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.

Applies to norethindrone: oral tablet 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.

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure this medicine is working properly and does not cause unwanted effects. These visits will usually be every 6 to 12 months, but some doctors require them more often. Pelvic exam, breast exam, and mammogram (breast x-ray) may be needed to check for unwanted effects, unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Be sure to keep all appointments.

Although you are using this medicine to prevent pregnancy, you should know that using this medicine while you are pregnant could harm the unborn baby. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.

Vaginal bleeding of various amounts may occur between your regular menstrual periods during the first 3 months of use. This is sometimes called spotting when slight, or breakthrough bleeding when heavier.

• If this should occur, continue with your regular dosing schedule.
• The bleeding usually stops within 1 week. Check with your doctor if the bleeding continues for more than 1 week.
• If bleeding continues after you have been taking hormonal contraceptives on schedule and for more than 3 months, check with your doctor.

Check with your doctor right away if you miss a menstrual period. Missed periods may occur if you skip one or more tablets and have not taken your pills exactly as directed. If you miss two periods in a row, talk to your doctor. You might need a pregnancy test.

If you suspect that you may be pregnant, stop using this medicine immediately and check with your doctor.

Check with your doctor before refilling an old prescription, especially after a pregnancy. You will need another physical examination and your doctor may change your prescription.

You may have a higher risk of an ovarian cyst or an ectopic pregnancy (occurs outside the womb) if you get pregnant while using this medicine. These can be serious and life-threatening conditions. It can also cause problems that may make it harder for you to become pregnant in the future. Call your doctor right away if you have a sudden or severe lower abdominal or stomach pain.

Do not use this medicine if you smoke cigarettes. If you smoke while using birth control pills, you increase your risk of having a heart attack, stroke, or blood clot. Your risk is even higher if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or if you are overweight. Talk with your doctor about ways to stop smoking. Keep your diabetes under control. Ask your doctor about diet and exercise to control your weight and blood cholesterol level.

Check with your doctor immediately if you have trouble wearing contact lenses or if blurred vision, difficulty with reading, or any other change in vision occurs during or after treatment. Your doctor may want you to have your eyes checked by an ophthalmologist (eye doctor).

Before you have any medical tests, tell the medical doctor in charge that you are taking this medicine. The results of some tests may be affected by this medicine.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal (eg, St. John's wort) or vitamin supplements.

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]

See also:

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