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Norethindrone Acetate Coupon - Norethindrone Acetate 5mg tablet

Norethindrone Acetate

Generic Aygestin
Used for Endometriosis, Irregular Menstruation
Used for Endometriosis, Irregular Menstruation

Norethindrone acetate (Aygestin) is a progestin, a man-made version of the hormone progesterone. It's used to balance out hormone levels to treat absent menstrual bleeding (periods) and abnormal vaginal bleeding in adults. Norethindrone acetate (Aygestin) can also help with endometriosis. The dosage can differ depending on what condition you have, but norethindrone acetate (Aygestin) is usually taken by mouth once a day. Side effects include breakthrough bleeding and headaches. Brand name Aygestin has been discontinued and norethindrone acetate is only available as a generic.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
reviewer
Allison Gourley, PharmD
Last reviewed on July 2, 2024
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostContraindicationsAlternativesLatest newsImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Norethindrone acetate (Aygestin)?

What is Norethindrone acetate (Aygestin) used for?

How Norethindrone acetate (Aygestin) works

Norethindrone acetate (Aygestin) is a progestin, which is a man-made form of the natural sex hormone progesterone. It regulates the lining of your uterus (endometrium), which then helps manage your period.

In endometriosis, abnormal endometrial tissue outside your uterus acts like the normal tissue inside your uterus. This causes pain as it grows and sheds during your menstrual cycle. Since norethindrone acetate (Aygestin) regulates your endometrium, it can help ease endometriosis-related pain.

Are you looking for information on norethindrone (Heather) birth control instead?
When does Norethindrone acetate (Aygestin) start working?
Time passed since treatment started:
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Initial effect
Full effect

Drug Facts

Common BrandsAygestin (brand name no longer available)
Drug ClassProgestin
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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What are the side effects of Norethindrone acetate (Aygestin)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Breakthrough bleeding or spotting
  • Change in menstrual flow
  • Lack of periods
  • Headache or migraine
  • Breast enlargement
  • Breast tenderness
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Stomach cramps or bloating
  • Patches of darkened skin (melasma or chloasma)
  • Acne
  • Hair loss
  • Yellowing of the skin or whites of eyes (jaundice)
  • Trouble sleeping (insomnia)
  • Changes in vision

Other Side Effects

  • Changes in vaginal discharge
  • Mood swings
  • Depression
  • Swelling in the hands, feet, or ankles
  • Changes in weight

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Heart attack: chest pain or tightness; pain that spreads along to your shoulder, arm, neck, or jaw
  • Stroke: sudden trouble talking or walking; numbness on one side of your body or face; shortness of breath; sudden, severe headaches
  • Deep vein thrombosis (blood clot in the leg): swelling, pain, muscle tightness, leg cramp
  • Pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lung): cough, chest pain, trouble breathing, racing heart
When do Norethindrone acetate (Aygestin) possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Breakthrough bleeding
Missed periods
Headache
Breast tenderness
Nausea

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with their needed effects, progestins used in high doses sometimes cause some unwanted effects such as blood clots, heart attacks, and strokes, or problems of the liver and eyes. Although these effects are rare, some of them can be very serious and cause death. It is not clear if these problems are due to the progestin. They may be caused by the disease or condition for which progestins are being used.

The following side effects may be caused by blood clots. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they need immediate medical attention.

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Rare

Symptoms of blood clotting problems, usually severe or sudden, such as:

headache or migraine

loss of or change in speech, coordination, or vision

numbness of or pain in chest, arm, or leg

unexplained shortness of breath

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Changes in vaginal bleeding (increased amounts of menstrual bleeding occurring at regular monthly periods, lighter vaginal bleeding between menstrual periods, heavier vaginal bleeding between regular monthly periods, or stopping of menstrual periods)

symptoms of blood sugar problems (dry mouth, frequent urination, loss of appetite, or unusual thirst)

