What side effects are possible with this medication?
A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. It can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent, but does not occur in everyone. The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. If you develop any of these side effects (or any other side effects not listed here) or they change in intensity, speak to your doctor or pharmacist for advice on managing them and on the risks and benefits of the medication.
- acne
- blood clots in the legs or lungs
- breast swelling and tenderness
- changes in the bleeding pattern during or between periods, such as:
- breakthrough bleeding or spotting between periods
- change in bleeding during the period
- complete stopping of menstrual bleeding that occurs over several months in a row
- prolonged bleeding during the period
- stopping of menstrual bleeding that only occurs sometimes
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- changes in vaginal discharge
- changes in weight (increase or decrease)
- depression
- fluid retention
- headache
- heart attack
- migraine
- mood swings
- nausea
- rash (allergic) with or without itching
- spotty darkening of the skin, especially the face
- stroke
- swelling of ankles and feet
- trouble sleeping
- vision changes
- yellow eyes and skin
- weight increase or decrease (jaundice)
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Click here to learn about serious side effects that can potentially occur with any medication. These examples are provided for information purposes only and are not meant to be exhaustive. Always consult your doctor for sound medical advice specific to your particular medication and treatment.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online or by phone at 1-800-332-1088.
Are there any other precautions or warnings for this medication?
Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.
Bleeding: Withdrawal bleeding usually occurs within 3 to 7 days of stopping norethindrone acetate. Contact your doctor if you experience bleeding while using this medication.
Fluid retention: Since this medication may cause some degree of fluid retention, conditions that might be influenced by this (such as epilepsy, migraine, asthma, or reduced heart or kidney function) should be monitored carefully.
Laboratory tests: The results of certain medical tests may be affected if you are taking this medication.
Liver disease: If you have impaired liver function, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition or medications may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Medical conditions: If you have any of the following conditions, discuss with your doctor about how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition or medications may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed:
- depression
- diabetes
- high blood pressure
- high cholesterol
- obesity
- personal or family history of deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, myocardial infarction, or stroke
- systemic lupus erythematous
- tobacco use
Vision changes: Women taking this medication may experience sudden vision changes including partial or complete vision loss, double vision, or migraine. If you experience these changes, contact your doctor immediately.
Pregnancy: This medication should not be used during pregnancy. Women should use effective birth control when taking this medication. If you become pregnant while taking norethindrone acetate, stop taking it immediately and contact your doctor.
Breast-feeding: This medication passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking this medication, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of norethindrone acetate have not been established for children.
Seniors: The safety and effectiveness of this medication have not been established for women over the age of 65 years.
What other drugs could interact with this medication?
Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications, as well as any supplements that you are taking. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your doctor know if you use them. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want to change your therapy or may suggest ways of managing any interactions.