ethinylestradiol + norgestimate at a glance
Medicine class
Combined hormonal contraceptive containing an oestrogen and a progestogen.
Main licensed use
Prevention of pregnancy.
Administration
Swallow tablets whole. No special food or drink adjustment is required.
STI protection
It does not protect against HIV or other sexually transmitted infections; condoms provide STI protection.
What is ethinylestradiol + norgestimate used for?
Its licensed use is oral contraception.
Prevention of pregnancy.
Combined pills can improve acne and heavy or painful periods in some people, although these uses are not specifically listed in the selected product’s indication.
How does ethinylestradiol + norgestimate work?
It principally prevents ovulation by suppressing pituitary signals. Changes to cervical mucus, fallopian-tube movement and the womb lining also contribute.
ethinylestradiol + norgestimate preparations and strengths
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 250 micrograms + 35 micrograms
How to take ethinylestradiol + norgestimate
Follow the supplied pack instructions. Swallow tablets whole with water if needed and do not chew them.
No special food or drink restrictions are required.
Vomiting or severe diarrhoea may reduce absorption; follow the product’s missed-tablet instructions.
ethinylestradiol + norgestimate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Headache or migraine
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea or abdominal discomfort
- Bleeding or spotting between expected bleeds
- Painful or altered bleeding
- Breast pain
- Mood changes, low mood, nervousness or dizziness
- Acne or rash
- Fluid retention or weight change
Get urgent medical advice
- Symptoms of a blood clot, heart attack, stroke or transient ischaemic attack
- A new, unusually severe or persistent migraine-type headache, or new neurological symptoms
- Swelling of the face, tongue or throat, hives, or breathing difficulty
- Jaundice or severe upper-abdominal pain
- Severe or worsening depression, particularly thoughts of self-harm
ethinylestradiol + norgestimate in pregnancy
This combination is not intended for use during pregnancy. If pregnancy is suspected, take a test and contact the prescriber or contraception service. Available studies have not generally associated inadvertent early-pregnancy exposure with congenital malformations.
ethinylestradiol + norgestimate while breastfeeding
The hormones or their metabolites may enter breast milk, and combined hormonal contraception can reduce milk production. Discuss alternatives and individual blood-clot risk with a midwife, prescriber or contraception service.
ethinylestradiol + norgestimate interactions
Check all prescribed, over-the-counter and herbal products. Some interactions can reduce contraceptive protection or alter another medicine’s concentration.
Liver enzyme inducers, including carbamazepine, phenytoin, primidone, oxcarbazepine, topiramate, rifampicin and rifabutin
They can lower contraceptive hormone exposure, causing breakthrough bleeding and contraceptive failure.
St John’s wort
It can reduce contraceptive effectiveness and increase the risk of unintended pregnancy.
Some HIV and hepatitis C medicines
Common questions about ethinylestradiol + norgestimate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is ethinylestradiol + norgestimate used for?
It is a combined oral contraceptive used principally to prevent pregnancy.
Does it protect against sexually transmitted infections?
No. Condoms are needed to reduce the risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.
Can it be taken with food?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.