Norethynodrel

The Basics

What is Norethynodrel?

It has been used in the treatment of functional uterine bleeding and ENDOMETRIOSIS. As a contraceptive (CONTRACEPTIVE AGENTS), it has usually been administered in combination with MESTRANOL

Brand names for Norethynodrel

Enovid (With Mestranol)

How Norethynodrel is classified

Contraceptives, Contraceptives – Oral and Synthetic

Norethynodrel During Pregnancy

Norethynodrel pregnancy category

Category N/ANote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.

What we know about taking Norethynodrel while pregnant

N/A

Taking Norethynodrel While Breastfeeding

What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Norethynodrel?

Norethynodrel is only available in the United States in combination oral contraceptive products. Based on the available evidence, expert opinion holds that nonhormonal methods are preferred during breastfeeding and progestin-only contraceptive are preferred over combined oral contraceptives in breastfeeding women, especially during the first 4 weeks postpartum. For further information, consult the record entitled, Contraceptives, Oral, Combined.

Maternal / infant drug levels

Norethynodrel is only available in the United States in combination oral contraceptive products. Based on the available evidence, expert opinion holds that nonhormonal methods are preferred during breastfeeding and progestin-only contraceptive are preferred over combined oral contraceptives in breastfeeding women, especially during the first 4 weeks postpartum. For further information, consult the record entitled, Contraceptives, Oral, Combined.

Possible effects of Norethynodrel on milk supply

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date. However, progestins such as norethynodrel are not considered to suppress lactation.

A study analyzed data from a prospective cohort study of U.S. women from May 2005 through June 2007. Women were followed from the third trimester of pregnancy throughout the first year postpartum. Data from the subset of women who intended to breastfeed for 3 months or longer postpartum during their third trimester of pregnancy and who were using a contraceptive at 3 months postpartum were analyzed (n = 1349). Women who intended to breastfeed for at least 4 months and were taking a progestin-only oral contraceptive, such as norethynodrel, were 3.15 times more likely to be breastfeeding (exclusive or nonexclusive) at 4 months than women who used a nonhormonal contraceptive. Women who said they would breastfeed for 3 to 4 months had 4-month breastfeeding rates equivalent to those using a nonhormonal contraceptive. These rates were much higher than those of women who were taking an estrogen-containing, combined oral contraceptive.[5]

Possible alternatives to Norethynodrel

Etonogestrel, Intrauterine Copper Contraceptive, Oral Levonorgestrel, Intrauterine Levonorgestrel, Levonorgestrel Implant, Medroxyprogesterone Acetate, Norethindrone, Progesterone.