The Combination Pill: Norethindrone Acetate and Ethinyl Estradiol
If you are looking for ways to prevent pregnancy or manage menstrual irregularities, you may have heard of Norethindrone Acetate and Ethinyl Estradiol.
These medications are often prescribed together for preventing ovulation, thickening cervical mucus, and altering the uterine lining.
As per a study published by JAMA Network, Oral contraceptive pills are a popular birth control method used by almost 22% of people who use contraception.
However, these medicines come with potential side effects and risks.
This article will highlight the possible side effects, dosages, and mechanism of action of Norethindrone Acetate and Ethinyl Estradiol.
A quick review: Norethindrone Acetate and Ethinyl Estradiol
| Drug Name | Norethindrone Acetate and Ethinyl Estradiol |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Loestrin, Junel, Microgestin, Gildess |
| Drug class | Combination oral contraceptive |
| Uses | Prevention of pregnancy |
| Dosage forms | Tablets |
| Administration | Oral |
| Common side effects | Nausea, headache, breast tenderness, acne |
| Serious side effects | Blood clots, liver problems, high blood pressure |
| Contraindications | Pregnancy, history of blood clots or liver problems, certain cancers |
| Interactions | Antibiotics, anticonvulsants, St. John’s wort, certain HIV medications |
| Availability | Prescription-only |
| Cost (Generic) | $ 11.25 (Approx.) |
What are Norethindrone Acetate and Ethinyl Estradiol
Norethindrone Acetate and Ethinyl Estradiol are hormonal medicines approved by FDA commonly used as contraceptives.
Norethindrone Acetate is a synthetic form of Progesterone, and Ethunyl Estradiol is a synthetic form of Estrogen.
These hormones work together to prevent unwanted pregnancy by inhibiting ovulation and thickening cervical mucus.
This makes it very hard for the sperm to reach and fertilize an egg.
These are oral contraceptives and are also used to treat Endometriosis and reduce the risk of ovarian cysts.
It’s important to note that these medicines should be taken per the doctor’s prescription.
Effectiveness
The combination pill of Norethindrone Acetate and Ethinyl Estradiol is very effective for contraception.
When taken properly, which means taken at the same time every day, the effectiveness is over 99%.
If you miss any dosage, the effectiveness rate reduces to 91%.
Your body will need at least 7 days to adjust before preventing a pregnancy.
Use a second form of contraception, such as condoms or spermicides, for the first cycle of your pills.
This medicine does not prevent any sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
It is important to note that condoms can be a more effective way to prevent unwanted pregnancy and STDs.
Uses
Norethindrone Acetate and Ethinyl Estradiol prevent pregnancy by stopping a woman’s egg from developing.
from developing
Besides preventing pregnancy, this can also treat moderate acne in women who have started having periods or are at least 15 years of age.
Norethindrone Acetate can also be used to treat Endometriosis and irregular periods.
These medicines can also be used for postmenopausal hormone therapy.
It is important to consult a doctor before taking Norethindrone Acetate and Ethinyl Estradiol.
They may tell you about the appropriate dosage and other interactions.
How to take
To make oral contraceptives as safe and reliable as possible, you must understand when and how to take them.
Generally, these medicines come with a patient instruction leaflet.
You can read the instructions or ask your doctor if you have any doubts.
Some instructions that you can follow are:
- Take this medicine at the same time each day.
- You can take it with meals or at bedtime.
- Birth control pills work best if there is less than 24 hours gap between two dosages.
- Do not skip or be late taking your pill by more than 24 hours. If you miss a dose, you may get pregnant.
Consult your doctor about the proper dosage and strength of the medicine and follow the instructions given by them.
Mechanism of action
Norethindrone Acetate and Ethinyl Estradiol work together in several ways to prevent unwanted pregnancy.
The Progesterone in Norethindrone Acetate helps prevent ovulation by suppressing the release of the Follicle Stimulating hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing hormone (LH) from the Pituitary gland.
These two hormones are responsible for stimulating egg release from the ovaries.
So, by suppressing this release, there will be no ovulation.
Similarly, the Estrogen present in Ethinyl Estradiol helps to thicken cervical mucus.
This makes it difficult for the sperm to reach and fertilize the egg.
Estrogen also alters the uterine lining; this makes the fertilized egg stay on the uterus wall.
It helps in reducing the chances of implantation and prevents pregnancy.
Side effects
Progesterone and Estrogen, when taken together, can cause mild to severe side effects.
Some of these effects may disappear with time; others may need medical attention.
Common side effects of Ethinyl Estradiol and Norethindrone Acetate are as follows:
- Nausea
- Amenorrhea
- Headache
- Bloating
- Vaginal bleeding
- Breast tenderness or enlargement
Other symptoms that you may face are as follows:
- Breast pain
- Fatigue
- Changes in vision
- Weight gain
Some of the severe side effects are:
- Irregular or missed menstrual periods
- Anxiety
- Vomiting of blood
Conclusion
Both Norethindrone Acetate and Ethinyl Estradiol are hormonal medicines used for contraception.
They help in preventing ovulation by thickening cervical mucus and suppressing egg release.
While it is an effective medication but may not be suitable for everyone.
This medicine has potential side effects and risks, such as vomiting and breast pain.
It is your choice, and you must weigh the benefits with the medication risks.
Consult your doctor in case you have any concerns before starting the medication.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Norethindrone Acetate and Ethinyl Estradiol a combination pill?
The combination pill of Norethindrone Acetate and Ethinyl Estradiol contains synthetic Progesterone and Estrogen hormones. It is an effective form of contraception and may also be used to manage certain medical conditions.
Why am I bleeding on Norethindrone Acetate and Ethinyl Estradiol?
Irregular bleeding or spotting is common during starting months of taking the combination pill (Norethindrone Acetate and Ethinyl Estradiol). This is due to the hormonal imbalance; your body should improve after some time.
When to start taking Norethindrone Acetate and Ethinyl Estradiol?
The timing of when to start taking Norethindrone Acetate and Ethinyl Estradiol depends on whether the individual is currently using a hormonal form of contraception. It is crucial to follow the doctor’s instructions carefully.
Norethindrone Acetate and Ethinyl Estradiol what if I take it late?
Taking Norethindrone Acetate and Ethinyl Estradiol missing or late dose can increase the risk of getting pregnant. If a dose is missed or you are late, follow the healthcare provider’s instructions carefully and consider using backup contraception.
How many days are Norethindrone Acetate and Ethinyl Estradiol effective?
When used properly, Norethindrone Acetate and Ethinyl Estradiol have an effectiveness rate of over 99%. It is an effective form of contraception if taken as directed by your doctor.
WowRx uses only high-quality sources while writing our articles. Please read our content information policy to know more about how we keep our content reliable and trustworthy.
