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Norethindrone and Ethinyl Estradiol (Ovcon 35)

Category:

  • Hormone

Description:

  • Monophasic oral contraceptive

  • Ovcon: norethindrone 0.4mg, ethinyl estradiol 35mcg

Indications:

  • Contraceptive

Contraindications:

  • Pregnancy

  • Undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding

  • Known or suspected benign or malignant liver tumors while on oral contraceptive use

  • Breast carcinoma or estrogen-dependent neoplasia
  • Current or history of thromboembolic disorders, cerebral vascular or cardiovascular disease.

Precautions:

  • Pregnancy category X

  • Take as directed at intervals not exceeding 24 hours. Effectiveness is dependent upon strict compliance.

  • OCPs are 99.9% effective after the 1st month, if taken according to the prescribed schedule. 

  • During the first month, effectiveness depends on how many OCPs have been taken, but overall are about 95% effective, comparable to condoms or a diaphragm.

  • Breakthrough bleeding (“spotting”) may occur during initiation of therapy.

  • Instructions for missed doses:

    • One missed dose: Take as soon as possible or two tablets the next day and continue

    • Two missed doses: Take two tablets daily for two days, then continue normal schedule

    • Three missed doses: Discontinue therapy and begin new packet 7 days following last dose

  • May cause mental depression, fluid retention and depressed folate levels

  • Twenty-eight day packs contain seven days of inert ingredients to maintain regimen

Adverse Reactions (Side Effects):

  • Abdominal cramping, anorexia, nausea, vomiting

  • Acne (Usually makes it better)

  • Breast tenderness

  • Edema, weight gain

  • Unusual tiredness or weakness

  • Cardiovascular disorders (hypertension)

  • Thromboembolic disorders

Dosage:

  • Administered orally

  • One tablet daily for 21 or 28 days beginning on the:

    • Fifth day of the cycle, or

    • First Sunday after the beginning of flow

For more information on Oral Contraceptive Pills, read:

 


The information contained here is an abbreviated summary. For more detailed and complete information, consult the manufacturer's product information sheets or standard textbooks

Source: Operational Medicine 2001,  Health Care in Military Settings, NAVMED P-5139, May 1, 2001, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Department of the Navy, 2300 E Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20372-5300

This information is provided by The Brookside Associates.  The Brookside Associates, LLC. is a private organization, not affiliated with any governmental agency. The opinions presented here are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the Brookside Associates or the Department of Defense. The presence of any advertising on these pages does not constitute an endorsement of that product or service by either the US Department of Defense or the Brookside Associates. All material presented here is unclassified.

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