Heather Side Effects Center

What Is Heather?

Heather (norethindrone tablets) is a progestin-only oral contraceptive indicated for pregnancy prevention. Heather is available in generic form.

What Are Side Effects of Heather?

Common side effects of Heather include:

• irregular menstrual periods,
• headache,
• breast tenderness,
• nausea,
• dizziness,
• acne,
• excess hair growth, and
• weight gain.

Cigarette smoking greatly increases the possibility of suffering heart attacks and strokes. Women who use oral contraceptives are strongly advised not to smoke.

Dosage for Heather

The dose of Heather is one tablet taken every day, at the same time. The administration is continuous, with no interruption between pill packs.

What Drugs, Substances, or Supplements Interact with Heather?

Heather may interact with antibiotics, anticonvulsants, rifampin, barbiturates, phenylbutazone, phenytoin, carbamazepine, felbamate, oxcarbazepine, topiramate, griseofulvin, anti-HIV protease inhibitors, and St. John's wort. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use.

Heather During Pregnancy or Breastfeeding

Heather is not intended for use during pregnancy. Small amounts of progestin pass into breast milk, resulting in decreased milk production. Very rarely, adverse effects on the infant/child have been reported, including jaundice. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Additional Information

Our Heather (norethindrone tablets) Side Effects Drug Center provides a comprehensive view of available drug information on the potential side effects when taking this medication.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• sudden vision loss, bulging eyes, or severe headache;
• swelling, rapid weight gain;
• unusual vaginal bleeding;
• missed menstrual periods;
• pelvic pain (especially on one side);
• a breast lump;
• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
• increased thirst, increased urination;
• liver problems--loss of appetite, stomach pain (upper right side), dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
• signs of a blood clot--sudden numbness or weakness, problems with vision or speech, chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling or redness in an arm or leg.

Common side effects 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.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.