Celebrate National Women’s Health Month by learning more about Norethindrone, a common contraceptive hormone. Dentists should note its major warning for higher clot risk and reduced effectiveness when combined with common antibiotics and steroids. Read on to learn more:
Generic Name: Norethindrone
Brand Name(s): Nora-Be, Camila, Errin, Heather, Incassia Nor-QD, Norlyda, Emzahh, Jolivette, Jencycla
Pronunciation: nor eth IN drone
About this drug:
Norethindrone is a progestin-only pill (POP, aka mini-pill) that is used as an oral contraceptive to prevent pregnancy.
This medication may also be used to treat menstrual disorders, endometriosis, or abnormal vaginal bleeding caused by a hormone imbalance.
Dentistry-related tidbits:
Norethindrone may cause hypertension. Always check the patient’s blood pressure and pulse before each procedure.
This medication may increase the risk of blood clots. Refer patients to the emergency room if you notice these signs: cough with or without blood, shortness of breath, dizziness, chest pain, or feeling pain, swelling, or warmth in one leg.
When prescribing an antibiotic for a patient taking birth control, remind them to use a backup method such as condoms or diaphragm with spermicide as some antibiotics may decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills.
The efficacy of Norethindrone may decrease when combined with the anticonvulsant Carbamazepine, steroids, and antibiotics from the macrolide (e.g. Azithromycin), quinolone (e.g. Ciprofloxacin), penicillin, cephalosporin (e.g. Cephalexin), or tetracycline classes.
NSAIDs in combination with Norethindrone may increase the risk of thromboembolism. Before prescribing any medication, use the Rx Check tool to prevent potential drug interactions or adverse effects.
Fun facts:
Norethindrone prevents pregnancy by suppressing ovulation, thinning the endometrium, and thickening the cervical mucus to inhibit sperm penetration.
This medication carries an FDA Warning due to an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes when used in conjunction with smoking cigarettes. It is strongly advised to avoid smoking.
Studies have shown this medication may cause possible dementia and increased risk of invasive breast cancer.
This mini-pill does not contain estrogen, making it a good alternative for women who are contraindicated such as those who have a history of migraines with aura or recently gave birth.
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