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Writer's pictureTeresa Mendoza, PharmD

Med of the Week: Norethindrone



Norethindrone feature woman deciding contraceptive option

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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