Norgestrel+ethinylestradiol
About Norgestrel+ethinylestradiol
Norgestrel+ethinylestradiol is a combination drug containing birth control pills, primarily used for contraception and in treating dysmenorrhea (irregular and painful periods). Contraception is a procedure that aims to prevent pregnancy and is used in family planning. A woman can only get pregnant if a man's sperm fertilizes her egg. Dysmenorrhea is irregular and painful periods, leading to abdominal pain, digestion problems, fainting, vomiting, and nausea.
Norgestrel+ethinylestradiol contains Norgestrel and Ethinylestradiol, primarily used for contraception. It helps to prevent pregnancy in multiple ways. It prevents the release of an egg from the ovaries and makes the fluid present in the cervix thick, making it difficult for sperm to enter the womb. In addition, it prevents the thickening of the uterus's inner wall, which is necessary for an egg to grow and multiply.
Norgestrel+ethinylestradiol can be taken with or without food but take it at the same time every day for best results. Norgestrel+ethinylestradiol is meant to be taken on the first day of your menstrual cycle and should be continued all month. Like all medicines, Norgestrel+ethinylestradiol can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. The most common side effects are headache, weight increase or decrease, acne, dysmenorrhea (irregular and painful periods), abdominal pain, cramps, depression, and nervousness. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects are persistent, reach out to your doctor. Do not use Norgestrel+ethinylestradiol if you are pregnant or have recently delivered a baby.
Inform your doctor before using Norgestrel+ethinylestradiol if you are over 35 years old, smoke, or have had a heart problem, breast cancer, uterus, or vagina. Also, keep your doctor informed about your health condition and all your ongoing medication before taking Norgestrel+ethinylestradiol to rule out any side effects. If you have missed a dose or are late by 12 hours, please wear a condom for five days while having sexual intercourse to avoid unwanted pregnancy. Do not take medicine if you are pregnant already or breastfeeding.
Uses of Norgestrel+ethinylestradiol
Medicinal Benefits
Norgestrel+ethinylestradiol contains Norgestrel and Ethinylestradiol, used in combination as birth control pills. It is primarily used for contraception. It helps to prevent pregnancy in multiple ways. It prevents the release of an egg from the ovaries and makes the fluid present in the cervix thick, making it difficult for sperm to enter the womb. In addition, it prevents the thickening of the uterus's inner wall, which is necessary for an egg to grow and multiply.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Norgestrel+ethinylestradiol
- Weight increase or decrease
- Acne
- Breast tenderness
- Dysmenorrhea (irregular periods)
- Abdominal pain
- Cramps
- Depression
- Nervousness
Drug Warnings
Please inform your doctor if you have ever had deep-vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, heart disease, hypertension, breast cancer, diabetes mellitus, liver disease, or abnormal uterine bleeding as Norgestrel+ethinylestradiol is known to contra-indicate. Smoking may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease in women over 35 years when taking Norgestrel+ethinylestradiol. Norgestrel+ethinylestradiol does not protect against any sexually transmitted disease or HIV. If pregnancy occurs while you are taking Norgestrel+ethinylestradiol, please consult your doctor to use it as a birth control pill. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor. Sometimes, you may experience spotting or bleeding in between missed periods or menstrual periods. If the spotting persists, please consult your doctor. Do not use Norgestrel+ethinylestradiol if you are pregnant or have recently delivered a baby. If you have missed a dose or are late by 12 hours, please wear a condom for five days while having sexual intercourse to avoid unwanted pregnancy. Do not take medicine if you are pregnant already or breastfeeding.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug interactions: Norgestrel+ethinylestradiol may have an interaction with anti-viral medicines (paritaprevir, ritonavir), blood thinners (aspirin), pain-killer (acetaminophen), anti-anginal medication (diltiazem), drugs used to treat stomach acid (esomeprazole, posaconazole, omeprazole), and vitamins (vitamin B12).
Drug-Food Interactions: Norgestrel+ethinylestradiol interacts with non-prescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Also, alcohol consumption and grapefruit juice should not be included with Norgestrel+ethinylestradiol.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you smoke, have or have ever had deep-vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, heart disease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, liver disease, abnormal uterine bleeding, or breast cancer.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeYou are recommended not to consume alcohol along with Norgestrel+ethinylestradiol to avoid unpleasant side-effects.
Pregnancy
unsafeRecommended not to use in pregnancy.
Breast Feeding
cautionCaution should be exercised, and it is advisable to consult a doctor before using it.
Driving
safe if prescribedNorgestrel+ethinylestradiol has no or negligible influence on the ability to drive or use machines.
Liver
cautionThere is insufficient information available on the usage of Norgestrel+ethinylestradiol in patients with liver dysfunction. Please consult your doctor.
Kidney
safe if prescribedThere is insufficient information available on the usage of Norgestrel+ethinylestradiol in patients with kidney dysfunction. Please consult your doctor.
Children
cautionSafety and efficacy of Norgestrel+ethinylestradiol are established in women of reproductive age. But sufficient studies have not to be performed on women less than 16 years of age. So, take Norgestrel+ethinylestradiol only when prescribed by a child specialist.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Keep your weight under control with a body mass index (BMI) of 19.5-24.9.
