Norgestrel

Generic Name: norgestrel

Over-the-Counter (OTC)

Brand Names:

Opill

Purpose Daily Oral Contraceptive

Overview

Purpose Daily Oral Contraceptive

Uses

Use To prevent pregnancy

Dosage

Directions take 1 tablet at the same time every day this product will work best to prevent pregnancy when taken exactly as directed you can start on any day of the month use a condom (or another barrier method) every time you have sex during the first 2 days of use (48 hours) after you start your first pack of this product, because it takes 2 days for this product to start working See the enclosed leaflet for more information on how to switch from another contraceptive method.

Side Effects

When using this product you are likely to experience changes in your menstrual periods, such as irregular periods, spotting or bleeding between your periods, or you may stop having periods. To prevent pregnancy, keep taking the product. you may experience headaches, dizziness, nausea, increased appetite, abdominal pain, cramps or bloating talk to a doctor (but continue taking every day) if you have repeated vaginal bleeding brought on by sex you start having periods that last more than 8 days or are unusually heavy you start having migraines with aura (headaches that start with changes in vision) or your migraine headaches get worse take a pregnancy test or talk to a doctor if your period is late after missing any tablets in the last month you have not had a period for 2 months or think you may be pregnant Stop use and ask a doctor if you become pregnant

Interactions

Ask a doctor before use if you currently have vaginal bleeding between your periods and you have not already talked to a doctor you have liver problems you have or ever had any cancer Ask doctor or pharmacist before use if you are taking a prescription drug for seizures, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, pulmonary hypertension you are taking a supplement containing St John’s Wort (an herbal ingredient) if you have taken ulipristal acetate (an emergency contraceptive, or morning after pill) in the past 5 days See the enclosed leaflet for a detailed list of medicines that may interact with this product.

Warnings

Warnings Allergy alert: Do not use if you are allergic to this product or any of its ingredients, such as FD&C yellow No. 5 (tartrazine). People allergic to aspirin often have a tartrazine allergy too. Symptoms may include hives, facial swelling, asthma (wheezing), shock, skin reddening, rash, blisters. If an allergic reaction occurs, stop use and seek medical help right away. Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) alert: This product does not protect against HIV/AIDS or other STDs. Do not use if you have or ever had breast cancer if you are already pregnant or think you may be pregnant together with another birth control pill, vaginal ring, patch, implant, injection or an IUD (intra-uterine device) as an emergency contraceptive (morning after pill). This product does not prevent pregnancy when used after unprotected sex if you are male Ask a doctor before use if you currently have vaginal bleeding between your periods and you have not already talked to a doctor you have liver problems you have or ever had any cancer Ask doctor or pharmacist before use if you are taking a prescription drug for seizures, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, pulmonary hypertension you are taking a supplement containing St John’s Wort (an herbal ingredient) if you have taken ulipristal acetate (an emergency contraceptive, or morning after pill) in the past 5 days See the enclosed leaflet for a detailed list of medicines that may interact with this product. When using this product you are likely to experience changes in your menstrual periods, such as irregular periods, spotting or bleeding between your periods, or you may stop having periods. To prevent pregnancy, keep taking the product. you may experience headaches, dizziness, nausea, increased appetite, abdominal pain, cramps or bloating talk to a doctor (but continue taking every day) if you have repeated vaginal bleeding brought on by sex you start having periods that last more than 8 days or are unusually heavy you start having migraines with aura (headaches that start with changes in vision) or your migraine headaches get worse take a pregnancy test or talk to a doctor if your period is late after missing any tablets in the last month you have not had a period for 2 months or think you may be pregnant Seek medical help right away if you have sudden or severe persistent pain in your lower belly mostly on one side (you could have an ectopic pregnancy) you develop yellowing of your skin or whites of your eyes especially with fever, tiredness, loss of appetite or dark colored urine Stop use and ask a doctor if you become pregnant Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away. Do not use if you have or ever had breast cancer if you are already pregnant or think you may be pregnant together with another birth control pill, vaginal ring, patch, implant, injection or an IUD (intra-uterine device) as an emergency contraceptive (morning after pill). This product does not prevent pregnancy when used after unprotected sex if you are male

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Norgestrel used for?

Use To prevent pregnancy

What are the side effects of Norgestrel?

When using this product you are likely to experience changes in your menstrual periods, such as irregular periods, spotting or bleeding between your periods, or you may stop having periods. To prevent pregnancy, keep taking the product. you may experience headaches, dizziness, nausea, increased appetite, abdominal pain, cramps or bloating talk to a doctor (but continue taking every day) if you have repeated vaginal bleeding brought on by sex you start having periods that last more than 8 days or are unusually heavy you start having migraines with aura (headaches that start with changes in vision) or your migraine headaches get worse take a pregnancy test or talk to a doctor if your period is late after missing any tablets in the last month you have not had a period for 2 months or think you may be pregnant Stop use and ask a doctor if you become pregnant

What are the important warnings for Norgestrel?

Warnings Allergy alert: Do not use if you are allergic to this product or any of its ingredients, such as FD&C yellow No. 5 (tartrazine). People allergic to aspirin often have a tartrazine allergy too. Symptoms may include hives, facial swelling, asthma (wheezing), shock, skin reddening, rash, blisters. If an allergic reaction occurs, stop use and seek medical help right away. Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) alert: This product does not protect against HIV/AIDS or other STDs. Do not use if you have or ever had breast cancer if you are already pregnant or think you may be pregnant together with another birth control pill, vaginal ring, patch, implant, injection or an IUD (intra-uterine device) as an emergency contraceptive (morning after pill). This product does not prevent pregnancy when used after unprotected sex if you are male Ask a doctor before use if you currently have vaginal bleeding between your periods and you have not already talked to a doctor you have liver problems you have or ever had any cancer Ask doctor or pharmacist before use if you are taking a prescription drug for seizures, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, pulmonary hypertension you are taking a supplement containing St John’s Wort (an herbal ingredient) if you have taken ulipristal acetate (an emergency contraceptive, or morning after pill) in the past 5 days See the enclosed leaflet for a detailed list of medicines that may interact with this product. When using this product you are likely to experience changes in your menstrual periods, such as irregular periods, spotting or bleeding between your periods, or you may stop having periods. To prevent pregnancy, keep taking the product. you may experience headaches, dizziness, nausea, increased appetite, abdominal pain, cramps or bloating talk to a doctor (but continue taking every day) if you have repeated vaginal bleeding brought on by sex you start having periods that last more than 8 days or are unusually heavy you start having migraines with aura (headaches that start with changes in vision) or your migraine headaches get worse take a pregnancy test or talk to a doctor if your period is late after missing any tablets in the last month you have not had a period for 2 months or think you may be pregnant Seek medical help right away if you have sudden or severe persistent pain in your lower belly mostly on one side (you could have an ectopic pregnancy) you develop yellowing of your skin or whites of your eyes especially with fever, tiredness, loss of appetite or dark colored urine Stop use and ask a doctor if you become pregnant Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away. Do not use if you have or ever had breast cancer if you are already pregnant or think you may be pregnant together with another birth control pill, vaginal ring, patch, implant, injection or an IUD (intra-uterine device) as an emergency contraceptive (morning after pill). This product does not prevent pregnancy when used after unprotected sex if you are male

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Medical Disclaimer

This drug information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Drug information is sourced from the FDA National Drug Code Directory and Structured Product Labeling. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.