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In this Article

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

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking estradiol and norgestimate (Prefest)?

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

• a bleeding or blood-clotting disorder;
• a history of stroke or circulation problems;
• abnormal vaginal bleeding that a doctor has not checked; or
• any type of breast, uterine, or hormone-dependent cancer.

Before using estradiol and norgestimate, tell your doctor if you have:

• high blood pressure, angina, or heart disease;
• high cholesterol or triglycerides;
• liver disease;
• kidney disease;
• asthma;
• epilepsy or other seizure disorder;
• migraines;
• diabetes;
• depression;
• gallbladder disease;
• uterine fibroids; or
• if you have had your uterus removed (hysterectomy).

Estradiol and norgestimate increases your risk of developing endometrial hyperplasia, a condition that may lead to cancer of the uterus. Taking progestins while using estradiol and norgestimate may lower this risk. If your uterus has not been removed, your doctor may prescribe a progestin for you to take while you are using estradiol and norgestimate.

Long-term estradiol and norgestimate treatment may increase your risk of stroke. Talk with your doctor about your individual risks before using estradiol and norgestimate long-term. Your doctor should check your progress on a regular basis (every 3 to 6 months) to determine whether you should continue this treatment.

FDA pregnancy category X. This medication can cause birth defects. Do not use estradiol and norgestimate if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment. Use an effective form of birth control while you are using this medication.

Estradiol and norgestimate can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. This medication may also slow breast milk production. Do not use if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take estradiol and norgestimate (Prefest)?

Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Take this medication with a full glass of water.

This medication usually comes in a pack of pills that are different colors. In most cases, you will take a pill of one color for three days in a row, followed by taking a pill of the other color for the next three days. This cycle is then repeated throughout your treatment.

Each time you start a new pack, start with the first tablet in the first row of pills. Your medication may come with stickers to mark your weekday schedule on the pack.

Be sure to have a new pack of this medication ready to start on the day after you have finished an entire pill pack.

Try to take estradiol and norgestimate at the same time each day.

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

Store estradiol and norgestimate at room temperature away from moisture and heat.