Norethindrone

Pronunciation

Brand Names

Therapeutic Categories

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used for the treatment of abnormal uterine bleeding due to hormonal imbalance or amenorrhea (no period) where no other cause is found.
• It is also used to treat endometriosis.

How does it work?

• Progestins are produced by the body and are used by the body for development of milk-producing glands and for maintenance of the menstrual cycle. It changes the endometrium.

How is it best taken?

• Take the tablet with or without food. Take with food if this medicine causes an upset stomach.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to your regular schedule.
• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• Tell healthcare provider if you have had a history of blood clots in legs, arms or lungs or a history of a stroke.
• Tell healthcare provider if you have breast or any genital cancers.
• 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.
• Do not use in pregnancy and do not get pregnant. Use birth control that you can trust during and for 1 month after therapy.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

What are the common side effects of this medicine?

• Headache. Mild pain medicine may help.
• Nausea. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard candy, or chewing gum may help.
• Swelling or bloated feeling.
• Changes in vaginal bleeding.
• Breast tenderness.

What should I monitor?

• Follow up with healthcare provider.

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.
• Swelling/pain of a leg or arm, sudden shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, chest pain.
• Menstrual changes. This includes lots of bleeding, spotting, or bleeding between cycles.
• Depression.
• 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)
• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).

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