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In this Article

• What are estradiol and norethindrone (Activella)?
• What are the possible side effects of estradiol and norethindrone (Activella)?
• What is the most important information I should know about estradiol and norethindrone (Activella)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking estradiol and norethindrone (Activella)?
• How should I take estradiol and norethindrone (Activella)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Activella)?
• What happens if I overdose (Activella)?
• What should I avoid while using estradiol and norethindrone (Activella)?
• What other drugs will affect estradiol and norethindrone (Activella)?
• Where can I get more information?

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking estradiol and norethindrone (Activella)?

Do not take estradiol and norethindrone without first talking to your doctor if you have

• a circulation, bleeding, or blood-clotting disorder;
• undiagnosed, abnormal vaginal bleeding;
• any type of breast, uterine, or hormone-dependent cancer; or
• liver disease.

Taking estradiol and norethindrone may be dangerous in some cases if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Before taking estradiol and norethindrone, tell your doctor if you have

• high blood pressure, angina, or heart disease;
• high levels of cholesterol or triglycerides in your blood;
• kidney disease;
• asthma;
• epilepsy;
• migraines;
• depression;
• diabetes;
• gallbladder disease;
• uterine fibroids; or
• had a hysterectomy (uterus removed).

You may not be able to take estradiol and norethindrone, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Estradiol and norethindrone is in the FDA pregnancy category X. This means that estradiol and norethindrone is known to cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Do not take estradiol and norethindrone if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

Estradiol and norethindrone may decrease milk flow and have other effects on milk composition. Do not take estradiol and norethindrone without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take estradiol and norethindrone (Activella)?

Take estradiol and norethindrone exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a glass of water.

Try to take each dose at the same time every day.

Have yearly physical exams and examine your breasts for lumps on a monthly basis while taking estradiol and norethindrone.

Store ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone tablets at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and direct light.