This article describes possible side effects of norethindrone oral tablet. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for norethindrone. You can explore this overview article to learn more about norethindrone, including the drug’s uses, side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.
Norethindrone oral tablet is a generic version of numerous brand-name drugs. Some examples include Errin and Jencycla.
More common side effects of norethindrone
Norethindrone oral tablet may cause mild or serious side effects. Below are some of the more common side effects of this medication.
Commonly reported side effects of norethindrone oral tablet include:
- irregular menstruation*
- headache
- tender breasts
- nausea and vomiting
- dizziness
These side effects were reported in studies of norethindrone 0.35 mg oral tablet and norethindrone 5 mg oral tablet.
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of norethindrone in detail” section below.
Mild side effects of norethindrone
Norethindrone oral tablet may cause certain mild side effects. Usually, mild side effects are temporary and can be easily managed. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have side effects that don’t go away or become bothersome. Mild side effects of norethindrone oral tablet that occurred in studies include:
- irregular menstruation*
- irregular bleeding*
- headache
- tender breasts
- nausea and vomiting
- dizziness
- fatigue (low energy)
- acne
- extra hair growth on your face or body
- hair loss
- weight gain
- fluid retention
- mild allergic reaction*†
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of norethindrone in detail” section below.
† An allergic reaction is possible with norethindrone oral tablet. It wasn’t reported in the drug’s studies of norethindrone 0.35 mg oral tablet and norethindrone 5 mg oral tablet, but has happened since the drug was approved for use.
These side effects were reported in studies of norethindrone 0.35 mg oral tablet and norethindrone 5 mg oral tablet. Norethindrone oral tablet may cause more mild side effects than those listed above. For details, see the drug’s prescribing information for 0.35 mg oral tablet and 5 mg oral tablet.
Serious side effects of norethindrone
Norethindrone may cause certain serious side effects. If you have any serious side effects from norethindrone oral tablet, call your doctor right away. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency or your side effects feel life threatening, take immediate action. Call 911 or a local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.
After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Visit MedWatch’s website if you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with norethindrone oral tablet.
Serious side effects of norethindrone oral tablet that occurred in studies include:
- depression
- high blood sugar
- ovarian cyst*
- severe headache, including migraine
- high blood pressure
- changes in vision, such as blurred vision or loss of vision
- uterine fibroids
- an increased risk of blood clots
- liver problems, such as high levels of liver enzymes (proteins)
- severe allergic reaction*†
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of norethindrone in detail” section below.
† An allergic reaction is possible with norethindrone oral tablet. It wasn’t reported in the drug’s studies of norethindrone 0.35 mg oral tablet and norethindrone 5 mg oral tablet, but has happened since the drug was approved for use.
Common questions about side effects of norethindrone
Here are answers to some common questions about the side effects of norethindrone oral tablet. If you have other questions, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Will I experience certain side effects if I stop taking norethindrone?
Maybe. Side effects when stopping treatment weren’t seen during studies of norethindrone 0.35 mg oral tablet and norethindrone 5 mg oral tablet. But there have been reports of withdrawal bleeding in people taking norethindrone since the drug was approved.
Withdrawal bleeding is a known side effect of other birth control pills as well. This bleeding typically occurs within one week of stopping the drug but only lasts a few days at most.
Talk with your doctor if you’re interested in stopping treatment with norethindrone.
Does norethindrone cause long-term side effects?
Yes, in some cases norethindrone oral tablet may cause long-term side effects. These can occur if you take the drug for a long time.
Examples of long-term side effects reported with norethindrone oral tablet include:
- irregular menstruation
- irregular bleeding
- ovarian cyst
These side effects were reported in studies of norethindrone 0.35 mg oral tablet and norethindrone 5 mg oral tablet.
To learn more about these side effects, see the “Side effects of norethindrone in detail” section below.
You can also talk with your doctor to learn more about these side effects and how to manage them. Ask your doctor for more information about how long these side effects of norethindrone may last.
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Side effects of norethindrone in detail
Below you’ll find details on some of the side effects of norethindrone oral tablet.
Irregular menstruation
In studies, irregular menstruation was the most common side effect in people taking norethindrone oral tablet. This side effect is usually mild.
