WHY is this medicine prescribed?
Progestin-only (norgestrel) oral contraceptives are used to prevent pregnancy. Progestin is a female hormone. It works by preventing the release of eggs from the ovaries (ovulation) and changing the cervical mucus and the lining of the uterus. Progestin-only (norgestrel) oral contraceptives are a very effective method of birth control, but they do not prevent the spread of AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases. Progestin-only (norgestrel) oral contraceptives should not be used as an emergency contraceptive or as a backup in case regular birth control fails or is used incorrectly.
HOW should this medicine be used?
Progestin-only (norgestrel) oral contraceptives comes in packets of 28 tablets to take by mouth once a day, at the same time every day. Take 1 tablet daily for 28 days in a row in the order specified in your packet. Start a new packet the day after you take your 28th tablet. Follow the directions on your package label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take progestin-only (norgestrel) oral contraceptives exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than recommended.
You can start taking your progestin-only (norgestrel) oral contraceptive on any day. If you are switching from another type of contraception (other birth control pills, vaginal ring, transdermal patch), you should start taking progestin-only (norgestrel) oral contraceptive the day after you stop taking the other type of contraception.
If you are just starting to take progestin-only (norgestrel) oral contraceptives, you should use a backup method of birth control (such as a condom and/or a spermicide) for the first 2 days (48 hours) after you start taking progestin-only (norgestrel) oral contraceptives. If you vomit or have diarrhea within 4 hours after taking progestin-only (norgestrel) oral contraceptives, you should use a backup method of birth control for the next 48 hours. Be sure to ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about taking your oral contraceptive so that you can prepare a backup method of birth control in case it is needed.
Oral contraceptives will work only as long as they are taken regularly. Continue to take oral contraceptives every day even if you are spotting or bleeding, have an upset stomach, or do not think that you are likely to become pregnant. Do not stop taking oral contraceptives without talking to your doctor.
Are there OTHER USES for this medication?
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
What SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS should I follow?
Before taking progestin-only (norgestrel) oral contraceptives,
What SPECIAL DIETARY instructions should I follow?
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
What should I do IF I FORGET to take a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it, and go back to taking progestin-only (norgestrel) oral contraceptives at your regular time. If you take a dose more than 3 hours late, be sure to use a backup method of birth control for the next 48 hours. If you are not sure what to do about the pills you have missed, keep taking progestin-only (norgestrel) contraceptives and use a backup method of birth control until you speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
What SIDE EFFECTS can this medicine cause?
Progestin-only (norgestrel) oral contraceptives may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:
Progestin-only oral (norgestrel) contraceptives may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).
What should I do in case of OVERDOSE?
In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at http://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.
Symptoms of overdose may include:
What should I know about STORAGE and DISPOSAL of this medication?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).
Keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers are not child-resistant. Always lock safety caps. Place the medication in a safe location - one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org
Dispose of unneeded medications in a way so that pets, children, and other people cannot take them. Do not flush this medication down the toilet. Use a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist about take-back programs in your community. Visit the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p for more information.
What OTHER INFORMATION should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor. You should continue to have a Pap smear (a test to detect cancer of the cervix) and breast screening (mammogram) regularly while you are taking progestin-only (norgestrel) oral contraceptives.
Before having any laboratory test, tell your doctor and the laboratory personnel that you are taking progestin-only (norgestrel) oral contraceptives.
Rarely, women can become pregnant even if they are taking oral contraceptives. You should get a pregnancy test if it has been more than 2 months days since your last period or if your period is late and you missed one or more doses or took them late and had sex without a backup method of birth control.
If you want to become pregnant, stop taking progestin-only (norgestrel) contraceptives. Progestin-only (norgestrel) contraceptives should not delay your ability to get pregnant.
Do not let anyone else take your medication.
Keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines, vitamins, minerals, and dietary supplements you are taking. Bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to the hospital. You should carry the list with you in case of emergencies.
This report on medications is for your information only, and is not considered individual patient advice. Because of the changing nature of drug information, please consult your physician or pharmacist about specific clinical use.
The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. represents that the information provided hereunder was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose, with respect to such information and specifically disclaims all such warranties. Users are advised that decisions regarding drug therapy are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and the information is provided for informational purposes only. The entire monograph for a drug should be reviewed for a thorough understanding of the drug's actions, uses and side effects. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. does not endorse or recommend the use of any drug. The information is not a substitute for medical care.
AHFS® Patient Medication Information™ Copyright, 2025. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists®, 4500 East-West Highway, Suite 900, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.
Selected Revisions: September 15, 2023.