Nortrel is a combined birth control pill that you can get as both a monophasic pill and a triphasic pill. Both versions contain the same hormones: norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol. The monophasic pill, commonly referred to as Nortrel 28, comes in two different doses: 0.5/35 and 1/35. And the triphasic pill, usually known as Nortrel 7/7/7, includes three different doses in each packet: 0.5mg - 0.035mg / 0.75mg - 0.035mg / 1mg - 0.035mg.
If the monophasic pill doesn’t work well enough for you when it comes to managing PMS symptoms, the triphasic pill might be the ideal option for you as it can match your cycle more closely than the monophasic pill. Both are equally effective and your chances of becoming pregnant while taking it are below 1%, as long as you take it correctly.
Nortrel contains the hormone norethindrone, which tends to have fewer progestogenic side effects than other pills. These side effects include heavy bleeding, breast fullness and tenderness, headaches, fluid retention, tiredness, irritability, nausea and bloating.
How does Nortrel work?
The hormones present in Nortrel have three main functions. First and foremost, they keep you from ovulating, and this alone can prevent pregnancy. But if for some reason you ovulate anyways, the hormones prevent a build-up of the uterine wall so an egg can’t implant there. Finally, the hormones also make your cervical fluid thicker so sperm can’t get through. All of these factors together make pregnancy very unlikely to happen, and as a bonus, your periods will also be lighter.
What doses of Nortrel are there?
You can get triphasic and monophasic Nortrel pills. The monophasic pills come in two different doses, and will include 21 active and 7 inactive pills in each packet. The triphasic pill will include three different doses in each packet, with seven pills of each, plus seven inactive pills. The doses are:
21 active pills with 0.5mg norethindrone acetate and 0.035 ethinyl estradiol, and 7 inactive pills;
21 active pills with 1mg norethindrone acetate and 0.035mg ethinyl estradiol, and 7 inactive pills;
7 active pills of each of the following doses: 0.5mg - 0.035mg / 0.75mg - 0.035mg / 1mg - 0.035mg of norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol respectively, plus 7 inactive pills.
The highest dose of the monophasic pill is recommended for people with heavy periods, especially if it has led to anemia. The lower dose has fewer side effects so it’s the best option for people with light periods who tend to be sensitive to high levels of hormones. The triphasic pill matches your cycle closely, so it will be a better option if you experience side effects with the monophasic pill.
There are a lot of other pills with the same hormones as Nortrel but in different doses. Some are monophasic with higher hormone levels, and some have higher progestin levels but lower estrogen levels. And some options are biphasic or triphasic. So if you get side effects with Nortrel or it doesn’t control your menstrual symptoms well enough, we can help you find a different option.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
Nortrel
How to take Nortrel
The clinician who prescribes Nortrel to you will give you instructions on how to take it, and you should always follow their directions. But there are a few general guidelines you can keep in mind when taking birth control: Take your pill with a glass of water; you don’t need to take it with food Birth control isn’t completely effective as soon as you start taking it, so you should use a barrier contraceptive method, such as a condom or spermicide, for the first week of you taking Seasonique You need to take one pill at the same time every day; if the interval between pills exceeds 24 hours, the effectiveness of the hormones lowers and you might become pregnant as a result. If you’re not used to taking pills and need to be reminded, you should set an alarm on your phone to ring at the same time every day. You should also always have the pills with you, in case your alarm rings and you’re not at home
How long does it take Nortrel to work?
Nortrel won’t protect you from pregnancy as soon as you start taking it. It usually takes about a week for the hormones to reach the optimum level and get to work efficiently in your body. For that reason, you should continue to use a barrier contraceptive method for the first seven days of you taking your birth control, such as a condom or spermicide.
What should I do if I make a mistake when taking Nortrel?
If you forget to take your pill, you should take it as soon as you remember. But if it’s almost time for your next one, simply skip the one you missed and continue taking your pill as usual. You should never take two pills to make up for a missed one, as that won’t make it more effective and it might cause some adverse effects. Keep in mind that if you miss a pill or more during your cycle, the effectiveness rate of the birth control drops slightly, and you might become pregnant as a result. To be on the safe side, you should use a condom or spermicide until your next cycle starts. If you’re not used to taking pills and need a reminder, the best thing for you to do is set an alarm on your phone to ring at the same time every day. If on the other hand you accidentally took too much Nortrel, don’t worry. The toxicity of the pill is low and overdoses are uncommon.[3] You might feel some nausea and get mild vaginal bleeding as a result of taking too much Nortrel. Unless these effects are persistent and severe, you shouldn’t be alarmed. But if they are, you should seek emergency medical attention.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
Nortrel
Nortrel
Nortrel: FAQ
Have something specific you want to know? Search our info below, or ask our experts a question if you can’t find what you’re looking for.
Why should I buy Nortrel online with Treated?
Answer:
You can buy Nortrel online through our service to receive high-quality medical care as well as your pills delivered from a licensed US pharmacy within two to five days from your order. The process is simple: you just need to sign up and answer a few questions about your health and a clinician licensed to practice in your state will get in touch to discuss which medication options are best for you.
We take into account your personal health and circumstances to make sure that you get the best outcome out of your medication, and the side effects are as mild and few as possible. And if you’re getting persistent and strong side effects for your medication, we will work with you to find a different solution.
How effective is Nortrel?
Answer:
Nortrel is a very effective form of birth control, with an effectiveness rate of almost 100% if taken correctly. But the effectiveness rate drops slightly if you forget to take a pill or more during your cycle, or if the interval between pills exceeds 24 hours regularly. To be on the safe side, you should set an alarm on your phone to ring at the same time every day, and always have your pills with you in case you need to take one and you’re not at home.
Do I need a prescription for Nortrel?
Answer:
Yes, you need a prescription to buy Nortrel. This is to make sure that a doctor assesses your health history and circumstances before you take birth control, so they can recommend the best options and explain the different doses available and side effects.
You can get Nortrel through our service by answering a few quick questions and having a one-on-one conversation with a clinician. They’ll tell you which birth control options are best for you, and you can then pick which one you’d like to try.
Is Nortrel similar to any other birth control pills?
Answer:
Nortrel 0.5/35 is the same as the 0.5/35 version of Necon, Bevison, Modicon and Wera. the 1/35 version of Nortrel is the same as the 1/35 version of Ortho-Novum, Pimella, Necon, Cyclafem, Alyacen, Norinyl and Dasetta. And Nortrel 7/7/7 is the same as the 7/7/7 version of Ortho-Novum, Necon, Cyclafem, Alyacen, Dasetta and Pimella.
The difference between all of these is the manufacturer, so the appearance of the pills and packaging might differ, as well as the price.
How is Nortrel different to other birth control pills?
Answer:
Nortrel contains norethindrone, so the risk of progestogenic side effects and thromboembolism is generally lower than with other pills. The lower dose in particular is better for women who’ve had side effects on other pills and are looking for a combined pill alternative.
If you experience side effects with the monophasic version of Nortrel, the triphasic version matches your cycle better which may lead to fewer side effects.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please talk to a doctor.
This treatment category isn't suitable for the gender you have selected.
If you made a mistake on the gender selection, you can amend this by pressing 'Cancel' below and changing your gender. If you entered the correct gender but made a mistake on the treatment category selection, you can choose a different category by pressing 'Choose other treatment' below.
