Ortho Micronor

Ortho Micronor is a type of progesterone, which is a female hormone that helps control ovulation and menstruation.

Ortho Micronor is used for birth control (contraception) to prevent pregnancy.

Ortho Micronor is also used to treat menstrual disorders, endometriosis, or unusual vaginal bleeding caused by a hormone imbalance.

Not all brands of Ortho Micronor are for the same purposes. Some brands are meant only for contraception. Others are intended for treating endometriosis or vaginal bleeding disorders. To avoid medication mistakes, use only the brand, form, and strength that your doctor prescribes.

Ortho Micronor may also be used for other reasons that are not mentioned in this medication guide.

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

Carefully follow your doctor's instructions on when to start taking Ortho Micronor for contraception if you are switching from a combination birth control pill (estrogen and progestin).

If you take Ortho Micronor 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 Ortho Micronor 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 Ortho Micronor 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 regularly. Self-examine your breasts for lumps every month, and have regular mammograms.

Report any unusual vaginal bleeding immediately.

Ortho Micronor can affect the results of certain medical tests. Inform any doctor who treats you that you are using this medicine.

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

You should not use Ortho Micronor if you have: undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, breast cancer, liver disease, or a liver tumor. You may not be able to take Ortho Micronor 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 Ortho Micronor if you are nursing.

You should not use Ortho Micronor 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 Ortho Micronor 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 Ortho Micronor 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.

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

Ortho Micronor may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor right away if you have:

• sudden vision loss, bulging eyes, or a severe headache;
• swelling or rapid weight gain;
• unusual vaginal bleeding;
• missed menstrual periods;
• pelvic pain (especially on one side);
• a lump in your breast;
• a light-headed feeling, as if you might pass out;
• increased thirst, increased urination;
• liver problems—loss of appetite, stomach pain (upper right side), dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
• signs of a blood clot—sudden numbness or weakness, issues with vision or speech, chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling or redness in an arm or leg.

Common side effects of Ortho Micronor 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 occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Call your doctor for instructions, or follow the patient instructions that came with your medicine.

If you miss a birth control pill, your chances of getting pregnant go up. If you are more than 3 hours late taking 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 usual time and keep following your regular dosing schedule.

If you miss your period for two months in a row, call your doctor because you might be pregnant.

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

An overdose of Ortho Micronor 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 Ortho Micronor for contraception.

Ortho Micronor 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.

Some medicines can make Ortho Micronor less effective, which may lead to unintended pregnancy if you are using Ortho Micronor for birth control. Inform your doctor about all your other medications, especially:

• St. John's wort;
• medicines for infections (antibiotics or antifungal medicines);
• medicines for tuberculosis;
• medicines for HIV or AIDS; or
• seizure medications.

This list is not exhaustive. Other drugs may also affect Ortho Micronor, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all potential drug interactions are included here.