Medications and Drugs

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Brand Names: Necon 1/50, Norinyl 1+50, Ortho-Novum 1/50

Generic Name: mestranol and norethindrone (Pronunciation: MESS tra nol and nor eth IN drone)

• What is mestranol and norethindrone (Necon 1/50, Norinyl 1+50, Ortho-Novum 1/50)?
• What are the possible side effects of mestranol and norethindrone (Necon 1/50, Norinyl 1+50, Ortho-Novum 1/50)?
• What is the most important information I should know about mestranol and norethindrone (Necon 1/50, Norinyl 1+50, Ortho-Novum 1/50)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking mestranol and norethindrone (Necon 1/50, Norinyl 1+50, Ortho-Novum 1/50)?
• How should I take mestranol and norethindrone (Necon 1/50, Norinyl 1+50, Ortho-Novum 1/50)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Necon 1/50, Norinyl 1+50, Ortho-Novum 1/50)?
• What happens if I overdose (Necon 1/50, Norinyl 1+50, Ortho-Novum 1/50)?
• What should I avoid while taking mestranol and norethindrone (Necon 1/50, Norinyl 1+50, Ortho-Novum 1/50)?
• What other drugs will affect mestranol and norethindrone (Necon 1/50, Norinyl 1+50, Ortho-Novum 1/50)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is mestranol and norethindrone (Necon 1/50, Norinyl 1+50, Ortho-Novum 1/50)?

Mestranol and norethindrone contains a combination of female hormones that prevent ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovary). This medication also causes changes in your cervical mucus and uterine lining, making it harder for sperm to reach the uterus and harder for a fertilized egg to attach to the uterus.

Mestranol and norethindrone is used as contraception to prevent pregnancy.

Mestranol and norethindrone may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Necon 1-50-28

white, imprinted with WATSON, 245

Norinyl 1-50

round, white, imprinted with 265, WATSON

What are the possible side effects of mestranol and norethindrone (Necon 1/50, Norinyl 1+50, Ortho-Novum 1/50)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• sudden numbness or weakness, headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance
• chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling;
• nausea, stomach pain, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet; o
• symptoms of depression (sleep problems, weakness, mood changes).

Less serious side effects may include:

• mild nausea, vomiting, bloating, stomach cramps;
• breast pain, tenderness, or swelling;
• darkening of facial skin, increased hair growth, loss of scalp hair;
• changes in weight or appetite;
• problems with contact lenses;
• vaginal itching or discharge;
• changes in your menstrual periods, decreased sex drive; or
• headache, nervousness, dizziness, tired feeling.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about mestranol and norethindrone (Necon 1/50, Norinyl 1+50, Ortho-Novum 1/50)?

Do not use birth control pills if you are pregnant or if you have recently had a baby.

Do not use this medication if you have any of the following conditions: a history of stroke or blood clot, circulation problems, a hormone-related cancer such as breast or uterine cancer, abnormal vaginal bleeding, liver disease or liver cancer, or a history of jaundice caused by birth control pills.

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