Norethindrone

(nor ETH in drone)

What key warnings do I need to know about before giving this drug to my child?

• Do not take this drug during the first 4 months of your pregnancy. Progestins may cause birth defects. Call your doctor if you think you may be pregnant. This drug does not stop the spread of diseases caused by having sex.
• Sometimes drugs are not safe when you take them with certain other drugs. Taking them together can cause bad side effects. This is one of those drugs. Be sure to talk to your doctor about all the drugs you take.

Is it safe for my child to take this drug?

• If you have an allergy to norethindrone or any other part of this drug.
• If you are allergic to any drugs, foods, or other substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had, like rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs.
• If you have any of these health problems: Blood clots, breast cancer, liver disease, or vaginal bleeding.
• If you have not started your period.
• If you are pregnant or may be pregnant.

Why does my child need this drug?

• It is used to stop pregnancy.
• It is used to treat uterine bleeding due to hormonal imbalance.
• It is used to treat endometriosis.
• It is used to treat women who do not have a monthly period cycle.

How is this drug given?

• Take tablet with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.
• Take this drug at the same time of day.

How long does this drug take to work?

• For birth control, it will take 1 week to see the full effect.
• For other uses, it may take a few months to see the full effect.

What do I do if my child misses a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it and go back to your normal time.
• Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
• Missed dosing facts may be found in the package insert or call your doctor to find out what to do.

What safety measures do I need to take when my child is using this drug?

• If you have any blood flow problems, talk with your doctor.
• If you have high blood sugar (diabetes), talk with your doctor.
• If you have high cholesterol, talk with your doctor.
• Check all drugs you are taking with your doctor. This drug may not mix well with some other drugs.
• Keep a list of all your drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your doctor.
• Avoid cigarette smoking. People smoking more than 15 cigarettes per day have more chance for heart disease.
• To protect from diseases caused by having sex, use a latex condom.
• Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.

What are some side effects of this drug?

• Headache.
• Upset stomach or throwing up. Many small meals and good mouth care may help. Older children may suck hard, sugar-free candy.
• Feeling dizzy. Have your child get up slowly over a few minutes when sitting or lying down. Have your child be extra careful climbing stairs.
• Breast soreness.
• Period (menstrual) changes. These include spotting between cycles or very light periods.

When do I need to call my child's doctor?

• If you think there has been an overdose, call 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org), or emergency room (ER) right away.http://www.aapcc.org), or emergency room (ER) right away.
• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Signs of low mood (depression), thoughts of killing yourself, nervousness, emotional ups and downs, thinking that is not normal, anxiety, or lack of interest in life.
• Chest pain or pressure.
• Trouble breathing.
• Swelling, warmth, or pain in the leg or arm.
• A lump in the breast or breast soreness.
• Any rash.
• Side effect or health problem is not better or you are feeling worse.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

• Store at room temperature.
• Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.

General drug facts

• If your child has a very bad allergy, he/she needs to wear an allergy ID at all times.
• You may get this drug by drug order only. If there are refills, call your pharmacy. If your child does not have refills left, you may need to call your child's doctor.
• Get rid of this drug when your child no longer needs it or if the drug is outdated.
• If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• In Canada, take any unused drugs to the pharmacy. Also, visit http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/med/disposal-defaire-eng.php#th to learn about the right way to get rid of unused drugs.http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/med/disposal-defaire-eng.php#th to learn about the right way to get rid of unused drugs.
• Do not share your child's drug with others and do not give anyone else's drug to your child.
• Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your child's drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your child's doctor.
• These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
• Talk with the doctor before giving your child any new drug, including OTC, natural products, or vitamins.
• If you do not use a drug the right way, it may not be safe. Follow what your child’s doctor tells you.

This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take this medicine or any other medicine. Only your healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for you. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about this medicine. It does NOT include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to this medicine. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your healthcare provider. You must talk with your healthcare provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of using this medicine.

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