USES: This combination hormone medication is used to prevent pregnancy. It contains 2 hormones: norethindrone (a progestin) and ethinyl estradiol (an estrogen). It works mainly by preventing the release of an egg (ovulation) during your menstrual cycle. It also makes vaginal fluid thicker to help prevent sperm from reaching an egg (fertilization) and changes the lining of the uterus (womb) to prevent attachment of a fertilized egg. If a fertilized egg does not attach to the uterus, it passes out of the body. There is a small amount of iron (ferrous fumarate) in each of the 4 inactive pills taken during the fourth week. The inactive pills do not contain any hormones. These pills are meant to keep you in the habit of taking 1 pill each day and do not have enough iron to treat iron deficiency. Besides preventing pregnancy, birth control pills may make your periods more regular, decrease blood loss and painful periods, decrease your risk of ovarian cysts, and also treat acne. Using this medication does not protect you or your partner against sexually transmitted diseases (such as HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia).

How to use NORETHINDRONE/ETHINYL ESTRADIOL/FERROUS FUMARATE 24/4 - ORAL

HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using this product and each time you get a refill. The leaflet contains very important information on when to take your pills and what to do if you miss a dose. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. Pick a time of day that is easy for you to remember, and take your pill at the same time each day. If you are taking the chewable pill, chew and swallow one pill every day. Some brands may also be swallowed whole. Some brands should be taken with water while others should be taken without water. Carefully follow the manufacturer's directions for your brand. It is very important to continue taking this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow the package instructions to find the first pill, start with the first pill in the pack, and take them in the correct order. Do not skip any doses. Pregnancy is more likely if you miss pills, start a new pack late, or take your pill at a different time of the day than usual. Taking this medication after your evening meal or at bedtime may help if you have any stomach upset or nausea with the medication. You may choose to take this medication at another time of day that is easier for you to remember. No matter what dosing schedule you use, it is very important that you take this medication at the same time each day, 24 hours apart. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. If you have vomiting or diarrhea within 4 hours after taking your pill, read the Patient Information Leaflet section titled "What to Do if You Miss Tablets/Capsules." Follow the instructions as if you had missed your dose because vomiting/diarrhea can stop the pill from working. Your pill pack contains 24 pills with active medication. It also contains 4 reminder pills with iron. Take one active pill (with hormones) once daily for 24 days in a row. Take one inactive pill (with iron) once daily for 4 days in a row after you have taken the last active pill unless otherwise directed by your doctor. You should have your period during the fourth week of the pack, within 3 days after the last active pill. After you have taken the last iron pill in the pack, start a new pack the next day even if your period is continuing or if you do not have your period. If you do not get your period, consult your doctor. If you are taking certain medications (such as levodopa, levothyroxine, penicillamine, tetracyclines, quinolones such as ciprofloxacin) that can interact with iron, ask your doctor whether you should throw away the reminder pills (iron pills) each day rather than taking them. Iron can decrease the effect of these medications. If this is the first time you are using this medication and you are not switching from another form of hormonal birth control (such as patch, other birth control pills), take the first pill in the pack on the first Sunday following the beginning of your menstrual period or on the first day of your period. If your period begins on a Sunday, begin taking this medication on that day. For the first cycle of use only, use an additional form of non-hormonal birth control (such as condoms, spermicide) for the first 7 days to prevent pregnancy until the medication has enough time to work. If you start on the first day of your period, you do not need to use back-up birth control the first week. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about how to switch from other forms of hormonal birth control (such as patch, other birth control pills) to this product. If any information is unclear, consult the Patient Information Leaflet or your doctor or pharmacist.