Less common

Mental depression

skin rash

unexpected or increased flow of breast milk

Rare

For megestrol—During chronic treatment

Backache

dizziness

filling or rounding out of the face

irritability

mental depression

nausea or vomiting

unusual decrease in sexual desire or ability in men

unusual tiredness or weakness

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Abdominal pain or cramping

bloating or swelling of ankles or feet

blood pressure increase (mild)

dizziness

drowsiness (progesterone only)

headache (mild)

mood changes

nervousness

pain or irritation at place of injection site

swelling of face, ankles, or feet

unusual or rapid weight gain

Less common

Acne

breast pain or tenderness

brown spots on exposed skin, possibly long-lasting

hot flashes

loss or gain of body, facial, or scalp hair

loss of sexual desire

trouble in sleeping

Not all of the side effects listed above have been reported for each of these medicines, but they have been reported for at least one of them. All of the progestins are similar, so any of the above side effects may occur with any of these medicines.

After you stop using this medicine, your body may need time to adjust. The length of time this takes depends on the amount of medicine you were using and how long you used it. During this period of time check with your doctor if you notice the following side effect:

Delayed return to fertility

stopping of menstrual periods

unusual menstrual bleeding (continuing)

For megestrol

Dizziness

nausea or vomiting

unusual tiredness or weakness

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Norethindrone acetate (Aygestin)

thumbs-up

Pros

Taken by mouth

Helps to regulate your period from hormonal imbalances

Available as a lower-cost, generic medication

thumbs-down

Cons

Not recommended if you have liver problems

Can cause breakthrough bleeding and other bothersome side effects

Not for those who have reached menopause

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Norethindrone acetate (Aygestin)

pharmacist

  • Take norethindrone acetate (Aygestin) exactly as instructed by your healthcare professional. Your dosing schedule can be different depending on the reason you're taking the medication.

    • You can take norethindrone acetate (Aygestin) with or without food. If it causes you to feel nauseous, taking it with a small meal might help.

      • You might see some breakthrough bleeding or spotting while taking norethindrone acetate (Aygestin). This is normal, but let your prescriber know if it becomes too bothersome to see if you should stop the medication.

        • Since there are many side effects and long-term risks linked to using norethindrone acetate (Aygestin), talk to your prescriber regularly about how the medication is working for you. They'll make sure you're taking the lowest dose possible for the shortest amount of time.

          • If you have conditions causing low thyroid hormone levels, norethindrone acetate (Aygestin) can affect the results of your thyroid blood tests. Your prescriber might raise your dose of your thyroid medication (e.g., levothyroxine) to make up for this effect.

            • If you've been sexually active and you miss your period or have other signs of pregnancy while taking norethindrone acetate (Aygestin), take a pregnancy test or call your prescriber. This medication shouldn't be used during pregnancy because it can potentially cause harm to unborn babies.

              faqs

              Frequently asked questions about Norethindrone acetate (Aygestin)

