Nortrel 1/35 is a combination oral contraceptive containing female hormones known as ethinyl estradiol and norethisterone. The drug is used to prevent pregnancy.
Contents:
Indications for use
- Contraception.
Mechanism of action
The drug has a contraceptive effect. Nortrel 1/35 contains the optimal ratio of two hormones – progestogen (norethisterone) and estrogen (ethinyl estradiol). It suppresses the production of gonadotropic (regulating the activity of the sexual glands) hormones, suppresses the maturation of the follicle (the structural and functional element of the ovary), inhibits ovulation (the exit of a mature egg from the ovary). The drug does not affect the lipid (fat) metabolism.
Dosage and mode of application
Each Nortrel 1/35 pack contains 21 active pills (ethinyl estradiol + norethisterone) and 7 inert pills (no hormones).
Take 1 pill per day, orally, for 21 days. Menstrual bleeding occurs 2-3 days after you begin taking inert pills with no medication. Start taking pills on the first day of your menstrual peri0od. The drug should be taken at the same time of a day.
Begin a new pack of contraceptive without intervals.
Side effects
In some cases, Nortrel 1/35 tablets can cause the following side effects:
- headache;
- gastralgia;
- nausea;
- vomiting;
- engorgement of the mammary glands;
- weight gain;
- changes in libido;
- depressed mood;
- eyelid edema;
- skin rash;
- conjunctivitis;
- visual impairment;
- hearing loss;
- thrombophlebitis;
- thromboembolism;
- generalized itching;
- jaundice;
- intermenstrual bleeding;
- chloasma.
Contraindications
Do not use Nortrel 1/35 if you have (or ever had) any of the following conditions:
- thrombophlebitis (venous wall inflammation with occlusion);
- thromboembolic diseases (vascular obstruction);
- cerebrovascular diseases;
- coronary artery disease;
- severe liver dysfunction;
- neoplasms of the genitourinary system;
- estrogen-dependent neoplasias;
- uterine bleeding of unknown etiology.
Interactions
Nortrel 1/35 can interact with some drugs. It’s recommended to avoid the following combinations:
- barbiturates;
- some antiepileptic drugs (carbamazepine, phenytoin);
- certain antibiotics (such as ampicillin, rifampicin);
- ethanol (regular excessive use);
- hypoglycemic drugs.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Nortrel 1/35 is contraindicated for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. If you get pregnant during the use of this hormonal contraceptive, the drug should be discontinued.
What if I miss a pill?
- If you missed an inert pill, discard it and continue taking birth control pills at your usual time;
- If you missed an active pill, take it as soon as possible. The interval between doses should not exceed 12 hours. If the interval is more than 36 hours, a reliable contraceptive effect is not guaranteed. Continue taking the pills and use additional non-hormonal methods of contraception during this menstrual period.
Precautions
The risk of cardiovascular complications on the background of taking oral contraceptives increases with smoking (especially in women over 35 years).
Before taking Nortrel 1/35 pills, it is necessary to consult the gynecologist.
The drug should be canceled with the following symptoms:
- inflammation of the vein wall;
- clotting of blood vessels;
- vascular obstruction;
- bloating;
- unusual pain in the legs;
- chest pain when breathing or coughing;
- heavy feeling in the chest;
- migraine headaches;
- sudden hearing and vision impairments;
- motor disorders.
The drug is discontinued 6 weeks before the planned surgical procedures. The risk of thrombosis increases with high blood pressure.
The drug is withdrawn with hepatitis, jaundice, itching, cholestasis, frequent epileptic seizures, primary or secondary porphyria.
Digestive disorders such as vomiting or diarrhea can reduce the contraceptive effect of Nortrel 1/35, so if you have these disorders, take an additional pill of this drug. If these symptoms are long-term, you should temporarily use additional barrier methods of contraception.