Estradiol and norethindrone

Generic name: estradiol and norethindrone (oral) [ ESS-tra-DYE-ole-and-nor-ETH-in-drone ]
Brand names: Activella, Mimvey
Dosage form: oral tablet (0.5 mg-0.1 mg; 1 mg-0.5 mg)
Drug class: Sex hormone combinations

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Aug 27, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What are estradiol and norethindrone?

Estradiol is a form of estrogen, a female sex hormone that regulates many processes in the body.

Norethindrone is a form of progesterone, a female hormone important for regulating ovulation and menstruation.

Estradiol and norethindrone is a combination medicine used to treat menopause symptoms such as hot flashes and vaginal changes, and to prevent osteoporosis (bone loss) in menopausal women.

Estradiol and norethindrone may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Estradiol and norethindrone side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Estradiol and norethindrone may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• heart attack symptoms--chest pain or pressure, pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, nausea, sweating;

• signs of a stroke--sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body), sudden severe headache, slurred speech, problems with vision or balance;

• signs of a blood clot--sudden vision loss, stabbing chest pain, feeling short of breath, coughing up blood, pain or warmth in one or both legs;

• swelling or tenderness in your stomach;

• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

• memory problems, confusion, unusual behavior;

• unusual vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain;

• a lump in your breast; or

• high levels of calcium in your blood--nausea, vomiting, constipation, increased thirst or urination, muscle weakness, bone pain, lack of energy.

Common side effects of estradiol and norethindrone may include:

• nausea, vomiting, bloating, stomach cramps;

• fluid retention (swelling, rapid weight gain);

• headache;

• breast pain;

• thinning scalp hair; or

• vaginal itching or discharge, changes in your menstrual periods, breakthrough bleeding.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

You should not use estradiol and norethindrone if you have had a hysterectomy, or if you have: undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, liver disease, a bleeding disorder, if you will have major surgery, or if you have ever had a heart attack, a stroke, a blood clot, or cancer of the breast, uterus/cervix, or vagina.

Do not use if you are pregnant.

Estradiol and norethindrone may increase your risk of developing a condition that may lead to uterine cancer. Report any unusual vaginal bleeding right away.

Using this medicine can increase your risk of blood clots, stroke, heart attack, or cancer of the breast, uterus, or ovaries. Estradiol and norethindrone should not be used to prevent heart disease, stroke, or dementia.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to estradiol or norethindrone, if you have had a hysterectomy, or if you have:

• unusual vaginal bleeding that has not been checked by a doctor;

• liver disease;

• a bleeding disorder;

• a history of heart attack, stroke, or blood clot; or

• a history of hormone-related cancer, or cancer of the breast, uterus/cervix, or vagina.

Do not use estradiol and norethindrone if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment.

Using this medicine can increase your risk of blood clots, stroke, or heart attack. You are even more at risk if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, if you are overweight, or if you smoke.

Estradiol and norethindrone should not be used to prevent heart disease, stroke, or dementia, because this medicine may actually increase your risk of developing these conditions.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• heart disease;

• liver problems, or jaundice caused by pregnancy or taking hormones;

• hereditary angioedema (an immune system disorder);

• epilepsy or other seizure disorder;

• kidney disease;

• gallbladder disease;

• asthma;

• epilepsy or other seizure disorder;

• migraines;

• lupus;

• porphyria (a genetic enzyme disorder that causes symptoms affecting the skin or nervous system);

• endometriosis or uterine fibroid tumors;

• a thyroid disorder; or

• high levels of calcium in your blood.

Using this medicine may increase your risk of cancer of the breast, uterus, or ovaries. Talk with your doctor about this risk.

Estradiol and norethindrone can slow breast milk production. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding.

How should I take estradiol and norethindrone?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Estradiol may increase your risk of developing a condition that may lead to uterine cancer. Call your doctor at once if you have any unusual vaginal bleeding while using estradiol and norethindrone.

If you need major surgery or will be on long-term bed rest, you may need to stop using this medicine for a short time. Any doctor or surgeon who treats you should know that you are using estradiol and norethindrone.

Your doctor should check your progress on a regular basis (every 3 to 6 months) to determine whether you should continue this treatment. Self-examine your breasts for lumps on a monthly basis and have a mammogram every year while using estradiol and norethindrone.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

Related/similar drugs

estradiol, Premarin, Estrace, Vagifem, conjugated estrogens, Climara

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while using estradiol and norethindrone?

Avoid smoking. It can greatly increase your risk of blood clots, stroke, or heart attack while using estradiol and norethindrone.

Grapefruit may interact with estradiol and norethindrone and lead to unwanted side effects. Avoid the use of grapefruit products.

What other drugs will affect estradiol and norethindrone?

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective.

Many drugs can affect estradiol and norethindrone. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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