Ethinyl Estradiol-Norethindron Oral

In Depth

family medical history (including blood clots, breast lumps/cancer)
asthma
diabetes
seizures
migraine headaches
heart disease (e.g., high blood pressure, congestive heart failure)
kidney disease
underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)
a certain hormone problem (hypoparathyroidism)
abnormal calcium level in the blood
mental/mood disorders (e.g., depression, memory loss)
high blood pressure during pregnancy (toxemia)
yellowing eyes/skin (cholestatic jaundice) during pregnancy or with past estrogen use
uterus problems (e.g., uterine fibroids, endometriosis)
high blood cholesterol/fat (triglyceride) levels
gallbladder disease
obesity
certain blood disorder (porphyria)
lupus

This drug may make you dizzy or lightheaded. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.

If you are nearsighted or wear contact lenses, you may develop vision problems or trouble wearing your contact lenses. Consult your eye doctor if these problems occur.

This drug may cause a patchy darkening of the skin on the face (melasma). Sunlight may worsen this darkening. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning booths, and sunlamps. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors.

Do not smoke cigarettes or use tobacco. Smoking/using tobacco while taking this medication further increases your risk for stroke, blood clots, high blood pressure, and heart attacks, especially in women older than 35.

If you will be having surgery or will be confined to a chair or bed for a long time (e.g., a long plane flight), notify your doctor beforehand. Special precautions may need to be taken in these circumstances while you are taking this drug because of the increased risk for blood clots.

This medication must not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor immediately.

This medication is not effective for preventing a miscarriage and should not be used for this purpose.

Small amounts of this medication pass into breast milk. This drug may reduce the quality and amount of breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

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