NORDETTE (CALLED MINOVRAL IN CANADA( (ETHINYL ESTRADIOL/LEVONORGESTREL)

Nordette Description

Nordette is an oral contraceptive usually prescribed to help prevent an unplanned pregnancy, but may also benefit those ladies with acne, irregular periods, or are heavy bleeders during menstruation. You can choose if you want the 21 day supply of Nordette, or the 28 day supply that has 7 “reminder” pills that may help you keep in the habit of taking Nordette every day. Either way, the active ingredients are Ethinyl Estradiol (a synthetic estrogen), and Levonorgestrel (a progestin).

How Estrogen and Progestin Work to Suppress Ovulation

When taken as directed, Nordette (called Minovral in Canada) will help to suppress ovulation by tricking your pituitary gland into thinking you are already pregnant so there are sufficient hormones detected with no need to create more so no egg is released. Ethinyl Estradiol/Levonorgestrel also causes your cervical mucus to thicken so sperm find it difficult to make it through to fertilize an egg should ovulation occur. Lastly, the lining of your uterus is thinner so implantation is less likely to take place.

Other Reasons for Taking Nordette

There are many reasons that women have for not wanting to become pregnant now or possibly forever. Some want to get their career off to a good start, be financial stable, or buy a home first. Others may have a health condition that requires life-long treatment that could be harmful to an unborn baby, or short-term treatment to gain control of their diabetes or asthma first. Teen-aged girls or young women may be recommended to take Nordette as a way to help clear their acne or regulate their menstrual cycles.

Before Nordette is Prescribed for You

Your doctor may suggest you take a pregnancy test before starting Nordette if you have been sexually active. Discuss other medical conditions or allergies with your doctor that could interfere with taking Nordette. List any OTC or Rx drugs you currently use or take, including herbal remedies and dietary or vitamin supplements, so your doctor can determine if Nordette is safe for you.

Nordette Precautions and Recommendations

When starting this oral birth control, you should use a non-hormonal contraceptive such as a condom as back-up until your body is used to Nordette. Birth control pills are only as effective at preventing a pregnancy as you are in your diligence for taking them. Nordette will not prevent you or your partner from sexually transmitted diseases, including the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). If you are over 35 years of age and a smoker, you should not take Nordette as your risk of blood clots, stroke, or a heart attack is increased.

Possible Side Effects of Nordette

• Vaginal itching
• Breast tenderness
• Decreased sex drive
• Changes in your weight or appetite