NORETHINDRONE/ETHINYL ESTRADIOL/FERROUS FUMARATE - ORAL
PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (nor-ETH-in-drone/ETH-i-nil ES-tra-DYE-ol/ FER-us FUE-ma-rate)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Estrostep Fe, Loestrin Fe
GENERIC NAME(S): norethindrone acetate-ethinyl estradiol/ferrous fumarate
Uses
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 7 inactive tablets taken during the fourth week. The inactive pills do not contain any hormones. These tablets are meant to keep you in the habit of taking 1 tablet 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 - 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 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 tablet, you may either swallow it whole or chew it thoroughly and swallow. It is very important to continue taking this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow the package instructions to find the first tablet, start with the first tablet 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. Your pill pack contains 21 pills with active medication. It also contains 7 reminder pills with iron. Take one active pill (with hormones) once daily for 21 days in a row. Take one inactive pill (with iron) once daily for 7 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. After you have taken the last iron tablet in the pack, start a new pack the next day whether or not you 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 tablets) 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 tablet 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 for information 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.
Side Effects
Precautions
Interactions
Overdose
Images
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- multi-color (2)
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- round
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- 239 or 291
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- 226 or 291
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- multi-color (2)
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- round
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- 226 or 291
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- multi-color (2)
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- PD 427 or PD 425 or PD 555 or WC, 624
- color
- multi-color (2)
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- b, 977 or 247
- color
- multi-color (2)
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- round
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- b, 978 or 247
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- multi-color (4)
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- round
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- b, 711 or 712 or 713 or 247
Reviews
Faq for NORETHINDRONE/ETHINYL ESTRADIOL/FERROUS FUMARATE - ORAL
Norethindrone/Ethinyl Estradiol/Ferrous Fumarate is a combination oral contraceptive medication used to prevent pregnancy.
This medication works by preventing the release of eggs from the ovaries and changing the cervical mucus to make it harder for sperm to reach the uterus. It also provides ferrous fumarate, which helps prevent iron deficiency anemia.
Common side effects may include nausea, vomiting, headache, breast tenderness, irregular menstrual bleeding or spotting, mood changes, weight changes, and changes in sexual desire.
You should take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. It is usually taken once daily with or without food. Follow the instructions provided with the medication.
If you miss a dose, refer to the patient information leaflet or ask your healthcare provider for specific instructions. Generally, if you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Use an additional form of contraception such as condoms for the next 7 days.
Yes, this medication can interact with certain medications, including certain antibiotics, antiviral drugs, antifungal medications, seizure medications, and some herbal products. Make sure to inform your doctor about all the medications you are taking to avoid any potential interactions.
No, this medication is not suitable for everyone. It is important to disclose your medical history, including any liver disease, blood clotting disorders, breast cancer, heart problems, or history of jaundice while using hormonal contraceptives. Your doctor will determine whether this medication is safe for you.
No, this medication does not protect against STIs. It is important to use additional barrier methods, such as condoms, to protect against STIs.
It is generally recommended to avoid using this medication while breastfeeding. Estrogen and progestin hormones can pass into breast milk and may harm the nursing baby. Talk to your doctor about alternative contraception methods suitable for breastfeeding mothers.
Warning
WARNING: Do not use this medication if you smoke cigarettes/use tobacco and are over 35 years old. Smoking raises your risk of stroke, heart attack, blood clots, and high blood pressure from hormonal birth control (such as the pill, patch, ring). The risk of these serious problems increases with age and with the number of cigarettes you smoke. Do not smoke or use tobacco. Accidental overdose of iron-containing products is a leading cause of fatal poisoning in children younger than 6 years. Keep this product out of reach of children. If overdose does occur, get medical help right away or call a poison control center.
Disclaimer
IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.
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By pms/pmdd sufferer on 06 Oct, 2018