Medically reviewed by Jessica Swirble, PharmD
Last updated on April 21, 2025
Drug Information | Side Effects | Use & Dosage | Request an Online Prescription
Norethindrone-ethinyl estradiol is a prescription combination birth control pill used to prevent pregnancy. It contains the hormones estrogen (ethinyl estradiol) and progestin (norethindrone), which work together to prevent ovulation and change the lining of the uterus. It also thickens the cervical mucus. While the primary effect of combination birth control pills is to prevent ovulation, these changes in the uterus and cervix make it more difficult for sperm to enter the uterus and also make it harder for a fertilized egg to attach itself and develop.
Norethindrone-ethinyl estradiol is a prescription combination birth control medication that is used to prevent pregnancy.
Oral contraceptives are not effective at preventing the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), so it is important to use additional forms of contraception to avoid their transmission.
Norethindrone-ethinyl estradiol prevents pregnancy in several ways. It prevents ovulation, which stops the ovaries from releasing eggs to be fertilized. It also thickens cervical mucus, which helps to prevent sperm from entering the uterus. It also thins the lining of the uterus to prevent implantation.
Norethindrone-ethinyl estradiol is available as an oral tablet. It should be taken at the same time each day to maintain consistent hormone levels.
Norethindrone-ethinyl estradiol is typically taken once daily for 21 consecutive days, followed by seven days of no pills or placebo pills before beginning another cycle.
Follow your healthcare provider's instructions regarding dosage and schedule. Do not exceed the prescribed dose or frequency of use without consulting your provider.
Norethindrone-ethinyl estradiol is used for contraception (birth control). For contraception, the effects are immediate if taken on the first day of your menstrual cycle. Back-up contraception should be used for the first 7 days. See package instructions for specific information
Continue using norethindrone-ethinyl estradiol as prescribed, even if you start feeling better. Regular use according to your prescription is crucial for effective contraception and acne management.
While norethindrone-ethinyl estradiol is primarily used for contraception, healthcare providers may prescribe it off-label for other conditions such as regulating menstrual cycles, acne, endometriosis, or managing the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Discuss any alternative uses of norethindrone-ethinyl estradiol with your healthcare provider.
Norethindrone-ethinyl estradiol is available in the following dosage forms:
Norethindrone-ethinyl estradiol is a prescription medication. You must have a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider to obtain it.
The use of norethindrone-ethinyl estradiol can lead to various side effects in some individuals.
Common mild side effects of norethindrone-ethinyl estradiol use include:
More severe side effects include:
If you experience any severe or concerning side effects while taking norethindrone-ethinyl estradiol, contact your healthcare provider right away.
Inform your healthcare provider about any existing medical conditions, allergies, or other medications you are taking before starting treatment with norethindrone-ethinyl estradiol. This includes prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and dietary supplements, as they may interact with norethindrone-ethinyl estradiol.
Tell your provider if you are taking these medications or supplements:
You should also mention medical conditions such as:
This medication has been given a black box warning from the FDA due to the risks of smoking cigarettes while using norethindrone-ethinyl estradiol. Doing so increases your risk of heart attacks, strokes, blood clots, and other side effects from taking oral contraceptives, especially for heavy smokers over the age of 35. Do not smoke cigarettes if you are taking oral contraceptives such as norethindrone-ethinyl estradiol.
Oral contraceptives such as norethindrone-ethinyl estradiol may increase your long-term risk of developing liver tumors, breast or liver cancer and your short-term risk of heart attack, stroke, and blood clots – while reducing your overall risk of ovarian, endometrial, and colorectal cancers, so be sure to talk with your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of oral contraceptives.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, discuss the potential risks and benefits of using norethindrone-ethinyl estradiol with your healthcare provider.
Take norethindrone-ethinyl estradiol exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not exceed the recommended dose or duration of treatment.
Norethindrone-ethinyl estradiol can cause dizziness or nausea. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
Complete the full course of treatment, even if you feel better, to ensure the medication's effectiveness in managing your condition.
In case of a norethindrone-ethinyl estradiol overdose, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include severe nausea, vomiting, and vaginal bleeding. If you suspect an overdose, contact the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222 or call emergency services.
Norethindrone-ethinyl estradiol is available in the following form:
The typical starting dose of norethindrone-ethinyl estradiol is one tablet orally once daily. It is crucial to follow your healthcare provider's instructions regarding dosage and administration.
For contraception:
Norethindrone-ethinyl estradiol should be taken as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not exceed the recommended dose or duration of treatment without consulting your provider.
If you have any questions about your dosage or need adjustments, contact your healthcare provider for guidance. If you want to talk to a provider right away, consider scheduling an online doctor appointment through a telehealth platform like Sesame.
If you miss a dose of norethindrone-ethinyl estradiol, take it as soon as you remember and take the next pill at the regular time. It may be necessary to take 2 tablets in one day. Refer to the package instructions for specific information on missed doses.
Missed doses can cause spotting or light bleeding.
Take norethindrone-ethinyl estradiol around the same time every day to maintain a consistent amount of medication in your body.
Continue taking norethindrone-ethinyl estradiol as prescribed by your healthcare provider, even if you start feeling better. It's important to keep taking the medication as directed to manage your condition effectively.
Do not suddenly stop taking norethindrone-ethinyl estradiol; this can cause a return of your symptoms.
If you have any concerns or questions about your medication, discuss them with your healthcare provider for medical advice and recommendations.
Store norethindrone-ethinyl estradiol according to the instructions provided by your healthcare provider or pharmacist. Keep it at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Ensure the container is tightly closed and out of reach of children.
Do not use expired medication or medications that appear damaged or discolored. If you have any questions about storage, consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist for guidance.