Ethinyl estradiol and Norgestimate

  • Brand Name : Ortho-Novum
  • Drug Class : Estrogens/Progestins, Contraceptives, Oral
  • Medical Author : Divya Jacob, Pharm. D.
  • Medical Reviewer : Sarfaroj Khan, BHMS, PGD Health Operations
  • _eael_post_view_count : 9

What Is Norgestimate/Ethinyl Estradiol and How Does It Work?

Ethinyl estradiol and norgestimate are prescription medications, a combination of birth control pills containing female hormones that prevent ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovary).

What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Norgestimate/Ethinyl Estradiol?

Common side effects of Ethinyl estradiol and Norgestimate include:

  • stomach pain, gas, nausea, vomiting.
  • breast tenderness.
  • acne, and darkening of facial skin.
  • headache, nervousness, and mood changes.
  • problems with contact lenses.
  • Weight change.
  • breakthrough bleeding.
  • vaginal itching or discharge; or
  • rash.

Serious side effects of Ethinyl estradiol and Norgestimate include:

  • hives.
  • difficult breathing.
  • swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • signs of a stroke–sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body), sudden severe headache, slurred speech, problems with vision or balance.
  • signs of a blood clot–sudden vision loss, stabbing chest pain, feeling short of breath, coughing up blood, pain or warmth in one or both legs.
  • heart attack symptoms–chest pain or pressure, pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, nausea, sweating.
  • liver problems–loss of appetite, upper stomach pain, tiredness, fever, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
  • severe headache, pounding in your neck or ears.
  • swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.
  • changes in the pattern or severity of migraine headaches.
  • a breast lump; or
  • symptoms of depression–sleep problems, weakness, tired feeling, mood changes.

Rare side effects of Ethinyl estradiol and Norgestimate include:

  • none

Seek medical care or call 911 at once if you have the following serious side effects:

  • Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, arm or leg weakness, trouble walking, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady, very stiff muscles, high fever, profuse sweating, or tremors;
  • Serious eye symptoms such as sudden vision loss, blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights;
  • Serious heart symptoms such as fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeats; fluttering in the chest; shortness of breath; sudden dizziness, lightheartedness, or passing out.

This is not a complete list of side effects and other serious side effects or health problems that may occur because of the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may report side effects or health problems to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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