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Gallifrey
Generic name: norethindrone
Brand names: Camila (28 Day), Deblitane (28 Day), Errin (28 Day), Gallifrey, Heather (28 Day), Incassia (28 Day), Jencycla (28 Day), Lyleq (28 Day), Lyza (28 Day), Nora-Be (28 Day), Sharobel (28 Day), Jolivette, Ortho Micronor
What is Gallifrey?
Gallifrey is a type of progesterone, which is a female hormone that helps control ovulation and menstruation.
Gallifrey is used for birth control (contraception) to prevent pregnancy.
Gallifrey is also used to treat menstrual disorders, endometriosis, or unusual vaginal bleeding that happens due to a hormone imbalance.
Not all brands of Gallifrey are for the same purposes. Some brands are only for contraception. Others are for treating endometriosis or vaginal bleeding disorders. To avoid medication errors, use only the brand, form, and strength that your doctor prescribes.
Gallifrey may also be used for other reasons that are not mentioned in this medication guide.
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How should I take Gallifrey?
Follow all instructions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Carefully follow your doctor's dosing instructions about when to start taking Gallifrey for contraception if you are switching from a combination birth control pill (estrogen and progestin).
If you take Gallifrey for contraception: Take one pill every day, no more than 24 hours apart. You may get pregnant if you do not take one pill daily.
You may need to use back-up birth control (such as condoms with spermicide) if you are sick with vomiting or diarrhea, or if you are 3 or more hours late in taking your daily dose.
If you take Gallifrey for menstrual disorders or abnormal vaginal bleeding: You will most likely take the medicine for only 5 to 10 days. Vaginal bleeding will occur 3 to 7 days after your last dose.
If you take Gallifrey for endometriosis: This medicine is usually taken daily long-term for several months. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose.
Your doctor should check your progress on a regular basis. Self-examine your breasts for lumps on a monthly basis, and have regular mammograms.
Report any unusual vaginal bleeding right away.
Gallifrey can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using this medicine.
Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
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Warnings
You should not use Gallifrey if you have: undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, breast cancer, liver disease, or a liver tumor. You may not be able to take Gallifrey if you have ever had a heart attack, a stroke, or a blood clot.
Do not use if you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant.
In some cases, you should not take Gallifrey if you are nursing.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Gallifrey if you are allergic to it, or if you have:
- unusual vaginal bleeding that has not been checked by a doctor;
- liver disease or a liver tumor;
- breast cancer; or
- a history of blood clots in your brain, eyes, lungs, or legs.
Do not use Gallifrey if you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant. Stop taking the medicine and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
Ask your doctor about using this medicine while you are breast-feeding. In some cases, you should not take Gallifrey if you are nursing.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- heart disease, high blood pressure;
- liver disease;
- depression;
- migraine headaches;
- diabetes;
- high cholesterol or triglycerides;
- uterine fibroid tumors;
- epilepsy;
- kidney disease;
- asthma; or
- if you smoke.
Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.
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Gallifrey side effects
Get emergency medical help if you notice signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Gallifrey can cause serious side effects. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience:
- sudden vision loss, bulging eyes, or a severe headache;
- swelling, rapid weight gain;
- unusual vaginal bleeding;
- missed menstrual periods;
- pelvic pain (especially on one side);
- a lump in your breast;
- feeling light-headed, as if you might faint;
- increased thirst, increased urination;
- liver problems—loss of appetite, upper right stomach pain, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
- signs of a blood clot—sudden numbness or weakness, vision or speech problems, chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling or redness in an arm or leg.
Common side effects of Gallifrey may include:
- irregular vaginal bleeding or spotting;
- headache;
- breast pain or swelling;
- stomach pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting;
- hair loss;
- feeling depressed, trouble sleeping;
- weight gain; or
- vaginal itching or discharge.
This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may happen. Contact your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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What happens if I miss a dose?
Call your doctor for instructions, or follow the patient instructions provided with your medicine.
If you miss a birth control pill, your risk of becoming pregnant increases. If you are more than 3 hours late for your dose, take the medicine as soon as you remember and use back-up birth control for at least 48 hours. Take your next pill at the regular time and continue your usual dosing schedule.
If you miss a period for two months in a row, call your doctor because you might be pregnant.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
An overdose of Gallifrey is not expected to be dangerous.
Do not use estrogen medication unless your doctor tells you to.
Avoid smoking. It can greatly increase your risk of blood clots, stroke, or heart attack while taking Gallifrey for contraception.
Gallifrey will not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases--including HIV and AIDS. Using a condom is the only way to protect yourself from these diseases.
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What other drugs will affect Gallifrey?
Some medicines can reduce how well Gallifrey works, which can lead to unintended pregnancy if you rely on Gallifrey for birth control. Inform your doctor about all your other medications, especially:
- St. John's wort;
- antibiotics or antifungal medicine for infections;
- medicine for tuberculosis;
- medicine for HIV or AIDS; or
- seizure medication.
This list is not exhaustive. Other medicines may also impact Gallifrey, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are included here.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
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Content is provided for education and is not medical advice. See our medical disclaimer.