Norgestrel Dosage

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jul 23, 2024.

Usual Adult Dose for Contraception

Maintenance dose: 0.075 mg orally once daily

Comments:

• The dose must be taken at the same time each day and can be started any day of the month.
• This drug takes two days to start working, therefore a condom (or other barrier method) should be used for the first two days after starting on the first pack of this drug.
• Take exactly as directed. Never skip a dose.

Use: Prevention of pregnancy

Renal Dose Adjustments

Data not available

Liver Dose Adjustments

Data not available

Precautions

CONTRAINDICATIONS:

• Do not use if you are allergic to this product or any of its ingredients.
• Current or past history of breast cancer.
• Suspected or confirmed pregnancy.
• Concomitant use with another birth control pill, vaginal ring, patch, implant, injection or IUD.
• Not to be used by male patients.

Consult WARNINGS section for additional precautions.

Dialysis

Data not available

Other Comments

Administration advice:

• This drug must be taken at the same time each day.
• Once the patient finishes a 28-tablet pack, they are to start the next pack without a break.

Monitoring:

• Yellowing of skin or eyes, especially with fever, tiredness, loss of appetite or dark-colored urine
• Vaginal bleeding with sex
• Menstrual periods that last more than 8 days or are unusually heavy
• Worsening migraines or migraines with vision changes
• Missed periods, tender breasts, nausea, fatigue, and/or needing to urinate more urgently or frequently

Patient advice:

• Advise patient to start taking this drug the day after they switch from another oral contraceptive, vaginal ring, or patch.
• The patient must use a condom or barrier method during sex for the first 2 days after starting to take this drug.
• If the patient is less than 3 hours late, they are to take the tablet immediately and resume their regular scheduled hour the next day.
• If the patient is more than 3 hours late, they are to take the tablet as soon as they remember and resume their regular scheduled hour the next day. This may result in 2 tablets in a 24-hour window.
• Advise the patient to use a condom or another barrier form of contraception every time they have sex during the 48 hours after restarting this drug.
• A pregnancy test should be taken or talk to the medical provider if patient's period is late after missing any doses within the last month.
• If the patient has taken an emergency contraceptive within the last 5 days, advise the patient to start taking this drug after 5 days have passed. The patient must also use a condom or barrier during sex until the next period.
• If the patient develops lower abdominal pain mostly on one side, advise to seek medical help immediately.
• If the patient's period is late after missing any tablets in the last month, has not had a period for 2 months, or if pregnancy is suspected, advise the patient to take a pregnancy test or talk with their healthcare provider.
• Advise the patient to continue to take this drug if migraines worsen or new migraines with auras develop and talk to their healthcare provider.
• Advise patient to seek medical help immediately if they develop symptoms of yellowing of the whites of the eyes or skin.
• If the patient repeatedly has vaginal bleeding that is brought on by sex, advise the patient to continue taking this drug and talk to their healthcare provider.
• If the patient's periods are unusually heavy or last more than 8 days, advise the patient to continue taking this drug and talk to their healthcare provider.

Frequently asked questions

• How do I use Opill birth control?
• When will Opill be available?

See also:

Further information

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

Medical Disclaimer