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Norgestimate Side Effects

Norgestimate, sold under the brand names Tri-Sprintec and Ortho Tri-Cyclen, is a drug used to prevent pregnancy. As is common with prescription drugs, the use of Norgestimate may cause the occurrence of multiple side effects ranging in severity. Use of this drug is intended solely for females.

  1. Identification

    • Norgestimate is a prescription drug that is considered a combination drug since it contains both estrogen and progestin. By increasing levels of estrogen in the body, Norgestimate blocks the ovulation of the egg in a female. According to drugs.com, it also "changes the cervical mucus (which makes it more difficult for sperm to enter the uterus), and changes the endometrium (which reduces the likelihood of implantation by the fertilized egg)."

    Common Side Effects

    • Users of Norgestimate may experience a number of common side effects including tenderness of the breasts, vomiting, nausea, unusual weight change, and bleeding aside from menstrual periods. The above list contains side effects that are the most common and less serious; however, if any persist or worsen, contact your doctor immediately. Worsening side effects may be a sign of a serious condition.

    Severe Side Effects

    • A number of severe side effects may occur as a result of using Norgestimate. If any of the side effects from the following list occur, seek immediate medical attention: difficulty breathing, yellowing of the skin, calf or leg pain, vision problems, dizziness or drowsiness, chest pain, swelling of the extremities, numbness in the arms or legs, breast lumps, persistent vaginal bleeding, severe stomach pain and slurred speech. Severe allergic reaction to the medication recognized by swelling of the face or throat may also occur as a result of use.

    Use

    • Although Norgestimate may be taken with or without food, always take the tablets with a full glass (8 oz.) of water. According to drugs.com, Norgestimate works most effectively when used at the same time each day. Keep the medication in its original packaging and always follow your doctor's prescription exactly.

    Warning

    • It is very important that you never miss a dose of Norgestimate. Doing so can drastically reduce the effectiveness of the drug. Norgestimate does not prevent the user from contracting sexually transmitted diseases. Do not use in children who have not begun menstruating. Smoking and using Norgestimate can increase the risk of heart disease.

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