Nordette 28 is an oral contraceptive/birth control pill manufactured by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals. Other brand names of this drug include; Levlen, Levora & Alesse. The generic name of Nordette is Levonorgestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol (Oral). Each Nordette 28 package contains: 21 yellow, round, bi-convex tablets, each containing;

Ethinyl estradiol - 30 microgram and
Levonorgestrel 150 microgram,
followed by 7 red, round, bi-convex tablets. A prescription drug Nordette comes in 3x28 packaging; this means a three months supply comes in one packet.

Usage of Nordette

Aside from Nordette being used as a birth control pill, it has also been reported to have the following beneficial effects: a reduction in iron-deficiency or anemia; a reduction in the risk of endometrial carcinoma; a reduction in the occurrence of ovarian cysts; a reduction in the incidence of primary dysmenorrhoea; a reduction in the occurrence of ovarian carcinoma and a reduction in the incidence of benign breast lesions. Nordette is also used to treat the symptoms of menopause and regulate the menstrual cycle.

Warnings while using Nordette

Smoking cigarettes while on Nordette increases your chance of having heart problems. Women older than 35 years of age and women who smoke more than 15 cigarettes a day are at a greater risk for heart trouble. It is mportant to understand that Nordette will not prevent the spread of STDs. Do not use this drug if you are pregnant or suspect that you are pregnant. As this drug is excreted in breast milk, do not breast feed while on Nordette.

Drug Interactions of Nordette

It is vital that you know that some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this drug. This is why it is important to inform your doctor of all prescription and OTC drugs you are taking. Also inform your doctor if you had or have suffered from any of the following conditions; cancer, diabetes, headaches or migraines, high triglyceride levels, high blood pressure, recent surgery or allergies.

Do not use this drug if you have a history of blood vessel problems in the brain or heart, heart valve problems, heart attacks, uncontrolled high blood pressure, abnormal or undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, breast cancer, serious liver problems, blood clots, blood disorders such as porphyria, stroke, or if you smoke.
Do not take Nordette if you are on any of the following drugs as it increases your risk of getting pregnant;

azole antifungal medicines such as ketoconazole or itraconazole,
acitretin,
aprepitant,
bosetan,
barbiturates,
griseofulvin,
carbamazepine,
topiramate,
tetracycline antibiotics,
hydantoins such as phenytoin,
St. John's wort, or
rifampin.

Additional monitoring maybe required if you are taking;

benzodiazepines,
corticosteroids,
felbamate,
HIV protease inhibitors,
nevirapine,
modafinil,
beta-blockers such as metoprolol or carvedilol,
lamotrigine,
pioglitazone,
penicillin antibiotics,
theophylline,
troglitazone,
medication for seizures.

It is important that you do not start or stop this drug without your doctor's approval.

Usage of Nordette

Use Nordette exactly as prescribed by your doctor. It is important that you take this drug at the same time every day, no more than 24 hours apart. If you miss a dose take it as soon as possible, then take your next dose at your regular time. This means you can take 2 doses on the same day. If you miss more than 1 dose of Nordette contact your doctor.

Caution while using Nordette

Do not take Nordette if you have had an allergic reaction to it or any of its ingredients. It is also important that you keep all your appointments with your doctor while taking Nordette. If you are having surgery or will be confined to a chair or bed for a long period of time notify your doctor 3 to 4 weeks in advance as special precautions may need to be taken.

If you miss your period during the week of inactive pills, call your doctor immediately as it can indicate that you maybe pregnant. Bleeding or spotting may occur while taking Nordette; however the bleeding or spotting continues for more than 7 days or is heavy, contact your doctor. Taking certain antibiotics or anticonvulsants while using Nordette may decrease the effectiveness of it.

If you wear contact lenses you may develop problems using them while on this drug, so contact your doctor. Nordette may also cause dark skin patches on your face. If these patches develop, use a sunscreen or protective clothing when exposed to the sun, and avoid sunlamps, or tanning booths.

Side Effects of Using Nordette

Possible side effects that may occur during treatment include;

nausea,
vomiting,
bleeding between menstrual periods,
breast tenderness,
or weight change

However these symptoms tend to go away after a while. Contact your doctor as soon as possible if you experience;

persistent or recurrent abnormal vaginal bleeding,
a missed menstrual period,
dizziness or fainting,
swelling of fingers or ankles,
calf/leg pain or swelling,
trouble breathing or shortness of breath,
one-sided weakness,
slurred speech,
lumps in the breast,
sudden severe headaches,
sharp or crushing chest pain,
yellowing of the skin or eyes,
changes in vision,
numbness of an arm or leg, or
severe stomach pain.