Norethindrone, Ethinyl Estradiol, Iron Tips from Pharmacists

• You can take your norethindrone, ethinyl estradiol, and iron with or without food. If you have gastrointestinal side effects, taking the pill with food might help.

• Take your birth control pill at the same time every day to maintain blood concentrations of the medications. Setting a daily alarm in your mobile phone can help you remember to take the pill.

• Do not take a break between packs. Start a new pack the next day after you finish the previous pack.

• If you miss one or more doses of your birth control pills and do not get your menstrual period, you could be pregnant. Stop taking the pill and use a backup method of contraception until you get a pregnancy test.

• If you have vomiting or diarrhea, consider it a missed dose. Use an alternative method of birth control for as long as indicated on the package instructions.

• You may experience light breakthrough bleeding or spotting between periods, especially in the first 3 months. Tell your doctor if this continues.

• Norethindrone, ethinyl estradiol, and iron pills will not protect you against sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV infection, gonorrhea, chlamydia, herpes, or genital warts. Use precautions such as condoms to lower your risk of STDs.

• If you are concerned about the risk of blood clots, heart disease, or breast cancer from a combination hormonal method, talk to your doctor about taking a progestin only pill.