most popular
articles

Viewed

Commented

Drug Search

DRUGS A-Z

Find information on drug interactions, side effects, and more.

Enter a Drug Name		Pick from Common Drugs
	or

Generic Name: mestranol-norethindrone

A contraceptive - The products combine two types of female hormones, an estrogen and a progestin

View All Brands

What is this medicine?

MESTRANOL; NORETHINDRONE (MES truh nol; nor eth IN drone) is an oral contraceptive. The products combine two types of female hormones, an estrogen and a progestin. They are used to prevent ovulation and pregnancy.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have or ever had any of these conditions:

abnormal vaginal bleeding
blood vessel disease or blood clots
breast, cervical, endometrial, ovarian, liver, or uterine cancer
diabetes
gallbladder disease
heart disease or recent heart attack
high blood pressure
high cholesterol
kidney disease
liver disease
migraine headaches
stroke
systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
tobacco smoker
an unusual or allergic reaction to estrogens, progestins, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth. To reduce nausea, this medicine may be taken with food. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take this medicine at the same time each day and in the order directed on the package. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Contact your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. This medicine has been used in female children who have started having menstrual periods.

A patient information sheet will be given with each prescription and refill. Read this sheet carefully each time. The sheet may change frequently.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, refer to the patient information sheet you received with your medicine for direction. If you miss more than one pill, this medicine may not be as effective and you may need to use another form of birth control.

What may interact with this medicine?

acetaminophen
antibiotics or medicines for infections, especially rifampin, rifabutin, rifapentine, and griseofulvin, and possibly penicillins or tetracyclines
aprepitant
ascorbic acid (vitamin C)
atorvastatin
barbiturate medicines, such as phenobarbital
bosentan
carbamazepine
caffeine
clofibrate
cyclosporine
dantrolene
doxercalciferol
felbamate
grapefruit juice
hydrocortisone
medicines for anxiety or sleeping problems, such as diazepam or temazepam
medicines for diabetes, including pioglitazone
mineral oil
modafinil
mycophenolate
nefazodone
oxcarbazepine
phenytoin
prednisolone
ritonavir or other medicines for HIV infection or AIDS
rosuvastatin
selegiline
soy isoflavones supplements
St. John's wort
tamoxifen or raloxifene
theophylline
thyroid hormones
topiramate
warfarin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

1 2 3

All visitors to AARP.org should seek expert medical care and consult their own physicians for any specific health issues. Read this disclaimer in its entirety.

Content
licensed
from:

Note: This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions, or adverse effects for this drug. If you have question about the drug(s) you are taking, check with your health care professional.

health

TOOLS

	Symptom Search Enter your symptoms in our Symptom Checker to find out possible causes of your symptoms. Go.
	Drug Interaction Checker Enter any list of prescription drugs and see how they interact with each other and with other substances. Go.
	Pill Identifier Enter its color and shape information, and this tool helps you identify it. Go.