Part Two of Ortho Evra Information, Focusing on Side Effects, Discontinuation or Withdrawal Effects, and Additional Information

This second section of our medication database entry focuses on potential side effects, withdrawal or discontinuation effects, and additional information, while part one covers basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits.

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What are the possible side effects of ethinyl estradiol and norelgestromin?

  • If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop using ethinyl estradiol and norelgestromin and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
    • an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
    • sharp chest pain, coughing blood or sudden shortness of breath (possible blood clot in the lung);
    • pain in the calf (possible blood clot in the leg);
    • crushing chest pain or heaviness in the chest (possible heart attack);
    • sudden severe headache or vomiting, dizziness, faintness or problems with vision or speech, weakness or numbness in an arm or leg (possible stroke);
    • sudden partial or complete loss of vision (possible clot in the eye);
    • yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes (jaundice), especially with fever, tiredness, loss of appetite, dark colored urine, or light colored bowel movements (possible liver problems);
    • severe pain, swelling, or tenderness in the abdomen (gallbladder or liver problems);
    • irregular vaginal bleeding or spotting that happens in more than 1 menstrual cycle or lasts for more than a few days;
    • swelling (edema) of the fingers or ankles; or
    • severe problems with difficulty sleeping, weakness, lack of energy, fatigue, or a change in mood (possible severe depression).
    • new or changing breast lumps.
  • Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to use ethinyl estradiol and norelgestromin and talk to your doctor if you experience
    • headache or dizziness;
    • changes in menstrual cycle or breast tenderness;
    • changes in weight or appetite;
    • water retention;
    • intolerance to contact lenses;
    • changes in skin color; or
    • changes in blood sugar.
  • Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect ethinyl estradiol and norelgestromin?

  • Many other drugs may interact with ethinyl estradiol and norelgestromin. Some interactions (e.g. with certain antibiotics, protease inhibitors, seizure medications, St. John's wort, and other medications) may result in decreased effectiveness of ethinyl estradiol and norelgestromin and therefore increase the risk of unintended pregnancy. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medications, including vitamins and minerals and herbal products, while taking an oral contraceptive.

Where can I get more information?

  • Your pharmacist has additional information about ethinyl estradiol and norelgestromin written for health professionals that you may read.
  • Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Limitations and the Source of Our Online Medication Information Database

Although we have made considerable efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, MedLibrary.org makes no guarantee to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. This medication information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend any specific pharmacotherapy. This is an educational resource only -- intended to supplement but not to replace the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of medically qualified healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, please check with your doctor, nurse or local pharmacist. MedLibrary.org does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided here.

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Version: 2.01. Revision date: 6/15/03.

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