstrual cramps, breast tenderness, bacterial vaginitis, abnormal cervical smear, acne, mood swings, and weight gain. These side effects are usually mild and disappear with time. Talk to your healthcare provider if you develop any side effects that concern you.1
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