Kelnor

Kelnor is a prescription oral contraceptive that contains two different types of hormones (an estrogen and a progestin). These hormones help to prevent pregnancy by stopping ovulation and altering the cervical mucus and the lining of the uterus. Kelnor comes in a pack of 28 tablets; you must take one tablet daily, at the same time each day. Potential side effects include nausea, headaches, and breast tenderness.

 

What Is Kelnor?

Kelnor™ (ethynodiol diacetate/ethinyl estradiol) is a prescription birth control pill (oral contraceptive). It is approved for the prevention of pregnancy.
 
(Click Kelnor Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes Kelnor?

Kelnor is made by Barr Pharmaceuticals. Technically, Kelnor is a generic version of Demulen®, a birth control pill that is no longer available (see Generic Kelnor for more information).
 

How Does Kelnor Work?

Kelnor is a "combined" oral contraceptive, which means that it contains two different types of hormones. It contains both an estrogen (ethinyl estradiol) and a progestin (ethynodiol diacetate). Combined oral contraceptives are the most common type of birth control pill used today. Generally, they are more effective than progestin-only birth control pills.
 
The hormones in Kelnor prevent pregnancy primarily by stopping ovulation (the maturation and release of eggs from the ovaries). However, it also works to prevent pregnancy in two other, minor ways. Kelnor changes the cervical mucus (the fluid of the cervix, which is the lower, narrow part of the uterus that is connected to the vagina), making it more difficult for sperm to enter the uterus. It also alters the lining of the uterus (the endometrium), making it less receptive to an embryo.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;