Nortrel (Cont.)

How Does Nortrel Work?

Nortrel is a combined oral contraceptive, the most common type of birth control pill used today. It is a combined oral contraceptive because it contains a combination of two different types of hormones. It contains both an estrogen (ethinyl estradiol) and a progestin (norethindrone). Most importantly, the hormones in Nortrel prevent pregnancy by stopping ovulation (the maturation and release of eggs from the ovaries).
 
Nortrel also works to prevent pregnancy in two other, minor ways. Nortrel 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. Lastly, Nortrel alters the lining of the uterus (called the endometrium), making it less receptive to an embryo.
 
Nortrel 0.5/35 and Nortrel 1/35 are "monophasic" birth control pills, which means that there is only one strength of hormones throughout the pack. Nortrel 7/7/7 is a "triphasic" birth control pill, which means that there are three different phases (with three different doses of hormones) in each pack.
 

When and How to Use Nortrel

Some general considerations for when and how to use Nortrel include the following:
 
  • Nortrel comes in the form of a tablet. It is taken by mouth once a day.
     
  • Each pack of Nortrel contains either 21 or 28 pills. Nortrel 0.5/35 and Nortrel 7/7/7 only come in 28-day packs, while Nortrel 1/35 comes in 21-day or 28-day packs.
     
  • For 28-day packs: once you finish a pack, start a new pack right away, even if you are still having your period. You will probably start your period during the last seven days of the pack.
     
  • For 21-day packs: once you finish a pack, wait seven days before starting the next pack. You will probably start your period during this week, but make sure to start the next pack on schedule no matter when your period starts.
     
  • You can take Nortrel with food or on an empty stomach. If Nortrel bothers your stomach, try taking it with food.
     
  • It is very important to take Nortrel every day, at the same time each day. Try to pick a time that is easy to remember (such as at bedtime or breakfast). If you have trouble remembering, please talk with your healthcare provider, as missing pills increases your risk of pregnancy.
     
  • Make sure you know exactly what to do if you miss any pills. In some circumstances, you may need to use a backup method of contraception (such as condoms) for a week.
     
  • For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed.
     
(Nortrel Continued: Page 3)

Pages:

Previous 1 2 3 4 5 Next

Add this article to your Favorites     Email this article     Print
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;