              Does norethindrone acetate (Aygestin) cause weight gain?
              People taking norethindrone acetate (Aygestin) have reported both weight gain and weight loss, but it's unclear whether the changes in body weight are caused by norethindrone acetate (Aygestin) or other factors. If you do gain weight while taking this medication, it's likely due to water weight because this medication might cause your body to hold on to more water. Talk to your primary care provider if you're concerned about how norethindrone acetate (Aygestin) might affect your weight.
              How long after taking norethindrone acetate (Aygestin) will I get my period?
              If you're taking norethindrone acetate (Aygestin) to treat secondary amenorrhea or abnormal vaginal bleeding, your healthcare team will ask you to take norethindrone acetate (Aygestin) daily for 5 to 10 days, then stop. Withdrawal bleeding typically happens within 3 to 7 days after stopping norethindrone acetate (Aygestin).
              Can you take norethindrone acetate (Aygestin) while on your period?
              Depending on what medical condition you're taking norethindrone acetate (Aygestin) to treat, your healthcare team might instruct you to continue taking it during your period. For example, norethindrone acetate (Aygestin) is taken daily for endometriosis, but only for 5 to 10 days at a time for secondary amenorrhea or abnormal vaginal bleeding. Follow your prescriber's instructions carefully regarding when to take norethindrone acetate (Aygestin).
              Does norethindrone acetate (Aygestin) cause acne?
              Acne is a potential side effect of progestins, including norethindrone acetate (Aygestin). This is because it has properties similar to sex hormones called androgens that can lead to oily skin and acne. If you notice skin changes like acne, let your prescriber know.
              How long can you take norethindrone acetate (Aygestin)?
              For irregular periods, you'll need to take norethindrone acetate (Aygestin) for 5 to 10 days to raise the activity in your uterine lining. For endometriosis, you'll need to take norethindrone acetate (Aygestin) for up to 6 to 9 months. Discuss how long you should take this medication with your prescriber.
              Can you take norethindrone acetate (Aygestin) for fibroids?
              Norethindrone acetate (Aygestin) on its own isn't FDA-approved to treat fibroids, or noncancerous growths in the uterus. But, there are combination medications that contain norethindrone acetate that are approved to treat fibroids, such as Myfembree and Oriahnn.
              What's the difference between norethindrone acetate (Aygestin) and medroxyprogesterone (Provera)?
              Norethindrone acetate (Aygestin) and medroxyprogesterone (Provera) are two progestins taken by mouth to treat irregular menstrual periods, but they have some differences. One difference is that norethindrone acetate (Aygestin) is FDA-approved to treat endometriosis, while medroxyprogesterone (Provera) isn't. On the other hand, medroxyprogesterone (Provera) is FDA-approved to protect the uterus in postmenopausal women who are taking estrogen medications, but norethindrone acetate (Aygestin) isn't approved for this use. Follow up with your healthcare professional to learn about more differences between these two medications.
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              What are the risks and warnings for Norethindrone acetate (Aygestin)?

              Norethindrone acetate (Aygestin) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

              risk-warning

              Risk of blood clots, heart attack, and stroke

              • Risk factors: Personal or family history of blood clots | High blood pressure | Diabetes | High cholesterol | Smoking | Identified as obese | Lupus

                Norethindrone acetate (Aygestin) can raise your risk of blood clots, which can be very dangerous. These blood clots can travel anywhere in your body and block blood flow, including your legs or arms (deep vein thrombosis, DVT) and your lungs (pulmonary embolism, PE). They can also travel to your heart, which can lead to a heart attack, or your brain, which can lead to a stroke. You're more likely to develop blood clots if you smoke tobacco, have a large body size, have certain medical conditions (e.g., high blood pressure, diabetes), or if you or your family have had blood clots in the past.

                Let your prescriber know if you have pain or swelling in your legs or arms, as this can be a sign of a blood clot. Call 911 and get medical help right away if you have trouble breathing, chest or arm pain, facial drooping, weakness on one side of the body, severe headaches, or sudden changes in your speech or vision, since these can be signs of life-threatening complications of blood clots.

                risk-warning

                Abnormal changes in vision

                Norethindrone acetate (Aygestin) can cause sudden changes in vision, including double vision and partial or complete vision loss. If you experience any of these vision changes, tell your prescriber or eye specialist right away. You'll need to get your eyes checked to see if you need to stop the medication.

                risk-warning

                Fluid build-up (edema)

                • Risk factors: History of seizures | History of migraines | Heart problems | Kidney problems

                  Norethindrone acetate (Aygestin) can cause your body to hold onto more fluids. This can lead to stretched skin or swelling of your hands, feet, ankles, or stomach. If you have a seizure condition, migraines, or heart or kidney problems, fluid build-up can worsen your health condition. Contact your prescriber if you notice any swelling or puffiness in your extremities or worsening of your health conditions.

                  risk-warning

                  Depression

                  • Risk factors: History of depression

                    Norethindrone acetate (Aygestin) can worsen symptoms of depression if you have a history of depression. Symptoms include feeling sad or hopeless, losing interest in activities that once made you happy, changes in appetite, fatigue, trouble sleeping, and feeling worthless. Let your prescriber know if you've had depression in the past before starting norethindrone acetate (Aygestin). Contact your care team if you or anyone around you notice any changes in your thoughts or behavior.

                    risk-warning

                    Changes in blood sugar and cholesterol levels

                    • Risk factors: Diabetes | High cholesterol

                      Norethindrone acetate (Aygestin) can affect blood sugar levels. Let your prescriber know if you have diabetes before you start norethindrone acetate (Aygestin). They might have you monitor your blood sugar levels more often, or they might make changes to your diabetes medications.

