Key facts about Nortrel
What is Nortrel?
Nortrel is the brand name for norethindrone acetate/ethinyl estradiol and is available as an oral tablet.
What dosages is Nortrel available in?
Nortrel is available as a combination norethindone acetate/ethinyl estradiol tablet that contains 0.5 mg/0.035 mg or 1 mg/0.035 mg. It also comes as a tri-phasic pack that contains 0.5 mg/0.035 mg during week 1, 0.75 mg/0.035 mg during week 2, and 1 mg/0.035 mg during week 3.
What is Nortrel used for?
Nortrel is a combination oral contraceptive (COC) that is used to prevent pregnancy in women.
How does Nortrel work?
Nortrel is a combination of 2 hormones, ethinyl estradiol (an estrogen) and norethindrone acetate (a progestin) that work together to prevent pregnancy. It does this by preventing ovulation (release of an egg from the ovary), changing cervical mucus to block sperm from entering the uterus, and changing the lining of the the uterus so the fertilized egg cannot attach to the uterine wall.
How do I take Nortrel?
Nortrel is typically taken by mouth once a day. The first 21 to 24 days contain active ingredients while the last 7 contain a placebo pill.
Is it safe for me to take Nortrel?
Nortrel is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you. You should not take this medication if you have any of the following:
- Thrombophlebitis or thromboembolic disorders
- A past history of deep vein thrombophlebitis or thromboembolic disorders
- Cerebral vascular or coronary artery disease
- Current diagnosis of, or history of, breast cancer, which may be hormone sensitive
- Carcinoma of the endometrium or other known or suspected estrogen-dependent neoplasia
- Undiagnosed abnormal genital bleeding
- Cholestatic jaundice of pregnancy or jaundice with prior pill use
- Hepatic adenomas or carcinomas
Nortrel Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Nortrel include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach cramps
- Bloating
- Spotting
- Breast tenderness
- Weight changes (up or down)
- Headache
- Depression
Nortrel Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with Nortrel. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Heart attack: chest pain, stomach discomfort, sweating, nausea, dizziness
- Stroke: sudden numbness or weakness in the arm, leg, or face, confusion, trouble seeing, headache, difficulty walking
- Deep vein thrombosis (blood clot in the leg): leg cramp, swelling, pain, muscle tightness
- Pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lung): cough, chest pain, trouble breathing, racing heart
- Serious liver problems: yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes, tiredness, stomach pain
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on Nortrel
The following medications may interact with Nortrel: HCV drug combinations containing ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir, with or without dasabuvir – May cause ALT elevations. Antibiotics, anticonvulsants, and other drugs that increase the metabolism of contraceptive steriods, including rifampin, rifabutin, barbiturates, primidone, phenylbutazone, phenytoin, dexamethasone, carbamazepine, felbamate, oxcarbazepine, topiramate, griseofulvin, and modafinil: Effectiveness of HAILEY FE may be reduced.
Who makes Nortrel?
Teva Pharmaceuticals
Is Nortrel safe in pregnancy?
Nortrel is contraindicated during pregnancy as it may cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant women.