This side effect was reported in studies of norethindrone 0.35 mg oral tablet and norethindrone 5 mg oral tablet.
With irregular menstruation, you may experience your period lasting longer or shorter than usual, or being more severe than usual. Symptoms may include:
- a menstrual period that lasts for more than seven days
- heavy menstrual bleeding that interferes with daily activities
- stopped period
Ways to manage
If you experience symptoms of irregular menstruation, tell your doctor. They’ll likely recommend making an appointment so they can review your symptoms and check for other causes. It’s also important to rule out pregnancy if taking norethindrone causes your period to stop. Your doctor may have you take a pregnancy test if you experience these symptoms.
Irregular bleeding
In studies, irregular bleeding was common in people taking norethindrone oral tablet. This side effect is usually mild.
This side effect was reported in studies of norethindrone 0.35 mg oral tablet and norethindrone 5 mg oral tablet.
With irregular bleeding, you experience vaginal bleeding outside your menstrual period. Symptoms may include spotting and breakthrough bleeding.
Ways to manage
If you experience symptoms of irregular bleeding, tell your doctor. They’ll likely recommend making an appointment so they can review your symptoms and check for other causes. If symptoms are bothersome, they may recommend stopping norethindrone treatment and exploring other options to help prevent pregnancy.
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Get free cardOvarian cyst
In studies, ovarian cysts were rare in people taking norethindrone oral tablet. This side effect is usually mild but may be serious in rare cases.
This side effect was reported in studies of norethindrone 0.35 mg oral tablet but wasn’t reported in studies of norethindrone 5 mg oral tablet.
A cyst is a fluid-filled sac that can develop in tissues anywhere in the body. Ovarian cysts are small cysts that appear in the ovaries. For most people, cysts don’t cause symptoms and typically go away on their own. But in extreme cases, the cyst may twist or rupture, requiring surgical treatment.
When symptoms do appear, they can include abdominal pain, particularly in the lower abdomen.
Ways to manage
If you have sudden or severe lower abdominal pain, tell your doctor immediately. This may be a symptom of ectopic pregnancy or an ovarian cyst. Your doctor can recommend the best treatment for you in this scenario.
Allergic reaction
For some people, norethindrone oral tablet can cause an allergic reaction. This side effect wasn’t reported in studies of norethindrone 0.35 mg oral tablet and norethindrone 5 mg oral tablet, but has happened since the drug was approved for use.
Symptoms can be mild or serious, and they may include:
- itchiness
- skin rash
- swelling under the skin, usually affecting eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
- swelling of the mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe
- flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)
Ways to manage
For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep taking the medication.
For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to norethindrone oral tablet, your doctor may recommend taking a different medication instead.
Warnings for norethindrone
Below are some factors you may want to discuss with your doctor before taking norethindrone oral tablet.
Warnings
It may not be safe for you to take norethindrone oral tablet if you have specific health conditions. These are sometimes called drug-condition interactions. Other things may also affect whether norethindrone oral tablet is a safe treatment option for you.
Before taking norethindrone oral tablet, tell your doctor about your health and medications you take. Things to consider include:
- factors that increase the risk of heart disease, including type 1 or 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure
- migraine
- breast cancer
- liver cancer or liver disease
- blood clots
- having had a stroke or heart attack within the past year
- irregular menstruation without a known cause
- past allergic reaction to norethindrone
Norethindrone and pregnancy
Norethindrone is prescribed to help prevent pregnancy. It generally isn’t taken during pregnancy.
If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking this medication. And if you become pregnant while using norethindrone, call your doctor.
Norethindrone and breastfeeding
Norethindrone oral tablet may decrease breast milk production if taken while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.
Norethindrone and alcohol
Norethindrone oral tablet is not known to interact with alcohol.
If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about whether it’s safe to consume it during your treatment with norethindrone oral tablet.
What to ask your doctor
This article describes common and serious side effects of norethindrone oral tablet. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they can discuss possible side effects with you. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about treatment with this medication.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- Are side effects of norethindrone similar to other birth control pills?
- If I have a history of irregular periods, am I at higher risk of this side effect if I take norethindrone?
- Does my risk of mild side effects decrease as I continue using norethindrone?
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.