Ethinyl Estradiol/Norethindrone Acetate (Oral Contraceptive)

Norethindrone Acetate can be prescribed as an oral contraceptive medication. This medication consists of a daily pill. The woman must take the pill at the same time each day for the maximum effect.

Oral contraceptive medications work by raising the woman’s estrogen levels so that her body doesn’t release eggs, guards itself against entry by sperm and stops fertilized eggs from easily implanting themselves into the uterus.

Side Effects/Warnings

Women should quit smoking if possible before taking this medication. If a woman doesn’t feel she is able to stop smoking, she should cut back on how much she smokes. Smoking while on this medication greatly increases the risk of heart attack or stroke, especially in women over the age of 35.