Norethindrone and Mestranol

Generic name: Norethindrone and Mestranol [ nor-eth-IN-drone-& MES-tra-nole ]
Brand names: Necon 1/50 (28), Norinyl 1+50 (28)
Drug class: Contraceptives

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 30, 2024.

Uses of Norethindrone and Mestranol:

• It is used to prevent pregnancy.
• It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Norethindrone and Mestranol?

• If you have an allergy to mestranol, norethindrone, or any other part of norethindrone and mestranol.
• If you are allergic to norethindrone and mestranol; any part of norethindrone and mestranol; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you have had any of these health problems: Blood clots, blood clotting problem, breast cancer or other cancer where hormones make it grow, diseased blood vessels in the brain or heart, disease of a heart valve with problems, heart disease, chest pain caused by angina, heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, liver disease, liver tumor, very bad headache or migraine, or diabetes that affects blood flow.
• If you have had any of these health problems: Endometrial cancer, cancer of the cervix or vagina, or vaginal bleeding where the cause is not known.
• If you have surgery and need bedrest.
• If you turned yellow during pregnancy or with estrogen-based or hormone contraceptive use.
• If you are pregnant or may be pregnant. Do not take norethindrone and mestranol if you are pregnant.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with norethindrone and mestranol.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take norethindrone and mestranol with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Norethindrone and Mestranol?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take norethindrone and mestranol. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• This medicine may raise the chance of blood clots, a stroke, or a heart attack. Talk with the doctor.
• If you have high blood sugar (diabetes), you will need to watch your blood sugar closely.
• Check your blood pressure as you have been told.
• Have your blood work checked. Talk with your doctor.
• Be sure to have regular breast exams and gynecology check-ups. You will also need to do breast self-exams as you have been told.
• This medicine may affect certain lab tests. Tell all of your health care providers and lab workers that you take norethindrone and mestranol.
• Certain drugs, herbal products, or health problems could cause norethindrone and mestranol to not work as well. Be sure your doctor knows about all of your drugs and health problems.
• This medicine does not stop the spread of diseases like HIV or hepatitis that are passed through blood or having sex. Do not have any kind of sex without using a latex or polyurethane condom. Do not share needles or other things like toothbrushes or razors.
• Do not use in children who have not had their first menstrual period.
• If you have any signs of pregnancy or if you have a positive pregnancy test, call your doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.

How is this medicine (Norethindrone and Mestranol) best taken?

Use norethindrone and mestranol as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• Take norethindrone and mestranol at the same time of day.
• Take with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.
• Do not skip doses, even if you do not have sex very often.
• If you throw up or have diarrhea, norethindrone and mestranol may not work as well to prevent pregnancy. Use an extra form of birth control, like condoms, until you check with your doctor.
• If you miss 2 periods in a row, take a pregnancy test before starting a new cycle.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• If a dose is missed, check the package insert or call the doctor to find out what to do. If using norethindrone and mestranol to prevent pregnancy, another form of birth control may need to be used for some time to prevent pregnancy.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Signs of liver problems like dark urine, feeling tired, not hungry, upset stomach or stomach pain, light-colored stools, throwing up, or yellow skin or eyes.
• Coughing up blood.
• Shortness of breath.
• Chest pain or pressure.
• Very bad dizziness or passing out.
• Very upset stomach or throwing up.
• Weakness on 1 side of the body, trouble speaking or thinking, change in balance, drooping on one side of the face, or blurred eyesight.
• Swelling, warmth, numbness, change of color, or pain in a leg or arm.
• Very bad headache.
• Low mood (depression).
• Feeling very tired or weak.
• Very bad belly pain.
• Swelling.
• Bulging eyes.
• Change in eyesight.
• Change in how contact lenses feel in the eyes.
• A lump in the breast, breast pain or soreness, or nipple discharge.
• Vaginal itching or discharge.
• Spotting or vaginal bleeding that is very bad or does not go away.

Related/similar drugs

Premarin, norethindrone, megestrol, levonorgestrel, leuprolide, medroxyprogesterone, Yaz, Provera, Depo Provera, Lupron Depot

What are some other side effects of Norethindrone and Mestranol?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Feeling more or less hungry.
• Dizziness.
• Weight gain.
• Headache.
• Upset stomach or throwing up.
• Cramps.
• Bloating.
• Enlarged breasts.
• Breast soreness.
• Period (menstrual) changes. These include spotting or bleeding between cycles.
• This medicine may cause dark patches of skin on your face. Avoid sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds. Use sunscreen and wear clothing and eyewear that protects you from the sun.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Norethindrone and Mestranol?

• Store at room temperature.
• Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about norethindrone and mestranol, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Further information

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

Medical Disclaimer