Ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone (Oral)
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 30, 2022.
Junel(R), Loestrin(R), Microgestin(R), Tri-Legest(R): Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects from oral contraceptive use. This risk increases with age and with heavy smoking (15 or more cigarettes per day) and is quite marked in women over 35 years of age. Women who use oral contraceptives should be strongly advised not to smoke .Femhrt(R): Estrogen alone or with a progestin should not be used for the prevention of cardiovascular disease or dementia. Increased risks of stroke, DVT, pulmonary embolism, myocardial infarction, and invasive breast cancer have been reported with estrogen plus progestin therapy. Increased risks of stroke and DVT have been reported with estrogen-alone therapy, along with increased risk for endometrial cancer in a woman with a uterus who uses unopposed estrogens. An increased risk of probable dementia in postmenopausal women aged 65 and older has been reported with estrogen alone and with estrogen plus progestin therapy. Risks should be assumed to be similar for other doses, combinations, and dosage forms of estrogens and progestins. Estrogens with or without progestins should be prescribed at the lowest effective doses and for the shortest duration possible .
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Femhrt 1/5
- Femhrt Lo
- Gildess 1.5/30
- Jevantique
- Jinteli
- Junel 1/20
- Junel 1.5/30
- Larin 1/20
- Loestrin 1/20
- Loestrin 1.5/30
- Microgestin 1/20
- Microgestin 1.5/30
Available Dosage Forms:
- Tablet, Chewable
- Tablet
- Capsule, Liquid Filled
Therapeutic Class: Contraceptive
Pharmacologic Class: Estrogen
Uses for ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone
Ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone combination is used to prevent pregnancy. It is a birth control pill that contains two types of hormones, ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone, and when taken properly, prevents pregnancy. It works by stopping a woman's egg from fully developing each month. The egg can no longer accept a sperm and fertilization (pregnancy) is prevented.
No contraceptive method is 100 percent effective. Birth control methods, such as having surgery to become sterile or not having sex are more effective than birth control pills. Discuss your options for birth control with your doctor.
Ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone does not prevent HIV infection or other sexually transmitted diseases. It will not help as emergency contraception, such as after unprotected sexual contact.
Ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone is available only with your doctor's prescription.
Before using ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read th..
