Ortho-Novum 7/7/7

Generic name:ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone (birth control) [ ETH-in-il-ess-tra-DYE-ole-and-nor-ETH-in-drone ]
Drug classes:Contraceptives, Sex hormone combinations

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 14, 2021.

What is Ortho-Novum 7/7/7?

Ortho-Novum 7/7/7 is a combination birth control pill containing female hormones that prevent ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovary). This medication also causes changes in your cervical mucus and uterine lining, making it harder for sperm to reach the uterus and harder for a fertilized egg to attach to the uterus.

Ortho-Novum 7/7/7 is used as contraception to prevent pregnancy. There are many available brands of ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone.

Ortho-Novum 7/7/7 may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

Do not use Ortho-Novum 7/7/7 if you are pregnant or if you have recently had a baby.

You should not use Ortho-Novum 7/7/7 if you have: uncontrolled high blood pressure, heart disease, coronary artery disease, circulation problems (especially with diabetes), undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, liver disease or liver cancer, severe migraine headaches, if you also take certain hepatitis C medication, if you will be having major surgery, if you smoke and are over 35, or if you have ever had a heart attack, a stroke, a blood clot, jaundice caused by pregnancy or birth control pills, or cancer of the breast, uterus/cervix, or vagina.

Taking Ortho-Novum 7/7/7 can increase your risk of blood clots, stroke, or heart attack.

Smoking can greatly increase your risk of blood clots, stroke, or heart attack. You should not take Ortho-Novum 7/7/7 if you smoke and are over 35 years old.

Ortho-Novum 7/7/7 side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Ortho-Novum 7/7/7: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:

• signs of a stroke - sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body), sudden severe headache, slurred speech, problems with vision or balance;

• signs of a blood clot - sudden vision loss, stabbing chest pain, feeling short of breath, coughing up blood, pain or warmth in one or both legs;

• heart attack symptoms - chest pain or pressure, pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, nausea, sweating;

• liver problems - loss of appetite, upper stomach pain, tiredness, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

• increased blood pressure - severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in your neck or ears;

• swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet;

• a change in the pattern or severity of migraine headaches;

• a breast lump; or

• ...