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NORETHINDRONE ACETATE; ETHINYL ESTRADIOL; FERROUS FUMARATE (nor eth IN drone AS e tate; ETH in il es tra DYE ole; FER us FUE ma rate) prevents ovulation and pregnancy. It may also be used to treat acne. It belongs to a group of medications called oral contraceptives. It is a combination of the hormones estrogen and progestin.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
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Take this medication by mouth. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day and in the order directed on the package. You can chew it completely before swallowing or swallow the tablets whole. If you chew this medication, drink a full glass of water after. To reduce nausea, this medication may be taken with food. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.
A patient package insert for the product will be given with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time. The sheet may change often.
Contact your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
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Do not take this medication with the following:
-Dasabuvir; ombitasvir; paritaprevir; ritonavir
-Ombitasvir; paritaprevir; ritonavir
This medication may also interact with the following:
-Acetaminophen
-Aprepitant
-Ascorbic acid (vitamin C)
-Atorvastatin
-Barbiturate medications, such as phenobarbital
-Bosentan
-Carbamazepine
-Caffeine
-Certain antibiotics, such as rifampin, rifabutin, rifapentine, griseofulvin, penicillins, or tetracyclines
-Certain antivirals for HIV, such as ritonavir
-Clofibrate
-Cyclosporine
-Dantrolene
-Doxercalciferol
-Felbamate
-Grapefruit juice
-Hydrocortisone
-Medications for anxiety or sleeping problems, such as diazepam or temazepam
-Medications for diabetes, including pioglitazone
-Mineral oil
-Modafinil
-Mycophenolate
-Nefazodone
-Oxcarbazepine
-Phenytoin
-Prednisolone
-Rosuvastatin
-Selegiline
-Soy isoflavones supplements
-St. John's wort
-Tamoxifen or raloxifene
-Theophylline
-Thyroid hormones
-Topiramate
-Warfarin
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
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Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. You will need a regular breast and pelvic exams and Pap smears while on this medication.
Use an additional method of contraception during the first cycle that you take this medication.
If you may be pregnant, stop taking this medication right away and contact your care team.
If you are taking this medication for hormone related problems, it may take several cycles of use to see improvement in your condition.
Talk to your care team if you use tobacco products. Changes to your treatment plan may be needed. Tobacco increases the risk of getting a blood clot or having a stroke while you are taking this medication. The risk is higher if you are 35 years or older.
This medication can make your body retain fluid, making your fingers, hands, or ankles swell. Your blood pressure can go up. Contact your care team if you feel you are retaining fluid.
This medication can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps, tanning beds, or tanning booths.
If you wear contact lenses and notice visual changes, or if the lenses begin to feel uncomfortable, consult your eye care specialist.
Tenderness, swelling, or minor bleeding of the gums may occur. Talk to your dentist if this happens. Brushing and flossing your teeth regularly may reduce the risk of side effects. Visit your dentist on a regular basis. Tell your dentist about any medications you are taking.
If you are going to have elective surgery, you may need to stop taking this medication before the surgery. Consult your care team for advice.
Using this medication does not protect you or your partner against HIV or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
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If you miss a dose, refer to the patient information sheet you received with your medication for direction. This medication may not work as well if you miss more than one pill. You may need to use a back-up contraceptive.
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Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
-Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
-Blood clot—pain, swelling, or warmth in the leg, shortness of breath, chest pain
-Gallbladder problems—severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever
-Increase in blood pressure
-Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue
-New or worsening migraines or headaches
-Stroke—sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, trouble speaking, confusion, trouble walking, loss of balance or coordination, dizziness, severe headache, change in vision
-Unusual vaginal discharge, itching, or odor
-Worsening mood, feelings of depression
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
-Breast pain or tenderness
-Dark patches of skin on the face or other sun-exposed areas
-Irregular menstrual cycles or spotting
-Nausea
-Weight gain
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
DISCLAIMER: This drug information content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Patients should always consult their physician with any questions regarding a medical condition and to obtain medical advice and treatment. Drug information is sourced from GSDD (Gold Standard Drug Database ) provided by Elsevier.
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