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

Quick overview

Norlyda Tablet (norethindrone) is a progestin-only birth control pill, often called a mini-pill, that does not contain estrogen. It is used to prevent pregnancy by thickening cervical mucus, and in some cycles, suppressing ovulation. It is taken once daily by mouth at the same time every day, with no hormone-free interval between packs.

What is Norlyda Tablet

Norlyda is a progestin-only birth control tablet, often called a mini-pill, that does not contain estrogen.

Norlyda Tablet uses

• Prevents pregnancy in females of reproductive potential.
• Provides continuous progestin-only contraception.
• Thickens cervical mucus to reduce sperm penetration.
• May suppress ovulation during some menstrual cycles.

Benefits of Norlyda Tablet

• Provides effective pregnancy prevention when used correctly.
• Contains no estrogen.
• Offers convenient once-daily oral administration.
• Does not require a scheduled hormone-free interval.

How Norlyda Tablet works

It prevents pregnancy mainly by stopping the ovaries from releasing an egg, thickening cervical mucus to block sperm, and changing the uterine lining to make pregnancy less likely.

Norlyda Tablet dosage

Take it by mouth, usually once daily, at the exact same time every day, 24 hours apart. Pick a time of day that is easy for you to remember. Taking it after your evening meal or at bedtime may help if you have stomach upset or nausea.

It is best to start taking it on the first day of your menstrual period; if you start on another day, use a backup non-hormonal birth control method for the first 48 hours. Keep taking one tablet every day; after finishing a pack, start the next pack the next day with no break and no reminder tablets. Take tablets in order and swallow them whole.

If you are late taking a pill, have diarrhea, or vomit soon after taking a pill, use a backup method of birth control for the next 48 hours. Do not stop taking your pills if you have irregular bleeding or spotting between periods.

Available forms and strengths

• Oral tablet, 0.35 mg

Side effects of Norlyda Tablet

Common

• Irregular periods, spotting between periods, heavier or lighter flow, or missed periods
• Headaches or dizziness
• Breast tenderness or enlargement
• Nausea, vomiting, or bloating
• Weight changes, acne, or increased hair growth, especially on the face

Serious

• Frequent and irregular bleeding
• Breast lumps
• Mental or mood changes such as new or worsening depression
• Severe stomach or abdominal pain
• Unusual changes in vaginal bleeding such as continuous spotting, sudden heavy bleeding, or missed periods
• Dark urine
• Yellowing of the eyes or skin
• Signs of a serious allergic reaction such as rash, itching or swelling of the face/tongue/throat, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing

Warnings and precautions

• Do not use this medicine if you smoke, as smoking while using birth control pills increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, or blood clots, especially if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or are overweight.
• This medicine may raise your risk of an ovarian cyst or an ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy outside the womb) if you become pregnant while using it, which can be serious and life-threatening.
• Do not use this medicine if you have breast cancer.
• Do not use this medicine if you have unusual vaginal bleeding that is not part of your normal cycle, as this needs to be checked by a doctor.
• This medicine does not protect against HIV or other sexually transmitted infections.
• This medicine may cause blotchy dark patches on the skin (melasma), which can be worsened by sunlight, so limit sun exposure and use sunscreen.
• Eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while taking this medicine can raise medicine levels in your body and increase the risk of side effects.
• Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant. It should not be used during pregnancy, and if you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, stop using it and contact your doctor right away.
• This medicine passes into breast milk. Talk to your doctor before breastfeeding.
• No routine renal-specific dosage adjustment is established. Patients with significant kidney disease require individualized medical assessment.
• Do not use this medicine if you have a liver tumor or if your liver is not working well. Your doctor may test your liver function if there are concerns.
• There are no known interactions between this medicine and alcohol.
• Norlyda is not generally associated with sedation, but dizziness may occasionally affect alertness while driving.

Storage

• Store at room temperature away from light and moisture.
• Do not store in the bathroom.
• Keep all medications away from children and pets.
• Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so.
• Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed; consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
• Norethindrone should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C); it can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods, such as during transport.
• Only remove a tablet from the blister pack when you are ready to take it.

When to see a doctor

• Get help right away if you have sudden or severe lower abdominal or stomach pain, as this could signal a serious ovarian cyst or ectopic pregnancy.
• Check with your doctor right away if you have trouble with contact lenses, blurred vision, difficulty reading, or any other change in vision.
• Get medical help right away if you notice signs of a serious allergic reaction, including rash, swelling of the face or throat, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.
• Tell your doctor right away if you have breast lumps, new or worsening mood changes, severe stomach pain, unusual vaginal bleeding, dark urine, or yellowing of the eyes or skin.
• Check with your doctor right away if you miss a menstrual period, since this could mean you are pregnant; if you miss two periods in a row, talk to your doctor about a pregnancy test.
• If you get sudden or severe stomach pain, or if you become pregnant while taking this medicine, stop taking it and call your health care provider right away because of the risk of ectopic pregnancy.
• If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, get emergency medical help right away; otherwise, contact a poison control center for guidance.

Alternatives

• Camila
• Errin
• Heather