Ethinyl Estradiol and Norgestrel

Pronunciation

Brand Names

Therapeutic Categories

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is commonly used to prevent pregnancy. It can also protect against pregnancy after unprotected intercourse.
• Other uses include treatment of acne in girls older than 15; treatment of endometriosis, painful periods, unusual uterine bleeding, and female hypogonadism.

How does it work?

• The ethinyl estradiol and norgestrel combination prevents pregnancy by preventing ovulation (egg release). It causes a variety of hormonal changes. To prevent pregnancy after intercourse, the medicine either prevents or delays ovulation (egg release).

How is it best taken?

• Take with food at a similar time every day.
• Start the medicine has recommended by healthcare provider or read the package insert.
• Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice within 2 hours of using medicine.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible and then return to your regular schedule.
• Missing more than 2 doses in a row can cause problems.
• Missed dosing information can be found in the package insert given to you or call healthcare provider.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
• Limit alcohol intake (includes wine, beer, and liquor). Routine use may increase risk of breast cancer.
• Avoid cigarette smoking. Persons older than 35 years of age and/or smoking more than 15 cigarettes per day are at risk for heart disease.
• Limit caffeine (teas, coffee, colas) and chocolate intake. Excitability, nervousness, irritability may last longer.
• Use caution if you have kidney disease, heart disease (including high blood pressure), liver disease, circulation problems (including history of blood clot in leg, arm, or lung). Talk with healthcare provider.
• Do not use if you have a history of breast or endometrial cancer or a strong family history (sister, mother, aunt) of breast cancer. Talk with healthcare provider.
• If you are on a blood thinner (warfarin), talk with healthcare provider.
• Remind surgeons and other healthcare providers you are taking this medicine.
• Do not use over-the-counter products that increase blood pressure. These include cough or cold remedies, diet pills, stimulants, ibuprofen or like products, and certain herbs or supplements. Talk with healthcare provider.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
• Oral contraceptives do not prevent the spread of sexually-transmitted diseases. Take measures to prevent the spread of these diseases. Talk with healthcare provider if help is needed in choosing a method.
• Do not use in pregnancy and do not get pregnant. Use birth control that you can trust if 2 doses are missed.
• Birth control pills may not work. Use another form of birth control while taking this medicine.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

What are the common side effects of this medicine?

• Headache. Mild pain medicine may help.
• Belly pain and cramps.
• Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard candy, or chewing gum may help.
• Breast enlargement/tenderness and/or water weight gain.
• Vaginal bleeding (breakthrough bleeding, spotting) may occur.

What should I monitor?

• Periodic breast (monthly self-exams) and gynecologic exams are important.
• Check blood pressure regularly.
• Follow up with healthcare provider at least every year.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Severe headaches.
• Unusual vaginal bleeding. This includes lots of bleeding, spotting, or bleeding between cycles.
• Severe nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea.
• Swelling/pain of a leg or arm, sudden shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, chest pain.
• A lump in the breast.
• Any rash.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store in a tight container at room temperature.

General statements

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
• Read the package insert for more details (given with the medicine).
• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).

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