Medically reviewed by Jessica Swirble, PharmD
Last updated on 7/3/2024

Drug Information | Side Effects | Use & Dosage | Request a Prescription

The use of norgestimate-ethinyl estradiol can lead to various side effects in some individuals.

Common mild side effects of norgestimate-ethinyl estradiol use include:

• Nausea
  
• Vomiting
  
• Stomach pain
  
• Bloating and gas
  
• Diarrhea
  
• Constipation
  
• Acne
  
• Headache
  
• Fatigue
  
• Darkening of skin on the face
  
• Changes in appetite
  
• Weight gain or weight loss
  
• Abnormal hair growth
  
• Spotting or breakthrough bleeding
  
• Changes in menstrual flow
  
• Painful or missed periods
  
• Breast tenderness
  
• Vaginal irritation
  
• Abnormal vaginal discharge
  
  

More severe side effects include:

• Stroke symptoms (like weakness or numbness, severe headache, difficulty with speech, loss of vision)
  
• Blood clot symptoms (like loss of vision, chest pain or chest heaviness, coughing up blood, shortness of breath, leg pain)
  
• Double vision
  
• Bulging eyes
  
• Signs of a liver problem (like yellowing of the skin or eyes, loss of appetite, fatigue, fever, dark-colored urine, clay-colored stool)
  
• Depression
  
• Signs of an allergic reaction (like swelling in the hands, face, feet, ankles, or legs, skin rash, or difficulty breathing)
  
• Migraine headaches
  
  

If you experience any severe or concerning side effects while taking norgestimate-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 norgestimate-ethinyl estradiol. This includes prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and dietary supplements, as they may interact with norgestimate-ethinyl estradiol.

Tell your provider if you are taking these medications or supplements:

• Antibiotics
  
• Blood pressure medications
  
• Aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  
• Diuretics ('water pills')
  
• Aldosterone antagonists
  
• Anticoagulants
  
• Potassium supplements
  
• Bile acid sequestrants
  
• Folate supplements
  
• Antimetabolites (cancer medications)
  
• Antimalarials
  
• Anticonvulsants
  
• Antivirals
  
  

You should also mention medical conditions such as:

• High blood pressure
  
• High cholesterol or triglycerides
  
• Heart disease
  
• Stroke
  
• Irregular heartbeat
  
• Blood clots (or family history of blood clots)
  
• Diabetes
  
• Breast cancer
  
• Cancer of the uterus or cervix
  
• Unexplained vaginal bleeding
  
• Liver disease or liver cancer
  
• Kidney disease
  
• Jaundice during pregnancy
  
• Depression
  
• Seizures
  
• Migraines
  
• Toxemia
  
• Thyroid problems
  
• Gallbladder disease
  
• Irregular menstrual cycles
  
• Obesity
  
• Fibrocystic breast disease
  
  

This medication has been given a black box warning from the FDA due to the risks of smoking cigarettes while using norgestimate-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 norgestimate-ethinyl estradiol.

Oral contraceptives such as norgestimate-ethinyl estradiol may increase your long-term risk of developing liver tumors, breast, cervical, 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 norgestimate-ethinyl estradiol with your healthcare provider.

Take norgestimate-ethinyl estradiol exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not exceed the recommended dose or duration of treatment.

Norgestimate-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 norgestimate-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.