Before taking Fem HRT (norethindrone acetate/ethinyl estradiol), tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
Fem HRT (norethindrone acetate/ethinyl estradiol) should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: vaginal bleeding of unknown cause, certain types of cancer (breast, ovary, uterus), blood clots, recent stroke or heart attack (within 1 year), liver disease.
Before using Fem HRT (norethindrone acetate/ethinyl estradiol), tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: family medical history (including blood clots, breast lumps/cancer), asthma, diabetes, seizures, migraine headaches, heart disease (e.g., high blood pressure, heart attacks, congestive heart failure), past strokes, kidney disease, underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), abnormal calcium level in the blood, mental/mood disorders (e.g., depression, memory loss), high blood pressure during pregnancy (toxemia), yellowing eyes/skin (cholestatic jaundice) during pregnancy or with past estrogen use, uterus problems (e.g., uterine fibroids, endometriosis), high blood cholesterol/fat (triglyceride) levels, gallbladder disease, obesity, certain blood disorder (porphyria), lupus.
Fem HRT (norethindrone acetate/ethinyl estradiol) may make you dizzy or lightheaded. Use caution while driving, using machinery, or doing any activity that requires alertness. Limit alcoholic beverages.
If you are nearsighted or wear contact lenses, you may develop vision problems or trouble wearing your contact lenses. Consult your eye doctor if these problems occur.
Fem HRT (norethindrone acetate/ethinyl estradiol) may cause a patchy darkening of the skin on the face (melasma). Sunlight may worsen this darkening. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning booths, and sunlamps. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors.
Do not smoke cigarettes or use tobacco. Smoking/using tobacco while taking Fem HRT (norethindrone acetate/ethinyl estradiol) further increases your risk for stroke, blood clots, high blood pressure, and heart attacks, especially in women older than 35.
If you will be having surgery or will be confined to a chair or bed for a long time (e.g., a long plane flight), notify your doctor beforehand. Special precautions may need to be taken in these circumstances while you are taking Fem HRT (norethindrone acetate/ethinyl estradiol) because of the increased risk for blood clots.
Fem HRT (norethindrone acetate/ethinyl estradiol) must not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform your doctor immediately.
Fem HRT (norethindrone acetate/ethinyl estradiol) is not effective for preventing a miscarriage and should not be used for this purpose.
Small amounts of Fem HRT (norethindrone acetate/ethinyl estradiol) pass into breast milk. Fem HRT (norethindrone acetate/ethinyl estradiol) may reduce the quality and amount of breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Store at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using Fem HRT (norethindrone acetate/ethinyl estradiol) and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Take Fem HRT (norethindrone acetate/ethinyl estradiol) by mouth, usually once daily or as directed by your doctor. Take Fem HRT (norethindrone acetate/ethinyl estradiol) regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.
Inform your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, stomach upset, bloating, irritability, changes in sleep patterns, nausea, weight changes, increased/decreased interest in sex, change in vaginal discharge, or breast tenderness may occur. If any of these persist or worsen, tell your doctor promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed Fem HRT (norethindrone acetate/ethinyl estradiol) because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using Fem HRT (norethindrone acetate/ethinyl estradiol) do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: mental/mood changes (e.g., depression, memory loss), breast lumps, nipple discharge, swelling of the hands/feet, unusual vaginal bleeding (e.g., spotting, breakthrough bleeding, prolonged/returning bleeding), yellowing eyes/skin, stomach/abdominal pain, worsening of seizures, signs of worsening diabetes control (e.g., increased thirst and urination).
Fem HRT (norethindrone acetate/ethinyl estradiol) may rarely cause very serious problems such as heart attacks, stroke, and blood clots. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following: chest/jaw/left arm pain, sudden severe headache, weakness on one side of the body, confusion, slurred speech, sudden vision changes (e.g., double vision, loss of vision), pain/redness/swelling/weakness of the arms/legs, calf pain/swelling that is warm to the touch, trouble breathing, coughing up blood, sudden dizziness/fainting.
A very serious allergic reaction to Fem HRT (norethindrone acetate/ethinyl estradiol) is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Click HERE to learn more about Fem HRT side effects.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
If you miss a dose of Fem HRT (norethindrone acetate/ethinyl estradiol), take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.
Fem HRT (norethindrone acetate/ethinyl estradiol) should not be used with the following medications because very serious interactions may occur: anastrozole, exemestane.
If you are currently using any of these medications listed above, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting norethindrone/ethinyl estradiol.
Before using Fem HRT (norethindrone acetate/ethinyl estradiol), tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription products you may use, especially of: corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone), raloxifene, tamoxifen, warfarin, drugs affecting liver enzymes that remove estrogens from your body (such as azole antifungals including itraconazole, macrolide antibiotics including erythromycin, rifamycins including rifabutin, St. John's wort, certain anti-seizure medications including carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin).
This product can affect the results of certain lab tests. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use Fem HRT (norethindrone acetate/ethinyl estradiol).
This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.