Ethinyl Estradiol, Norethindrone Chewable tablet, Ferrous Fumarate Chewable tablet

What is this medicine?

ETHINYL ESTRADIOL; NORETHINDRONE (ETH in il es tra DYE ole; nor eth IN drone) is an oral contraceptive. The products combine two types of female hormones, an estrogen and a progestin. They are used to prevent ovulation and pregnancy.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth. Take tablet whole or chew it completely before swallowing. If you chew this medicine, drink a full glass of water after. Follow the directions on the prescription label. To reduce nausea, this medicine may be taken with food. Take this medicine at the same time each day and in the order directed on the package. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

A patient package insert for the product will be given with each prescription and refill. Read this sheet carefully each time. The sheet may change frequently..

Contact your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. This medicine has been used in female children who have started having menstrual periods.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
breast tissue changes or discharge
breathing problems
changes in vaginal bleeding during your period or between your periods
chest pain
coughing up blood
feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
headaches or migraines
leg, arm or groin pain
problems with balance, talking, walking
severe or sudden headaches
symptoms of vaginal infection like itching, irritation or unusual discharge
tenderness in the upper abdomen
vomiting
weakness or numbness in the arms or legs, especially on one side of the body
yellowing of the eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

breast tenderness
mood changes, anxiety, depression, frustration, anger, or emotional outbursts
increased sensitivity to sun or ultraviolet light
nausea
skin acne, or brown spots on the skin
weight gain (slight)

What may interact with this medicine?

acetaminophen
antibiotics or medicines for infections, especially rifampin, rifabutin, rifapentine, and griseofulvin, and possibly penicillins or tetracyclines
aprepitant
ascorbic acid (vitamin C)
atorvastatin
barbiturate medicines, such as phenobarbital
bosentan
carbamazepine
caffeine
clofibrate
cyclosporine
dantrolene
doxercalciferol
felbamate
grapefruit juice
hydrocortisone
medicines for anxiety or sleeping problems, such as diazepam or temazepam
medicines for diabetes, including pioglitazone
mineral oil
modafinil
mycophenolate
nefazodone
oxcarbazepine
phenytoin
prednisolone
ritonavir or other medicines for HIV infection or AIDS
rosuvastatin
selegiline
soy isoflavones supplements
St. John's wort
tamoxifen or raloxifene
theophylline
thyroid hormones
topiramate
warfarin

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, refer to the patient information sheet you received with your medicine for direction. If you miss more than one pill, this medicine may not be as effective and you may need to use another form of birth control.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have or ever had any of these conditions:

abnormal vaginal bleeding
blood vessel disease or blood clots
breast, cervical, endometrial, ovarian, liver, or uterine cancer
diabetes
gallbladder disease
heart disease or recent heart attack
high blood pressure
high cholesterol
kidney disease
liver disease
migraine headaches
stroke
systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
tobacco smoker
an unusual or allergic reaction to estrogens, progestins, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. You will need a regular breast and pelvic exams and Pap smears while on this medicine.

Use an additional method of contraception during the first cycle that you take this medicine.

If you have any reason to think you are pregnant, stop taking this medicine right away and contact your doctor or health care professional.

If you are taking this medicine for hormone related problems, it may take several cycles of use to see improvement in your condition.

Smoking increases the risk of getting a blood clot or having a stroke while you are taking birth control pills, especially if you are more than 35 years old. You are strongly advised not to smoke.

This medicine can make your body retain fluid, making your fingers, hands, or ankles swell. Your blood pressure can go up. Contact your doctor or health care professional if you feel you are retaining fluid.

This medicine 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 use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.

If you wear contact lenses and notice visual changes, or if the lenses begin to feel uncomfortable, consult your eye care specialist.

In some women, tenderness, swelling, or minor bleeding of the gums may occur. Notify your dentist if this happens. Brushing and flossing your teeth regularly may help limit this. See your dentist regularly and inform your dentist of the medicines you are taking.

If you are going to have elective surgery, you may need to stop taking this medicine before the surgery. Consult your health care professional for advice.

This medicine does not protect you against HIV infection (AIDS) or any other sexually transmitted diseases.