Ortho Micronor (Norethindrone) Drug Information: Side Effects and Drug Interactions

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May 27, 2012

Ortho Micronor

Information on Birth Control Pills »

What are birth control pills and how do they work?

Birth control pills are also known as oral contraceptives (OCs) or, simply, “the pill.” They offer protection against pregnancy by blocking the union of sperm and egg, thereby preventing conception.

Oral contraceptives or birth control pills contain synthetic female hormones. They work largely by preventing the release of an egg from an ovary, or ovulation. If no egg is released, there can be no pregnancy.

Stopping ovulation is not the only way birth control pills can work. The progestin or synthetic progesterone in birth control pills also changes the physical and chemical environment of the female reproductive tract, making it hostile for sperm.

What are the different types of birth control pills?

The active ingredients in birth control pills are synthetic versions of the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. Combination oral contraceptives are birth control...

Read the Information on Birth Control Pills article »

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SIDE EFFECTS

Adverse reactions reported with the use of POPs include:

Menstrual irregularity is the most frequently reported side effect.
Frequent and irregular bleeding are common, while long duration of bleeding episodes and amenorrhea are less likely.
Headache, breast tenderness, nausea, and dizziness are increased among progestin-only oral contraceptive users in some studies.
Androgenic side effects such as acne, hirsutism, and weight gain occur rarely.

DRUG INTERACTIONS

The effectiveness of progestin-only pills is reduced by hepatic enzyme-inducing drugs such as the anticonvulsants phenytoin, carbamazepine, and barbiturates, and the antituberculosis drug rifampin. No significant interaction has been found with broad-spectrum antibiotics.

Interactions with Laboratory Tests

The following endocrine tests may be affected by progestin-only oral contraceptive use:

Sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) concentrations may be decreased.
Thyroxine concentrations may be decreased, due to a decrease in thyroid binding globulin (TBG).

Last reviewed on RxList: 7/24/2008
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.