Minestrin (Ethinyl Estradiol Norethindrone)

Additional information

Minestrin (Ethinyl Estradiol Norethindrone) is typically used once daily for 21 days, then 1 "reminder" pill daily for 7 days. However, your doctor or pharmacist may have suggested a different schedule that is more appropriate for you. Important: Follow the instructions on the label. Do not use more of this product, or more often, than prescribed. If you forget a dose, contact your pharmacist. It can be taken with or without food. The first day of your menstrual period (bleeding) is known as "Day 1." Your doctor may have you start your pills on the first Sunday after your period starts or on Day 1 of your period. The pills should be taken approximately the same time every day.

WARNING: This medication may increase the chance of blood clot formation, causing reduction of blood flow to organs or the extremities. Using birth control pills may increases the risk of certain cancers including cancer of the breast, cervix and liver. Hormones, such as estrogen, have been known to cause mood swings and symptoms of depression. If you have had clinical depression in the past, you may be more likely to experience it again while taking Minestrin (Ethinyl Estradiol Norethindrone). Women who take birth control pills may experience fluid build-up in the eye, which may cause visual disturbances and changes in tolerance to contact lenses. If you experience visual changes or alterations in tolerance to contact lenses, you may need to stop wearing the lenses temporarily or permanently. Use with caution in patients with heart disease, diabetes or liver impairment.

In addition to its desired action, Minestrin (Ethinyl Estradiol Norethindrone) may cause some side effects, notably:
It may cause nausea, vomiting, headache, bloating, breast tenderness, swelling of the ankles/feet (fluid retention)
It may cause weight change, vaginal bleeding between periods (spotting) or missed/irregular periods

Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to ethinyl estradiol, norethindrone, or any component of the formulation, breast cancer, endometrial cancer, or other estrogen- or progestin-sensitive cancer (current or a history of), liver tumors or liver disease, pregnancy, undiagnosed abnormal uterine bleeding, concomitant use of hepatitis C (liver disease caused by a virus) drug combinations containing ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir, with or without dasabuvir. Use is also contraindicated in patients at high risk of arterial or venous thrombotic diseases (blood clot forming in a blood vessel), such as those with heart disease, patients >35 years of age with diabetes mellitus, diabetes mellitus with hypertension (increase blood pressure), diabetes mellitus for >20 years duration, uncontrolled hypertension (increased blood pressure), patients >35 years of age who smoke

Taking Minestrin (Ethinyl Estradiol Norethindrone) during pregnancy is contraindicated and harmful for the baby. Pregnant women should not use this product. If you're planning a pregnancy or become pregnant, or breastfeeding contact your family doctor. 

A treatment with Minestrin (Ethinyl Estradiol Norethindrone) requires regular monitoring by a doctor. Be sure to see your doctor for all regularly scheduled appointments.Minestrin (Ethinyl Estradiol Norethindrone)