                      Norethindrone acetate (Aygestin) can also raise your cholesterol levels, especially if you already have or are taking medications for high cholesterol. Your prescriber might have you do blood tests more often while taking norethindrone acetate (Aygestin).

                      risk-warning

                      Harm to unborn baby

                      Norethindrone acetate (Aygestin) can cause harm to your unborn baby if it's taken during pregnancy. Don't take this medication if you're currently pregnant or think that you might be pregnant. Taking this medication during the first four months of pregnancy can raise your unborn baby's risk of birth defects. If you become pregnant while taking norethindrone acetate (Aygestin), let your prescriber know right away.

                      dosage

                      Norethindrone acetate (Aygestin) dosage forms

                      The average cost for 30 tablets of 5mg of Norethindrone acetate (Aygestin) is $15.29 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 68.65% off the average retail price of $48.77.
                      tablet
                      Tablet
                      DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                      5mg30 tablets$15.29$0.51

                      Typical dosing for Norethindrone acetate (Aygestin)

                      • Lack of menstrual periods or abnormal vaginal bleeding: The typical dose is 2.5 mg to 10 mg by mouth once daily for 5 to 10 days.

                      • Endometriosis: The typical starting dose is 5 mg by mouth once daily for 2 weeks. Your healthcare team might raise your daily dose by 2.5 mg every 2 weeks until you reach a maintenance dose of 15 mg per day. Treatment might last for 6 to 9 months.

                      interactions

                      Interactions between Norethindrone acetate (Aygestin) and other drugs

                      Norethindrone acetate (Aygestin) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Norethindrone acetate (Aygestin). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                      Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking any of these medicines, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

                      Using medicines in this class with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with a medication in this class or change some of the other medicines you take.

                      Using medicines in this class with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

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                      How much does Norethindrone acetate (Aygestin) cost?

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                      contraindications-icon

                      Norethindrone acetate (Aygestin) contraindications

                      Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Norethindrone acetate (Aygestin) will not be safe for you to take.

                      • Currently pregnant or think that you might be pregnant

                      • Undiagnosed vaginal bleeding

                      • Known, suspected, or history of breast cancer

                      • Active or history of blood clots

                      • Active or recent stroke or heart attack

                      • Liver damage or disease

                      • Using norethindrone acetate (Aygestin) to diagnose pregnancy

                      alternatives

                      What are alternatives to Norethindrone acetate (Aygestin)?

                      There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Norethindrone acetate (Aygestin). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                      Norethindrone acetate (Aygestin)
                      Used for:
                      $15.29 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                      Progesterone
                      Used for:
                      $12.25 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                      Medroxyprogesterone (Depo-Provera)
                      Used for:
                      $28.32 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                      images

                      Norethindrone acetate (Aygestin) images

                      White Oval 257 - Norethindrone Acetate 5mg Tablet
                      This medicine is White, Oval Tablet Imprinted With "257".White Oval 257 - Norethindrone Acetate 5mg Tablet
                      White Oval B And 211 5 - Norethindrone Acetate 5mg Tablet
                      This medicine is White, Oval, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "211 5" And "B".White Oval B And 211 5 - Norethindrone Acetate 5mg Tablet
                      White Oval An 475 - Norethindrone Acetate 5mg Tablet
                      This medicine is White, Oval, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "An 475".White Oval An 475 - Norethindrone Acetate 5mg Tablet
                      White Oval 304 And G - Norethindrone Acetate 5mg Tablet
                      This medicine is White, Oval, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "G" And "304".White Oval 304 And G - Norethindrone Acetate 5mg Tablet

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                      References

                      Best studies we found

                      Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC. (2023). Norethindrone acetate- norethindrone tablet [package insert]. DailyMed.

                      You and Your Hormones. (2021). Progesterone.

                      GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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