- Opt for a diet rich in whole grains, fruits, veggies, and low-fat dairy products.
- Quitting smoking and not drinking alcohol is the best strategy to lower the risk of any complications.
- Do regular exercise to maintain weight fluctuations caused due to Norgestrel+ethinylestradiol.
- Monitor your blood pressure regularly and if there is too much fluctuation, then immediately contact your doctor.
- Including heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acid-containing food drinks in your daily diet. You can also use low-fat cooking oil like olive oil, soybean oil, canola oil, and coconut oil to lower your elevated blood pressure.
Special Advise
- Norgestrel+ethinylestradiol may cause menstrual irregularities such as spotting / missed periods/bleeding between menstrual periods. Consult your doctor if the do not subside.
- Stop other oral contraceptives if you are taking Norgestrel+ethinylestradiol for dysmenorrhea.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Contraception: It is a procedure that aims to prevent pregnancy. A woman can only get pregnant if a man's sperm fertilizes her egg. Contraception aims to prevent this from happening by keeping egg and sperm apart by stopping egg production or not letting the uterus wall become thick. As a result, no fertilization takes place, so contraception is a safe method for family planning.
Dysmenorrhea: It is irregular and painful periods leading to abdominal pain, digestion problems, fainting, vomiting, and nausea. Generally, a menstrual cycle is about 25-30 days. But this cycle may be short or prolonged in dysmenorrhea, leading to excessive pain.
FAQs
Norgestrel+ethinylestradiol is used for contraception and in treating dysmenorrhea (irregular and painful periods).
Norgestrel+ethinylestradiol contains Norgestrel and Ethinylestradiol, primarily used for contraception. It helps to prevent pregnancy in multiple ways. It prevents the release of an egg from the ovaries and makes the fluid present in the cervix thick, making it difficult for sperm to enter the womb. In addition, it prevents the thickening of the uterus's inner wall, which is necessary for an egg to grow and multiply.Â
When taking Norgestrel+Ethinyl Estradiol, you can experience frequent vaginal bleeding. Headaches, nausea (feeling sick), depression (sad mood), and breast pain are other common side effects. Some of them are temporary and consult a doctor if the symptoms persist.
Yes, Norgestrel+ethinylestradiol is known to cause weight gain. So, to avoid weight gain, do regular exercise, and eat home-cooked food.
Usually, Norgestrel+ethinylestradiol is prescribed below the age of 35 years and not recommended for women over 35 years. Your doctor may weigh its benefits and prescribe you accordingly.
Yes, Norgestrel+ethinylestradiol can cause spotting in between the regular periods. Usually, it does not persist, but if spotting does not reduce, please inform your doctor as medical attention may be required.
No, the Norgestrel+ethinylestradiol does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases. It is an oral form of contraception that does not protect against STDs. So, use some other form of contraception to avoid transmission.
Take Norgestrel+ethinylestradiol as long as it is prescribed by your doctor. Try to take it at the same time each day for effective results.
Norgestrel+ethinylestradiol contains a combination of Ethinylestradiol and Norgestrel, which are the synthetic forms of female sex hormones estrogen and progesterone.
You are recommended to consult your doctor before you stop taking Norgestrel+ethinylestradiol. Since, these are hormonal pills, discontinuing them may show impact on your physiological function.
No, Norgestrel+ethinylestradiol is not recommended for use during heavy periods.
Norgestrel+ethinylestradiol contains two types of female sex hormones – Ethinylestradiol and norgestrel. Ovral L tablet contains levonorgestrel and Ethinyl estradiol which are similar to the natural hormones in a woman’s body. Both medicines are used in females as oral contraceptives. However, it is recommended to use the medicine prescribed by your doctor, as the same shall be based on your diagnosis and medical history.
No, Norgestrel+ethinylestradiol does not stop periods. You may experience mild periods or irregular periods while taking Norgestrel+ethinylestradiol. If you have any concerns, discuss with your doctor.
It is usually recommended to take Norgestrel+ethinylestradiol as advised by your doctor. The dose and duration will be decided by your doctor depending on your exact medical condition. Follow the doctor’s instructions. However, it is advised to take Norgestrel+ethinylestradiol at the same time every day, to maintain consistent levels of Norgestrel+ethinylestradiol in the body.
You might be pregnant if you miss your menstrual periods while taking Norgestrel+ethinylestradiol. Even if they are not pregnant, some women may miss periods or have mild periods while taking Norgestrel+ethinylestradiol. If you think you are pregnant or have missed one or two periods, contact your doctor. This may occur if you are not taking Norgestrel+ethinylestradiol at the same time each day.
If you forget to take one tablet, take it as soon as you remember, even if it means taking two tablets at the same time and then follow the regular dosing schedule. However, you may not be totally protected against pregnancy if you forget to take two or more doses. In this situation, start taking the tablet as soon as you remember and use a non-hormonal contraceptive method like condoms for at least next 7 days to prevent pregnancy. Frequent missing of doses may result in unexpected spotting (blood stain) or vaginal bleeding. However, if this persists, consult your doctor.
After taking Norgestrel+ethinylestradiol, if you vomit within 3 to 4 hours, then it is considered as a missed dose. Therefore, as soon as you feel well enough, you should take another dose. If you have any concerns, contact your doctor.
