Errin Tablet: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Errin Tablet contains norethindrone, a progestin-only contraceptive with no estrogen, often called the "mini-pill." It is taken daily to help prevent pregnancy. It works mainly by thickening cervical mucus and changing the uterine lining, and it may also suppress ovulation in some cycles. It is taken continuously, one tablet daily, with no breaks between packs.

What is Errin Tablet

Errin is a birth control pill that contains only one hormone, progestin (norethindrone), with no estrogen. It is often called the 'mini-pill' and is taken to prevent pregnancy.

Errin Tablet uses

• Prevention of pregnancy (progestin-only oral contraceptive)

Benefits of Errin Tablet

• Helps prevent pregnancy when taken correctly.
• Provides an estrogen-free contraceptive option.
• Works mainly by thickening cervical mucus, making it harder for sperm to reach an egg.
• Also changes the uterine lining, reducing the chance of implantation.
• May suppress ovulation in some cycles.

How Errin Tablet works

Errin works mainly by thickening the mucus at the entrance of the womb so sperm cannot easily reach the egg, and by changing the lining of the uterus so a fertilized egg cannot implant. It also stops the ovaries from releasing an egg in about half of cycles by affecting related hormones.

Errin Tablet dosage

Take one tablet by mouth every day at the same time, with no breaks between packs. It's best to start taking the first tablet on the first day of your period. If you start on a different day, use a backup method of birth control, such as condoms or spermicide, for the next 48 hours. After finishing all the tablets in a pack, start the next pack the very next day without skipping any days.

Taking the tablet after dinner or at bedtime may help if you feel stomach upset or nausea, but keep taking it at the same time every day. You may have irregular, heavier, or lighter periods, or spotting between periods; keep taking your tablets even if this happens.

If you are more than 3 hours late taking a tablet, or you miss one, take it as soon as you remember and use a backup method of birth control for the next 48 hours. If you vomit or have diarrhea soon after taking a tablet, use a backup method of birth control for the next 48 hours.

If you are fully breastfeeding, you may start the tablets 6 weeks after delivery; if partially breastfeeding, you may start by 3 weeks after delivery. Ask your doctor or pharmacist how to switch from another hormonal birth control method to this one.

Available forms and strengths

• Tablet (0.35 mg)

Side effects of Errin Tablet

Common

• Menstrual irregularity (frequent, irregular, longer, or absent bleeding)
• Headache
• Breast tenderness or pain
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Acne
• Unwanted or increased hair growth
• Weight gain
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Fatigue
• Swelling (edema)
• Depression
• Nervousness
• Pain in arms or legs
• Vaginal discharge
• Suppressed milk production while breastfeeding
• Bleeding after stopping the medicine
• Hair loss
• Rash
• Itching

Serious

• Lumps in the breast
• New or worsening depression or other mood changes
• Severe stomach or abdominal pain
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding, such as continuous bleeding, sudden heavy bleeding, or missed periods
• Dark urine or yellowing of the eyes or skin (possible liver problem)
• Signs of blood clots: chest pain, jaw or left arm pain, confusion, dizziness or sudden loss of consciousness, pain/swelling/warmth in the leg or groin, sudden trouble speaking, shortness of breath or rapid breathing, severe headache, weakness on one side of the body, or vision changes
• Signs of severe allergic reaction: rash, trouble breathing, swelling of the face/tongue/throat, or severe dizziness
• Sudden or severe lower abdominal or stomach pain (possible ectopic pregnancy or ovarian cyst)

Warnings and precautions

• Do not take Errin if you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant. It is recommended to rule out pregnancy before starting this medicine. Tell your doctor right away if you think you have become pregnant while using it.
• Small amounts of the hormone in Errin can pass into breast milk. Talk to your doctor before breastfeeding while taking this medicine.
• Do not use Errin if you have liver tumors (benign or cancerous) or acute liver disease. Tell your doctor about any history of liver disease, including a history of jaundice during pregnancy or hormonal birth control use.
• Do not smoke while taking Errin. Smoking increases the risk of serious problems such as heart attack, stroke, and blood clots, especially with hormonal birth control, and this risk increases with age and the number of cigarettes smoked.
• Errin does not protect against sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, gonorrhea, or chlamydia.
• Tell your doctor if you are having surgery or will be sitting for long periods, such as on a long flight, since this can raise the risk of blood clots, especially while using hormonal birth control.
• Errin can cause dark patches on the skin (melasma) that may worsen with sun exposure. Limit sun exposure, use sunscreen, and wear protective clothing.
• Do not use Errin if you have known or suspected breast cancer, unexplained vaginal bleeding, liver tumors, or acute liver disease.

Storage

• Store at 20–25°C (68–77°F) at controlled room temperature.
• Keep tablets in their original, tightly closed packaging until ready to use.
• Protect from excessive heat, moisture, and direct sunlight.
• Avoid storing in bathrooms or other hot and humid locations.
• Keep out of reach and sight of children and pets.

When to see a doctor

• Get emergency medical help right away if you have signs of a blood clot, such as chest pain, jaw or arm pain, confusion, sudden difficulty speaking, leg or groin pain and swelling, sudden shortness of breath, a severe or unusual headache, weakness on one side of your body, or vision changes.
• Seek immediate medical attention if you notice signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as rash, trouble breathing, or swelling of the face, tongue, or throat.
• Call your doctor right away if you have sudden or severe pain in your lower abdomen or stomach, as this could be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy or an ovarian cyst.
• Contact your doctor if you miss two periods in a row, as you might need a pregnancy test.

Alternatives

• Slynd
• Heather
• Jencycla
• Camila