Norethindrone

What is Norethindrone?

Norethindrone is a type of birth control pill called a “mini pill,” because it contains only one of the two hormones usually found in birth control. You’ll also see it called a “progestin-only pill,” or “POP” for short.

Because Norethindrone isn’t a “name brand,” it’s super cheap. (And isn’t any less effective compared to other mini pills.)

Norethindrone dosages can change depending on why you’re taking it. As a daily pill to prevent pregnancy, the dosage is 0.35mg. A higher dosage of norethindrone can be used to treat endometriosis.

Because Norethindrone doesn’t contain estrogen, you can take Norethindrone (and other progestin-only pills) while breastfeeding.

How does Norethindrone birth control work?

Norethindrone pills help prevent pregnancy in several ways. By making the mucus in your cervix thicker, so it’s hard for sperm to get through. By changing the lining of your uterus so a fertilized egg won’t attach. And by stopping ovulation (though this doesn’t happen 100% of the time).

The norethindrone mini pill won’t protect you from STIs, so get tested often and use condoms with new partners.

Take Norethindrone daily, at the same time of day. Like other progestin-only pills, Norethindrone does several different things to prevent pregnancy. It can stop ovulation in some women but this doesn’t happen 100% of the time, so the other ways are important too. Norethindrone makes the mucus in your cervix thicker, so it’s difficult for sperm to get through and fertilize an egg. Then, just in case, it also changes the lining of your uterus so that a fertilized egg can’t attach.

Is Norethindrone a generic pill?

Yes. Norethindrone is the name of the active ingredient, and when sold under this name is the generic form of the medication. It’s made by Mylan, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of generic medications.

Why pick a generic pill? Well, they’re usually cheaper than brand-name medications but are regulated by the FDA, so you know you’re getting the same active ingredients in the same amounts.

Other names for Norethindrone in the US include Nor-Qd, Nora-BE, Camila, Deblitane, Heather, Norlyda, Norlyroc, Tulana, Incassia, Jencycla, Jolivette, Lyza, Errin, Ortho Micronor, and Sharobel.

How to take Norethindrone 0.35mg

A normal dose of norethindrone for daily birth control is 0.35mg (milligrams) or 35mcg (micrograms). You might see it written either way depending on the packaging of your medication.

Take your Norethindrone mini pill daily.

Most importantly, take it within the same three-hour window. The time you pick is up to you, but lunchtime is a good bet — you’ll want something that works for both weekdays and weekends.

Unlike combined pills, which can come with several days or a week of hormone-free placebo (or iron) pills, every pill in your Norethindrone pack has hormones. This means that when you finish one pack, you’ll start a new one the following day.

What if I miss a Norethindrone pill?

Hey, it happens. A Norethindrone missed pill isn’t the end of the world. Take your missed dose as soon as you can. If you’re taking it more than three hours late, use condoms for the next two days.

If you’re missing pills regularly, try setting an alarm on your phone. There are also birth control options that you don’t have to think about every day, like the contraceptive patch or ring.

How effective is Norethindrone?

In a perfect world, Norethindrone and other mini pills are 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. But sometimes life happens. You forget a pill, or wait too long to order a refill. Accounting for imperfect usage, Norethindrone is 91% effective.

Medically reviewed by

Ms Laurenmarie Cormier

Nurse Practitioner

on August 02, 2022.

Meet Laurenmarie