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norgestrel and estrogen

G03FB01

Forms & Strengths

21-day pack: 0.5mg norgestrel, 0.05mg estrogen
28-day pack: 0.5mg norgestrel, 0.05mg estrogen, 7 placebo pills
Oral tablets: 0.075mg norgestrel, 0.02mg estrogen
Emergency contraceptive: 0.75mg norgestrel, 0.05mg estrogen

Adult Dosing

1 tablet PO qDay for 21 days, then 7 days off
1 tablet PO qDay for 28 days, with 7 placebo pills at end of pack
Start on first Sunday after menses begin or on first day of menses
For emergency contraception, take 1-2 tablets within 72 hours of unprotected sex

Pediatric Dosing

Not approved for use in children under 16 years old
Use in adolescents under 18 years old should be individualized

Indications

Contraception for prevention of pregnancy
Treatment of primary and secondary amenorrhea
Treatment of dysfunctional uterine bleeding
Emergency contraception

Mechanism of Action

Inhibition of ovulation by suppressing hypothalamic-pituitary axis
Thickening cervical mucus to prevent sperm penetration
Alteration of endometrial lining to prevent implantation

Contraindications

Pregnancy or suspected pregnancy
History of thrombophlebitis or thromboembolic disorders
Cerebrovascular or coronary artery disease
Hepatic adenoma or carcinoma
Breast cancer or other estrogen-dependent neoplasia

Adverse Reactions

Nausea and vomiting
Abdominal cramps and bloating
Headache and dizziness
Breast tenderness and mood changes
Breakthrough bleeding or spotting
Thrombophlebitis or pulmonary embolism

Drug Interactions

Barbiturates and other liver enzyme inducers may decrease efficacy
Antibiotics may decrease efficacy
Anticonvulsants and cyclosporine may decrease efficacy
Atorvastatin and other HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors may increase risk of thrombosis

Curated Content: Needs Vetting Before Put to Clinical Use