Jolivette

The active ingredient in Jolivette is norethindrone. Norethindrone is a synthetic progestin that works similarly to natural progesterone. It suppresses the specific hormones to alter the menstrual cycle so that ovulation is suppressed. Through this mechanism, Jolivette is an effective birth control pill.

Follow all directions provided by your doctor and read all documents carefully, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide, before using Jolivette. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Jolivette:

• If you take Jolivette for contraception, take one tablet once a day at the same time every day. It’s important to remember to take it every day to effectively prevent pregnancy. Jolivette comes in a 28-day package. Once you finish a pack, start a new pack the next day.
• When you start taking Jolivette, breakthrough bleeding, spotting in between periods, and upset stomach are common. If these worsen or do not improve after 3 months of use, follow up with your doctor.
• If you start Jolivette on the first day of your period, it will be effective after 5 days. If you start Jolivette on any other day, it will take 7 days for it to be fully effective. During this time, make sure you use a backup contraceptive method like condoms or spermicides.
• If you miss a dose by more than 3 hours, use back-up contraception (condoms or spermicides) for 48 hours. Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Afterwards, continue taking Jolivette as scheduled.
• If you take Jolivette for menstrual disorders, irregular bleeding, and endometriosis, your healthcare provider will know what dose and interval is best for you. Take Jolivette as directed by your physician.
• Do not smoke while taking Jolivette. This puts you at increased risk of cardiovascular events like a blood clot, stroke, or heart attack.
• Jolivette does not offer protection against sexually transmitted diseases (STIs). It is recommended to use condoms in combination with birth control pills.

The most common side effects of Jolivette seen in clinical trials as compared to placebo include:

• Headache.
• Vaginal bleeding (breakthrough bleeding) or spotting.
• Breast pain or breast tenderness.
• Stomach pain or bloating.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Hair loss.
• Mood changes.
• Trouble sleeping.
• Weight gain.
• Vaginal itching or discharge.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Jolivette. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• A blood clot. Signs include shortness of breath, sudden numbness, problems with vision or speech, and chest pain.
• Allergic reaction. Signs include hives, rash, or swelling of the face, lips, or tongue.
• Sudden vision loss.
• Severe headache.
• Missed menstrual periods.
• A lump in the breast.
• Severe pelvic pain. This may be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy or an ovarian cyst.
• Liver problems, like jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), stomach pain, and dark urine.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Jolivette. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Jolivette, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including:

• Heart disease or hypertension (high blood pressure).
• Liver disease or liver tumors.
• Kidney disease.
• Depression.
• Migraine headaches.
• Uterine fibroid tumors.
• Asthma.
• If you smoke.
• Hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol).
• Diabetes.
• Epilepsy.

• If you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant.
• Allergy to any ingredients in the Jolivette formulation.
• Liver disease.
• Breast cancer.
• History of blood clots.
• Unusual vaginal bleeding.

If you start Jolivette on the first day of your period, it will be effective after 5 days. If you start Jolivette on any other day, it will take 7 days for it to be effective. During this time, make sure you use back-up contraceptive methods.

When Jolivette is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Drugs used to treat seizures include phenytoin, carbamazepine, and barbiturates like phenobarbital.
• Drugs used to treat HIV/AIDS, such as nelfinavir, darunavir, and lopinavir.
• Sedative and hypnotic drugs such as benzodiazepines.
• Herbal products like St. John’s wort.
• Antifungals like Griseofulvin.
• Rifampin.

Jolivette comes in one strength: 0.35 mg norethindrone in each tablet.

Store Jolivette at room temperature, out of reach of children and pets.

Janssen Ortho LLC manufactured Jolivette. It has been discontinued.

Yes, there are generic versions of Jolivette available. The generic name is norethindrone.

Other brand-name hormonal contraceptives that contain only norethindrone include Heather, Errin, Micronor, and Nor-QD.

Other contraceptive pills may contain a combination of progesterone and estrogen. There is also emergency contraception, such as Plan B (levonorgestrel).

Do not stop taking Jolivette without consulting your healthcare provider. You may be at an increased risk of pregnancy if you stop taking Jolivette.

Jolivette should not be used in pregnancy because it may cause harm to the fetus. Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

Studies suggest there is minimal risk of taking Jolivette (norethindrone) while breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.