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Aygestin

Generic name: norethindronenor-eth-IN-drone ]
Brand names: Aygestin, Camila, Deblitane, Errin, Heather, ... show all 15 brands
Drug classes: Contraceptives, Progestins

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Aug 4, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Aygestin?

Aygestin is a form of progesterone, a female hormone important for regulating ovulation and menstruation.

Aygestin is used for birth control (contraception) to prevent pregnancy.

Aygestin is also used to treat menstrual disorders, endometriosis, or abnormal vaginal bleeding caused by a hormone imbalance.

Not all brands of Aygestin are for the same uses. Some brands are for use only as contraception. Others are for use in treating endometriosis or vaginal bleeding disorders. Avoid medication errors by using only the brand, form, and strength your doctor prescribes.

Aygestin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Aygestin side effects

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

Aygestin may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

Common side effects of Aygestin may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

You should not use Aygestin if you you have: undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, breast cancer, liver disease, or a liver tumor. You may not be able to take Aygestin if you have ever had a heart attack, a stroke, or blood clot.

Do not use if you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant.

In some cases, you should not take Aygestin if you are nursing.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Aygestin if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

Do not use Aygestin if you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant. Stop taking the medicine and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.

Ask your doctor about using this medicine while you are breast-feeding. In some cases, you should not take Aygestin if you are nursing.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.

How should I take Aygestin?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Carefully follow your doctor's dosing instructions about when to start taking Aygestin for contraception if you are switching from a combination birth control pill (estrogen and progestin).

If you take Aygestin for contraception: Take one pill every day, no more than 24 hours apart. You may get pregnant if you do not take one pill daily.

You may need to use back-up birth control (such as condoms with spermicide) if you are sick with vomiting or diarrhea, or if you are 3 or more hours late in taking your daily dose.

If you take Aygestin for menstrual disorders or abnormal vaginal bleeding: You will most likely take the medicine for only 5 to 10 days. Vaginal bleeding will occur 3 to 7 days after your last dose.

If you take Aygestin for endometriosis: This medicine is usually taken daily long-term for several months. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose.

Your doctor should check your progress on a regular basis. Self-examine your breasts for lumps on a monthly basis, and have regular mammograms.

Report any unusual vaginal bleeding right away.

Aygestin can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using this medicine.

Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions, or follow the patient instructions provided with your medicine.

Missing a birth control pill increases your risk of becoming pregnant. If you are more than 3 hours late for your dose, take the medicine as soon as you remember and use back-up birth control for at least 48 hours. Take your next pill at the regularly scheduled time and continue on your regular dosing schedule.

If you miss a period for two months in a row, call your doctor because you might be pregnant.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

An overdose of Aygestin is not expected to be dangerous.

What should I avoid while taking norethindrone?

Do not use estrogen medication unless your doctor tells you to.

Avoid smoking. It can greatly increase your risk of blood clots, stroke, or heart attack while taking Aygestin for contraception.

Aygestin will not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases--including HIV and AIDS. Using a condom is the only way to protect yourself from these diseases.

What other drugs will affect Aygestin?

Some drugs can make Aygestin less effective, which may result in unintended pregnancy if you use Aygestin for contraception. Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect Aygestin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.