You should not use this medicine if you you have: undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, breast cancer, liver disease, or a liver tumor. You may not be able to take norethindrone if you have ever had a heart attack, a stroke, or blood clot.
Do not use if you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant.
In some cases, you should not take norethindrone if you are nursing.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use norethindrone if you are allergic to it, or if you have:
unusual vaginal bleeding that has not been checked by a doctor;
liver disease or a liver tumor;
breast cancer; or
a history of blood clots in your brain, eyes, lungs, or legs.
Do not use norethindrone if you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant. Stop taking the medicine and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
Ask your doctor about using  norethindrone while you are breast-feeding. In some cases, you should not take norethindrone if you are nursing.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
heart disease, high blood pressure;
liver disease;
depression;
migraine headaches;
diabetes;
high cholesterol or triglycerides;
uterine fibroid tumors;
epilepsy;
kidney disease;
asthma; or
if you smoke.
Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.
How should I take norethindrone?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Carefully follow your doctor's dosing instructions about when to start taking norethindrone for contraception if you are switching from a combination birth control pill (estrogen and progestin).
If you take norethindrone for contraception: Take one pill every day, no more than 24 hours apart. You may get pregnant if you do not take one pill daily.
You may need to use back-up birth control (such as condoms with spermicide) if you are sick with vomiting or diarrhea, or if you are 3 or more hours late in taking your daily dose.
If you take norethindrone for menstrual disorders or abnormal vaginal bleeding: You will most likely take the medicine for only 5 to 10 days. Vaginal bleeding will occur 3 to 7 days after your last dose.
If you take norethindrone for endometriosis: Norethindrone is usually taken daily long-term for several months. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose.
Your doctor should check your progress on a regular basis. Self-examine your breasts for lumps on a monthly basis, and have regular mammograms.
Report any unusual vaginal bleeding right away.
Norethindrone can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using norethindrone.
Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Call your doctor for instructions, or follow the patient instructions provided with your medicine.
Missing a birth control pill increases your risk of becoming pregnant. If you are more than 3 hours late for your dose, take the medicine as soon as you remember and use back-up birth control for at least 48 hours. Take your next pill at the regularly scheduled time and continue on your regular dosing schedule.
If you miss a period for two months in a row, call your doctor because you might be pregnant.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
An overdose of norethindrone is not expected to be dangerous.
