norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol, a combination oral contraceptive containing a progestin (norethindrone) and an estrogen (ethinyl estradiol). ▪ INDICATIONS: It is prescribed for contraception, for the treatment of acne, for moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms in menopause, and for the prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women at high risk. Unlabeled uses include hypermenorrhea, endometriosis, and female hypogonadism. ▪ CONTRAINDICATIONS: Thrombophlebitis, severe hypertension, coronary artery disease, diabetes with vascular complications, migraine headaches, breast or reproductive organ cancer, unusual vaginal bleeding, gallbladder disease, liver dysfunction or tumor, or known hypersensitivity to this drug prohibits its use. It is not given during lactation, pregnancy, or suspected pregnancy or to women over the age of 35 who smoke more than 15 cigarettes per day. ▪ ADVERSE EFFECTS: Among the more serious adverse effects are thrombophlebitis, embolism, hypertension, myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular accident, depression, headache, premenstrual syndrome, cramps, breakthrough bleeding, porphyria, embolism, jaundice, and gallbladder disease.
