Women Channel
Topics
Medications
Quicklinks
Related Channels
Camila
Camila is a progestin-only oral contraceptive that is available by prescription. It is generally recommended for women who are breastfeeding or who cannot take estrogens for other reasons. Since Camila is not very effective at stopping ovulation, it also works to prevent pregnancy by altering the cervical mucus and endometrium. Common side effects include nausea, breast tenderness, and irregular menstrual periods.
Camila® (norethindrone) is a prescription oral contraceptive, also known as a birth control pill. It is a generic version of Nor-QD®. Camila is a progestin-only contraceptive (also known as a "mini pill"), named because it contains just a progestin hormone. Most other birth control pills are combined oral contraceptives, meaning that they contain both an estrogen and a progestin hormone. Camila is an ideal choice for breastfeeding mothers and other women who should not take estrogens.
(Click What Is Camila Used For? for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Camila. However, not everyone who uses the contraceptive will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Common side effects include but are not limited to:
- Headaches
- Breast tenderness
- Irregular menstrual periods
- Nausea.
(Click Camila Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD