Nordette 28 is an oral contraceptive/birth
control pill manufactured by
Wyeth Pharmaceuticals. Other
brand names of this drug include;
Levlen, Levora & Alesse.
The generic name of Nordette
is Levonorgestrel and Ethinyl
Estradiol (Oral). Each Nordette
28 package contains: 21 yellow,
round, bi-convex tablets, each
containing;
- Ethinyl estradiol - 30 microgram
and
- Levonorgestrel 150 microgram,
followed by 7 red, round, bi-convex
tablets. A prescription drug
Nordette comes in 3x28 packaging;
this means a three months supply
comes in one packet.
Usage
of Nordette
Aside from Nordette being used
as a birth control pill, it
has also been reported to have
the following beneficial effects:
a reduction in iron-deficiency
or anemia; a reduction in the
risk of endometrial carcinoma;
a reduction in the occurrence
of ovarian cysts; a reduction
in the incidence of primary
dysmenorrhoea; a reduction in
the occurrence of ovarian carcinoma
and a reduction in the incidence
of benign breast lesions. Nordette
is also used to treat the symptoms
of menopause and regulate the
menstrual cycle.
Warnings
while using Nordette
Smoking cigarettes while on
Nordette increases your chance
of having heart problems. Women
older than 35 years of age and
women who smoke more than 15
cigarettes a day are at a greater
risk for heart trouble. It is
mportant to understand that
Nordette will not prevent the
spread of STDs. Do not use this
drug if you are pregnant or
suspect that you are pregnant.
As this drug is excreted in
breast milk, do not breast feed
while on Nordette.
Drug
Interactions of Nordette
It is vital that you know that
some medicines or medical conditions
may interact with this drug.
This is why it is important
to inform your doctor of all
prescription and OTC drugs you
are taking. Also inform your
doctor if you had or have suffered
from any of the following conditions;
cancer, diabetes, headaches
or migraines, high triglyceride
levels, high blood pressure,
recent surgery or allergies.
Do not use this drug if you
have a history of blood vessel
problems in the brain or heart,
heart valve problems, heart
attacks, uncontrolled high blood
pressure, abnormal or undiagnosed
vaginal bleeding, breast cancer,
serious liver problems, blood
clots, blood disorders such
as porphyria, stroke, or if
you smoke.
Do not take Nordette if you
are on any of the following
drugs as it increases your risk
of getting pregnant;
- azole antifungal medicines
such as ketoconazole or itraconazole,
- acitretin,
- aprepitant,
- bosetan,
- barbiturates,
- griseofulvin,
- carbamazepine,
- topiramate,
- tetracycline antibiotics,
- hydantoins such as phenytoin,
- St. John's wort, or
- rifampin.
Additional monitoring maybe
required if you are taking;
- benzodiazepines,
- corticosteroids,
- felbamate,
- HIV protease inhibitors,
- nevirapine,
- modafinil,
- beta-blockers such as metoprolol
or carvedilol,
- lamotrigine,
- pioglitazone,
- penicillin antibiotics,
- theophylline,
- troglitazone,
- troleandomycin, or
- medication for seizures.
It is important that you do
not start or stop this drug
without your doctor’s
approval.
Usage
of Nordette
Use Nordette exactly as prescribed
by your doctor. It is important
that you take this drug at the
same time every day, no more
than 24 hours apart. If you
miss a dose take it as soon
as possible, then take your
next dose at your regular time.
This means you can take 2 doses
on the same day. If you miss
more than 1 dose of Nordette
contact your doctor.
Caution
while using Nordette
Do not take Nordette if you
have had an allergic reaction
to it or any of its ingredients.
It is also important that you
keep all your appointments with
your doctor while taking Nordette.
If you are having surgery or
will be confined to a chair
or bed for a long period of
time notify your doctor 3 to
4 weeks in advance as special
precautions may need to be taken.
If you miss your period during
the week of inactive pills,
call your doctor immediately
as it can indicate that you
maybe pregnant. Bleeding or
spotting may occur while taking
Nordette; however the bleeding
or spotting continues for more
than 7 days or is heavy, contact
your doctor. Taking certain
antibiotics or anticonvulsants
while using Nordette may decrease
the effectiveness of it.
If you wear contact lenses
you may develop problems using
them while on this drug, so
contact your doctor. Nordette
may also cause dark skin patches
on your face. If these patches
develop, use a sunscreen or
protective clothing when exposed
to the sun, and avoid sunlamps,
or tanning booths.
Side
Effects of Using Nordette
Possible side effects that may
occur during treatment include;
- nausea,
- vomiting,
- bleeding between menstrual
periods,
- breast tenderness,
- or weight change
However these symptoms tend
to go away after a while. Contact
your doctor as soon as possible
if you experience;
- persistent or recurrent abnormal
vaginal bleeding,
- a missed menstrual period,
- dizziness or fainting,
- swelling of fingers or ankles,
- calf/leg pain or swelling,
- trouble breathing or shortness
of breath,
- one-sided weakness,
- slurred speech,
- lumps in the breast,
- sudden severe headaches,
- sharp or crushing chest pain,
- yellowing of the skin or eyes,
- changes in vision,
- numbness of an arm or leg,
or
- severe stomach pain.
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