Aygestin Side Effects
Generic name: norethindrone
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 22, 2022.
Note: This document contains side effect information about norethindrone. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Aygestin.
Summary
Common side effects of Aygestin include: ectopic pregnancy. Continue reading for a comprehensive list of adverse effects.
Applies to norethindrone: oral tablets.
Side effects include:
Menstrual abnormalities (amenorrhea; frequent, irregular, prolonged, or infrequent bleeding), nausea, weight changes, breast changes (tenderness, enlargement, secretion), headache.
For Healthcare Professionals
Applies to norethindrone: compounding powder, oral tablet.
General
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]
More about Aygestin (norethindrone)
- Check interactions
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- Drug images
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: contraceptives
- Breastfeeding
- En español
Patient resources
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Professional resources
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References
1. "Product Information. Micronor (norethindrone)." Ortho McNeil Pharmaceutical (2001):
2. "Product Information. Nor-QD (norethindrone)." Watson Laboratories Inc (2001):
3. "Product Information. Aygestin (norethindrone)." Lederle Laboratories (2001):
4. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics." O 0
5. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information." O 0
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.