Tablet

Minestrin 1/20 Birth Control (norethindrone/ ethinyl estradiol) is an oral contraceptive and is used to prevent pregnancy.

Do not take Minestrin 1/20 Birth Control (norethindrone/ ethinyl estradiol) if you are allergic to any ingredient in Minestrin 1/20 Birth Control (norethindrone/ ethinyl estradiol) or to similar medications.

Before using Minestrin 1/20 Birth Control (norethindrone/ ethinyl estradiol), tell your health care provider about any of the following: if you are pregnant, plan on becoming pregnant, or breastfeeding if you are taking or planning to take any prescription or nonprescription medicine if you have any other medical condition if you have high blood pressure if you have kidney, liver or heart problems if you are a smoker if you have or have had breast cancer

Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious adverse effects on the heart and blood vessels. This risk increases with age and becomes significant in women using Minestrin 1/20 Birth Control (norethindrone/ ethinyl estradiol).

Other: Abdominal cramps and bloating); breakthrough bleeding; spotting; change in menstrual flow; dysmenorrhea; amenorrhea during and after treatment; temporary infertility after discontinuance of treatment; edema; chloasma or melasma which may persist; breast changes: tenderness, enlargement, and secretion; change in weight (increase or decrease); endocervical hyperplasias; possible diminution in lactation when given immediately postpartum; cholestatic jaundice; migraine; increase in size of uterine leiomyomata; rash (allergic); mental depression; reduced tolerance to carbohydrates; vaginal candidiasis; premenstrual-like syndrome; intolerance to contact lenses; change in corneal curvature (steepening); cataracts; optic neuritis; retinal thrombosis; changes in libido; chorea; changes in appetite; cystitis-like syndrome; rhinitis; headache; nervousness; dizziness; hirsutism; loss of scalp hair; erythema multiforme; erythema nodosum.

How much medicine you take and how often you take it depend on many factors, including the condition being treated and the age and weight of the patient. If you have any questions about the amount and/or frequency of Minestrin 1/20 Birth Control (norethindrone/ ethinyl estradiol) you are taking, talk with your health care provider. Do not stop taking Minestrin 1/20 Birth Control (norethindrone/ ethinyl estradiol) without checking with your health care provider. Patients with previous medical conditions should talk with their health care provider before taking Minestrin 1/20 Birth Control (norethindrone/ ethinyl estradiol). Do not take more medicine than prescribed unless advised to do so by your health care provider. Do not take any other over-the-counter or prescription medications without talking with your health care provider. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless advised by your health care provider. If more than one dose is missed, contact your health care provider or pharmacist. Label the pack by selecting the appropriate day label strip that starts with Day 1 of your menstrual period (counting the first day of menstrual flow as Day 1). Place the strip in the space where you see the words "Place Day Label Here." Having the compact dispenser labelled with the correct day of the week will help remind you to take your tablet every day. On Day 1 of your menstrual cycle, take your first tablet, beginning with the first tablet in the top row (where you see the word "start"). This tablet should correspond to the day of the week that you are taking your first tablet. To remove the tablet, push it through the back of the compact dispenser. On the following day, take the next tablet in the row, always proceeding from left to right. Each new row will always begin on the same day of the week. Take one pill at approximately the same time every day for 28 days. Begin a new pack the next day, not missing any days on the pills. Your period should occur during the last 7 days of using that pill pack. Always have a new compact ready to start each new cycle (refills may be obtained by giving a pharmacist the number on the prescription label).

Store Minestrin 1/20 Birth Control (norethindrone/ ethinyl estradiol) at room temperature in a cool dry place, protect from heat and light. Keep all medicines out of the reach of children and pets.