Common use

Aygestin (Norethindrone) is a form of progesterone, a female hormone important for regulating ovulation and menstruation. Aygestin is used for birth control (contraception) to prevent pregnancy. Aygestin is also used to treat menstrual disorders, endometriosis, or abnormal vaginal bleeding caused by a hormone imbalance.

Dosage and direction

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
If you take Aygestin for contraception: Take one pill every day, no more than 24 hours apart. You may get pregnant if you do not take one pill daily.
If you take Aygestin for menstrual disorders or abnormal vaginal bleeding: You will most likely take the medicine for only 5 to 10 days. Vaginal bleeding will occur 3 to 7 days after your last dose.
If you take Aygestin for endometriosis: Aygestin is usually taken daily long-term for several months. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose.

Precautions

Ask your doctor about using this medicine while you are breast-feeding. In some cases, you should not take Aygestin if you are nursing.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had: heart disease, high blood pressure; liver disease; depression; migraine headaches; diabetes; high cholesterol or triglycerides; uterine fibroid tumors; epilepsy; kidney disease; asthma; or if you smoke.

Contraindications

You should not use Aygestin if you are allergic to norethindrone, or if you have: unusual vaginal bleeding that has not been checked by a doctor; liver disease or a liver tumor; breast cancer; or a history of blood clots in your brain, eyes, lungs, or legs.
Do not use Aygestin if you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant. Stop taking the medicine and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.

Possible side effect

Common side effects of Aygestin may include: irregular vaginal bleeding or spotting; headache; breast pain or swelling; stomach pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting; hair loss; depressed mood, trouble sleeping; weight gain; or vaginal itching or discharge.

Drug interaction

Some drugs can make Aygestin (norethindrone) less effective, which may result in unintended pregnancy if you use Aygestin for contraception. Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially: St. John's wort; medicine to treat an infection (antibiotics or antifungal medicine); medicine to treat tuberculosis; medicine to treat HIV or AIDS; or seizure medication.

Missed dose

Call your doctor for instructions, or follow the patient instructions provided with your medicine. Missing a birth control pill increases your risk of becoming pregnant. If you are more than 3 hours late for your dose, take the medicine as soon as you remember and use back-up birth control for at least 48 hours. Take your next pill at the regularly scheduled time and continue on your regular dosing schedule.

Overdose

Seek emergency medical attention. An overdose of Aygestin is not expected to be dangerous.

Storage

Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep away from children.