Aygestin Side Effects

Generic name: norethindrone

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 24, 2025.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Aygestin Side Effects associated with norethindrone. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Aygestin.

Applies to norethindrone: oral tablet.

Serious side effects of Aygestin

Along with its needed effects, norethindrone (the active ingredient contained in Aygestin) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking norethindrone:

Other side effects of Aygestin

Some side effects of norethindrone may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to norethindrone: compounding powder, oral tablet.

General adverse events

The most commonly reported side effects included cycle irregularity, spotting/breakthrough bleeding, and temporary amenorrhea.^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Common (1% to 10%): Uterine/vaginal bleeding and spotting/breakthrough bleeding, short-lasting amenorrhea
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Breast discomfort
• Frequency not reported: Irregular/increased/decreased bleeding/delayed menstruation, change in menstrual flow, menorrhagia, vaginal hemorrhage, cervical secretion alteration, cervical erosions, prolonged anovulation, suppressed lactation, galactorrhea, mastodynia, breast tenderness/enlargement, genital discharge, withdrawal bleeding (on treatment discontinuation), premenstrual-type depression, changes in cervical squamocolumnar junction and secretions^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Dizziness, headache
• Frequency not reported: Drowsiness, somnolence, concentration loss, migraine, tremor, cerebral thrombosis and embolism^[Ref]

Local

• Common (1% to 10%): Injection site reaction, local skin reaction^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Common (1% to 10%): Nausea
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Bloating
• Frequency not reported: Vomiting, abdominal pain, gastrointestinal disturbance^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Skin disorder
• Frequency not reported: Angioedema, acne, hirsutism, alopecia, rash, pruritus, pruritic rash, melasma, chloasma, urticaria, exacerbation of existing skin conditions, sweating, allergic rash with and without pruritus^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Common (1% to 10%): Increased weight
• Frequency not reported: Increased fasting insulin levels, Cushing's syndrome, decreased glucose tolerance, exacerbation of diabetes mellitus, glycosuria, weight gain/change, change in appetite, fluid retention, increased serum calcium and potassium levels, altered serum lipid and lipoprotein levels (e.g., decreased HDL, increased LDL/HDL ratio)^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Common (1% to 10%): Hypersensitivity reaction
• Frequency not reported: Anaphylaxis/anaphylactoid reactions^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Depressed mood/depression/clinical depression/metal depression
• Frequency not reported: Insomnia, nervousness, libido change, mood swings^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Frequency not reported: Urge to cough, paroxysmal cough, respiratory distress, dyspnea, pulmonary embolism, voice deepening^[Ref]

Ocular

• Frequency not reported: Retinal thrombosis, diabetic cataract, vision disorders, visual disturbance, contact lens intolerance, optic neuritis (may lead to partial or complete vision loss)^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Frequency not reported: Circulatory irregularity, thromboembolic disorders, thrombophlebitis, increased blood pressure/hypertension, edema^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Frequency not reported: Cholestatic liver changes/cholestatic jaundice, hepatitis, disturbed liver function, transient liver test abnormalities (e.g., AST, ALT, bilirubin)^[Ref]

Other

• Frequency not reported: Fever, hyperpyrexia, fatigue, extremity pain^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Frequency not reported: Increased white cell and platelet counts^[Ref]

Endocrine

• Frequency not reported: Masculinization of the female fetus^[Ref]

Further information

Aygestin side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer