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

Quick overview

Norgestrel Tablet (generic name: norgestrel) is a progestin-only birth control pill, sold under brand names such as Opill and Ovrette, used to help prevent pregnancy. It belongs to the progestogens drug class and is available without a prescription. It works mainly by thickening cervical mucus and may also suppress ovulation in some cycles. It is taken once daily at the same time each day.

What is Norgestrel Tablet

Norgestrel (brand names Opill, Ovrette) is a daily progestin-only birth control pill used to prevent pregnancy. It is a hormone medicine available without a prescription.

Norgestrel Tablet uses

• Prevents pregnancy in females of reproductive potential.
• Provides daily hormonal contraception.
• Thickens cervical mucus to reduce sperm penetration.
• May suppress ovulation in some cycles.

Benefits of Norgestrel Tablet

• Provides effective pregnancy prevention when used correctly.
• Contains no estrogen.
• Offers convenient once-daily oral administration.
• Can be obtained without a prescription in the United States.
• Does not require a scheduled hormone-free interval.

How Norgestrel Tablet works

Norgestrel prevents pregnancy mainly by thickening cervical mucus so sperm cannot reach an egg. It may also stop the ovaries from releasing an egg.

Norgestrel Tablet dosage

Take this medicine by mouth at the same time every day. Start the next pack the day after you finish the last pack, with no breaks between packs. If you are switching from another birth control pill, ring, or patch, start taking norgestrel the day after you stop the other method. Use a barrier method such as a condom for the first two days (48 hours) after starting this medicine, since it takes about two days to start working. Use a barrier method for two days if you vomit or have severe diarrhea within four hours of taking a dose, since the medicine may not have been fully absorbed. Do not stop taking this medicine without talking to your doctor first. Continue taking it every day, even during your period and even if you do not have sex often. Do not skip doses, since missing pills increases the chance of pregnancy.

Available forms and strengths

• Tablet

Side effects of Norgestrel Tablet

Common

• Irregular periods or bleeding between periods
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Increased appetite
• Stomach pain, cramps, or bloating
• Breast tenderness
• Acne

Serious

• Severe allergic reaction: hives, trouble breathing, swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Severe or one-sided lower stomach pain, which could mean an ectopic pregnancy
• Liver problems: loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, upper right stomach pain, tiredness, itching, dark urine, light-colored stools, yellowing of skin or eyes
• Blood clot signs: pain, swelling, or warmth in the leg, shortness of breath, chest pain
• New or worsening migraines or headaches, especially with vision changes
• Stroke signs: sudden numbness or weakness of face, arm, or leg, trouble speaking, confusion, trouble walking, loss of balance, severe headache, vision changes
• Gallbladder problems: severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever
• Unusual vaginal bleeding or periods lasting more than 8 days
• Worsening mood or feelings of depression

Warnings and precautions

• Do not use this medicine as an emergency contraceptive (morning-after pill); it will not prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex and will not end an existing pregnancy.
• This medicine does not protect against HIV or other sexually transmitted infections.
• Do not take this medicine if you have or have had breast cancer, unexplained vaginal bleeding, active liver disease, or if you are male.
• Avoid taking St. John's wort while on this medicine, as it can make the birth control less effective.
• Taking certain medicines for seizures, tuberculosis, pulmonary hypertension, or HIV/AIDS can make this medicine less effective; ask your doctor or pharmacist first.
• Taking this medicine within 5 days of the emergency contraceptive ulipristal can make both medicines less effective.
• If you are allergic to aspirin, you may also be allergic to a color additive (tartrazine, FD&C yellow No. 5) found in this medicine.
• Do not take norgestrel if you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking it, stop and contact your doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, since the medicine passes into breast milk and your doctor needs to know before you use it.
• Kidney: No routine kidney-specific dosage adjustment is established. Significant kidney disease should be reviewed with a healthcare professional.
• Liver: Tell your doctor if you have or have had liver problems, and watch for signs of liver injury such as yellowing skin or eyes, dark urine, or stomach pain.
• Alcohol: It is not known whether drinking alcohol affects this medicine.
• Driving: Norgestrel may occasionally cause dizziness. Avoid driving if alertness is affected.

Storage

• Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F)
• Store away from moisture and heat
• Do not flush unused medicine down the toilet
• Take unused or expired medicine to a medication take-back program
• If a take-back program is not available, check the label to see if it can be thrown in the trash; if so, mix it with something like cat litter or coffee grounds, seal it in a bag, and throw it away
• Keep out of the reach of children and pets

When to see a doctor

• Get emergency help right away for signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as hives, trouble breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Call your doctor right away or get emergency help for severe pain in your lower stomach, especially on one side, as this could mean an ectopic pregnancy.
• Call your doctor right away if you have signs of liver problems, such as loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, upper right stomach pain, tiredness, itching, dark urine, light-colored stools, or yellowing of your skin or eyes.
• Call your doctor if you have unusual vaginal bleeding, a period lasting more than 8 days, or heavy bleeding.
• Call your doctor right away if you have new or worsening migraines, especially with vision changes, since this may raise stroke risk.
• Get medical help right away if you think you have taken too much of this medicine.
• Call your doctor right away if you miss your period for 2 months or think you might be pregnant.

Alternatives

• Opill
• Norethindrone Progestin-Only Tablets
• Drospirenone Progestin-Only Tablets