Norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol

What is this medication for?

Norgestimate - ethinyl estradiol is an estrogen and progestin combination contraceptive pill used to prevent pregnancy. It is a birth control pill that works by preventing ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovary) and causing changes in the mucus of the cervix, making it difficult for sperm to penetrate and for an egg to implant.

This medication is also used to treat moderate acne in girls at least 15 years of age who are menstruating and want to use birth control pills for contraception.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

What form(s) does this medication come in?

Norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol by Watson Pharmaceutical are available as:

• tablets
  • 0.180 mg of norgestimate per 0.035 mg ethinyl estradiol
  • 0.215 mg of norgestimate per 0.035 mg ethinyl estradiol
  • 0.250 mg of norgestimate per 0.035 mg ethinyl estradiol
  • 0.180 mg of norgestimate per 0.025 mg of ethinyl estradiol
  • 0.215 mg of norgestimate per 0.025 mg of ethinyl estradiol
  • 0.25 mg of norgestimate per 0.025 mg of ethinyl estradiol

How should I use this medication?

21-day pack: Take one tablet daily for 21 days, then take no pills for 7 days.

28-day pack: Take one tablet daily for 21 days, then one "reminder" pill daily for 7 days.

Talk with your doctor about the best time to start your pills. The first day of your menstrual period (bleeding) is known as "Day One." Your doctor may have you start your pills on the first Sunday after your period starts or on Day One of your period. The pills should be taken approximately the same time every day. It may be advisable to use a second method of birth control (e.g., latex condoms and spermicidal foam or gel) for the first 7 days of the first cycle of pill use.

Many women have spotting or light bleeding or may feel sick to their stomach during the first 3 months taking the pill. If you do feel sick, do not stop taking the pill. The problem will usually go away. If it does not go away, check with your doctor or clinic. If you experience vomiting or diarrhea, or if you take certain medications (such as antibiotics), your pills may not work as well. Use a backup method, such as latex condoms and spermicidal foam or gel, until you can check with your doctor or clinic.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss pills at any time, the risk of becoming pregnant increases.

If you miss one pill, take it as soon as you remember, and take the next pill at the usual time. This means that you might take 2 pills in one day. You do not need to use a back-up birth control method if you have sex.

If you miss 2 pills in a row during the first 2 weeks of your cycle, take 2 pills the day you remember and 2 pills the next day, then take one pill a day until you finish the pack. You could become pregnant if you have sex in the 7 days after you miss pills. You must use a second method of birth control (such as condoms or spermicide) if you have sex in the 7 days after you miss the pills.

If you miss 2 pills in a row during the third week of your cycle or 3 or more pills in a row anytime in your cycle:

• If you start your pills on Sunday, keep taking one pill a day until Sunday. On Sunday, safely discard the rest of the pack and start a new pack that day.
• If you start your pills on Day One, safely dispose of the rest of the pill pack and start a new pack that same day.

You could become pregnant if you have sex in the 7 days after you miss pills. You must use a second method of birth control (such as condoms or spermicide) if you have sex in the 7 days after you miss the pills. You may not have a period this month. If you miss 2 periods in a row, call your doctor or clinic.

If you miss any inactive "reminder" pills, throw away the pills you missed and keep taking one reminder pill per day until the pack is empty.

Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Who should NOT take this medication?

Do not take this medication if you:

• are allergic to norgestimate, ethinyl estradiol, or any of the ingredients of the medication
• are going to have major surgery followed by prolonged bed rest
• are or may be pregnant
• have diabetes with vascular problems
• have liver disease
• have undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding
• have had a heart attack or heart disease
• have, have had, or may have breast cancer
• have, have had, or may have endometrial cancer (cancer in the lining of the uterus)
• have or have had cerebrovascular disorders (e.g., stroke)
• have or have had migraines that are accompanied by changes in vision or smell, or feelings of weakness or numbness prior to the migraine (an aura)
• have or have had noncancerous or cancerous liver tumors
• have or have had thrombophlebitis or thromboembolic disorders (blood clotting problems)
• have or have had yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes (jaundice) while pregnant or on birth control pills previously
• have or may have a tumor dependent on estrogen for growth
• have problems with you heart valves
• have severe high blood pressure