What is Mestranol Norethindrone?

Mestranol and norethindrone contains a combination of female hormones that prevent ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovary). This medication also causes changes in your cervical mucus and uterine lining, making it harder for sperm to reach the uterus and harder for a fertilized egg to attach to the uterus.
Mestranol and norethindrone is used as contraception to prevent pregnancy.
Mestranol and norethindrone may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Mestranol Norethindrone?

Do not use birth control pills if you are pregnant or if you have recently had a baby.
Do not use this medication if you have any of the following conditions: a history of stroke or blood clot, circulation problems, a hormone-related cancer such as breast or uterine cancer, abnormal vaginal bleeding, liver disease or liver cancer, or a history of jaundice caused by birth control pills.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Mestranol Norethindrone?

This medication can cause birth defects. Do not use if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant, or if you miss two menstrual periods in a row. If you have recently had a baby, wait at least 4 weeks before taking birth control pills (6 weeks if you are breast-feeding).
Do not use this medication if you have:

a history of a stroke, blood clot, or circulation problems
a hormone-related cancer such as breast or uterine cancer
abnormal vaginal bleeding
liver disease or liver cancer; or
a history of jaundice caused by birth control pills

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:

high blood pressure, heart disease, congestive heart failure, angina (chest pain), or a history of heart attack
high cholesterol or if you are overweight
kidney disease
a history of depression
diabetes
gallbladder disease
seizures or epilepsy
a history of irregular menstrual cycles; or
a history of fibrocystic breast disease, lumps, nodules, or an abnormal mammogram

The hormones in birth control pills can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. This medication may also slow breast milk production. Do not use if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Mestranol Norethindrone Side Effects

What are the possible side effects of Mestranol Norethindrone?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

sudden numbness or weakness, headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance
chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling
nausea, stomach pain, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet; o
symptoms of depression (sleep problems, weakness, mood changes)

Less serious side effects may include:

mild nausea, vomiting, bloating, stomach cramps
breast pain, tenderness, or swelling
darkening of facial skin, increased hair growth, loss of scalp hair
changes in weight or appetite
problems with contact lenses
vaginal itching or discharge
changes in your menstrual periods, decreased sex drive; or
headache, nervousness, dizziness, tired feeling

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Mestranol Norethindrone Interactions

What other drugs affect Mestranol Norethindrone?

Some drugs can make birth control pills less effective, which may result in pregnancy. Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:

phenylbutazone (Azolid, Butazolidin)
an antibiotic such as amoxicillin (Augmentin), ampicillin (Omnipen), doxycycline (Doryx, Vibramycin), penicillin, rifampin (Rifadin), tetracycline, and others
seizure medicines such as phenytoin (Dilantin), carbamazepine (Tegretol), felbamate (Felbatol), oxcarbazepine (Trileptal), topiramate (Topamax), or primidone (Mysoline)
a barbiturate such as amobarbital (Amytal), butabarbital (Butisol), phenobarbital (Solfoton), y otros; or
HIV medicines

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can affect birth control pills. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

What should I avoid while taking Mestranol Norethindrone?

Do not smoke while using birth control pills, especially if you are older than 35. Smoking can increase your risk of blood clots, stroke, or heart attack caused by birth control pills.
Birth control pills will not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases–including HIV and AIDS. Using a condom is the only way to protect yourself from these diseases.

Mestranol Norethindrone Dosage

How should I take Mestranol Norethindrone?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. You will take your first pill on the first day of your period or on the first Sunday after your period begins (follow your doctor’s instructions).
You may need to use back-up birth control, such as condoms or a spermicide, when you first start using this medication. Follow your doctor’s instructions.
The 28-day birth control pack contains seven “reminder” pills to keep you on your regular cycle. Your period will usually begin while you are using these reminder pills.
You may have breakthrough bleeding, especially during the first 3 months. Tell your doctor if this bleeding continues or is very heavy.
Take one pill every day, no more than 24 hours apart. When the pills run out, start a new pack the following day. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of pills completely.
If you need to have any type of medical tests or surgery, or if you will be on bed rest, you may need to stop using this medication for a short time. Any doctor or surgeon who treats you should know that you are using birth control pills.
Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I overdose on Mestranol Norethindrone?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Symptoms of an overdose may include nausea, vomiting, and vaginal bleeding.

What happens if I miss a dose of Mestranol Norethindrone?

Missing a pill increases your risk of becoming pregnant.
If you miss one “active” pill, take two pills on the day that you remember. Then take one pill per day for the rest of the pack.
If you miss two “active” pills in a row in week one or two, take two pills per day for two days in a row. Then take one pill per day for the rest of the pack. Use back-up birth control for at least 7 days following the missed pills.
If you miss two “active” pills in a row in week three, or if you miss three pills in a row during any of the first 3 weeks, throw out the rest of the pack and start a new one the same day if you are a Day 1 starter. If you are a Sunday starter, keep taking a pill every day until Sunday. On Sunday, throw out the rest of the pack and start a new one that day.
If you miss three “active” pills in a row during any of the first 3 weeks, throw out the rest of the pack and start a new pack on the same day if you are a Day 1 starter. If you are a Sunday starter, keep taking a pill every day until Sunday. On Sunday, throw out the rest of the pack and start a new one that day.
If you miss two or more pills, you may not have a period during the month. If you miss a period for two months in a row, call your doctor because you might be pregnant.
If you miss any reminder pills, throw them away and keep taking one pill per day until the pack is empty. You do not need back-up birth control if you miss a reminder pill.
Edited from everydayhealth.com

Mestranol Norethindrone