From A to Z of Norethindrone Interactions

Are you taking Norethindrone and wondering if eating certain foods or taking other medications is safe? 

You’re not alone. Norethindrone is used to treat conditions such as menstrual irregularities and endometriosis.

It is also an effective contraceptive with a failure rate of only 0.5%. 

However, it can interact with other medications, medical conditions, and even certain foods, resulting in potential drug, disease, and food interactions. 

This article will explore the possible Norethindrone interactions and address some common concerns.

Drug interaction

A drug-drug interaction is when a drug taken with another drug reduces, increases, or delays the absorption of either medicine.

Certain medications are not recommended to be taken with Norethindrone as it might cause an adverse interaction.

Major Interactions

Major interactions are those where the risks of taking the medication are way higher than the benefits derived from it. 

In such a condition, your doctor might not treat you with Norethindrone at all. Instead, they might switch one of these two medicines with another salt.

Some such medications include:

• Medications to treat HIV like Amprenavir, Darunavir, Nelfinavir, etc.
• Anticancer medicines and medications to relieve Cancer therapy-induced signs
• Antifungal medicines, like Griseofulvin
• Antiseizure medication
• Medications for treating High Blood Pressure or heart disorders
• Medicines used for Tuberculosis

Moderate Interactions

Moderate interactions refer to those when the combination of these medicines is usually avoided but can be considered in some special circumstances with precaution.

In such a case, your doctor might want to tweak the dosage or frequency of how often you take one or both prescriptions.

Some medicines that may interact with this synthetic hormone are

• Antibiotics, such as Amoxicillin, Ampicillin, etc.
• Anticonvulsants like Cenobamate
• Medications for patients with liver issues
• Some antiretroviral medications, like Nelfinavir
• Antifungal medicines, like Clotrimazole
• Antiseizure medication, like Rufinamide

Minor Interactions

Along similar lines, some medications might increase the risk of certain side effects when given with Norethindrone but to a clinical level as high as the abovementioned medicines.

Some such medications include:

• Pain relief medications, like Morphine
• Antimigraine medications, such as Naratriptan, Frovatriptan
• Indinavir
• Delavirdine

It is important to note that this is not an exclusive list. Check with your doctor for a better understanding of all possible interactions.

Disease interaction

A drug-disease interaction is when the prescribed drug can potentially worsen the condition/disease you already suffer from.

The use of Norethindrone has a significant hazard potential if you have any of the following conditions:

• Undiagnosed abnormal genital bleeding
• Liver tumors or any other liver disease
• Breast Cancer
• History of Heart Attack or Angina
• Thrombophlebitis, Cerebrovascular disease, current or past history of Thromboembolic disorders

Diseases/conditions with a slightly lower risk of worsening by the use of Norethindrone include:

• Depression
• Fluid retention in the case of cardiovascular or renal dysfunction, Migraine, Epilepsy, Asthma, etc.
• Diabetes
• Vision problems
• Thyroid disease
• Hyperlipidemia

Progesterone might also cause weight gain, making it unsuitable for people who suffer from obesity and are struggling to lose weight.

Food interaction

It has been recognized by physicians and pharmacists that some drugs and food, when taken together, can change the ability of the body to utilize a particular medicine or food.

They might also cause some serious side effects.

This is called drug-food interaction.

In the case of Norethindrone, doctors recommend limiting the consumption of grapefruit and grapefruit juice as it may increase the levels of Norethindrone in the blood.

It is also suggested to avoid alcohol and tobacco while taking Norethindrone.

You might also want to limit your caffeine intake since it can hamper the efficacy of the medication.

Common concerns while taking Norethindrone

Discussed below are some common concerns that you might have in case you are taking or about to start taking Norethindrone.

Pediatric

The use of Norethindrone tablets is not recommended for children.

It may be used as birth control in teenage females but not before the start of menstruation.

Geriatric

There have not been enough studies on the geriatric population to conclude the relationship between age and the effects of Norethindrone.

Consult your doctor for the best advice and see if the medication’s benefits outweigh the risks.

Pregnant/ Breastfeeding

It is not recommended to use Norethindrone if you are pregnant or trying to conceive.

However, for breastfeeding women, it is observed that Norethindrone does not adversely affect the milk composition and hence, can be used if the doctor recommends it.

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have taken this medicine before and have had an allergic reaction.

Also, inform them of any other allergies you might have, like food, animal dander, etc.

When and how to take it

You can take Norethindrone at any time of the day as long as you are taking it consistently and as per your doctor’s instructions.

Taking it at the same time might help avoid missing a dose.

Also, you can take it with or without a meal. However, taking it after a meal might help with the nausea and upset stomach.

Takeaway

In conclusion, Norethindrone has been widely used to treat a number of conditions. 

However, it’s important to be aware of potential drug, disease, and food interactions to ensure the safe and effective use of the medicine.

This also helps you minimize the risk of adverse interactions and side effects.

Consult a healthcare provider for the appropriate dosage to treat your concern and follow their recommendations to avoid complications. 

Frequently Asked Questions

• accessdata.fda.gov
• mayoclinic.org
• drugs.com