Can Norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol be used for acne?

Yes, it is indicated to treat moderate acne in females at least 15 years old who also want birth control.

What should I do if I smoke and take Norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol?

If you are over 35 and smoke, you should not use this medication due to the high risk of serious heart problems.

Does Norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol protect against STIs?

No, this medication does not protect against HIV or other sexually transmitted infections.

What happens if I miss a Norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol pill?

You should follow the specific instructions provided in your patient labeling regarding missed doses.

Can Norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol affect my breastfeeding?

Yes, it may reduce milk production, so it is often recommended to use other forms of birth control while nursing.

Is Norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol safe during pregnancy?

You should not use this medication if you are pregnant; stop use immediately if pregnancy occurs.

What are the most common side effects of Norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol?

Common side effects include headaches, breast pain or changes, vaginal infections, and nausea.

Will Norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol cause weight gain?

Weight changes, including both increases and decreases, were reported by some users in clinical trials.

norgestimate | CAS 35189-28-7 | KIQQMECNKUGGKA

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Hormonal contraceptive (combined oral contraceptive)

Norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol is a combination pill used by women to prevent pregnancy and to treat moderate acne. It works by suppressing ovulation and changing hormone levels.

How it worksIt primarily works by preventing the ovaries from releasing an egg (ovulation). It may also thicken cervical mucus to block sperm and change the uterine lining.

Brand names:norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol

Used for

Pregnancy preventionModerate acne treatment in females 15 years or older

Conditions

Acne Vulgaris

Class

HormoneOral ContraceptiveHormonal contraceptive (combined oral contraceptive)Reproductive SystemIntegumentary System (Skin)

How to take

FormsOral tablet

RoutesOral

Take one tablet every day at the same time. Follow the specific order on the blister pack and do not skip doses.

You can start with a 'Day 1 Start' or a 'Sunday Start' method. If using the Sunday Start method, use a backup method like condoms for the first 7 days.

Missed dose: Take the tablet at the same time every day. If you miss a dose, follow the specific instructions in the FDA-approved patient labeling.

Key warnings

Smoking increases the risk of serious heart and blood vessel problems when using this medication. Women over 35 who smoke should not use this drug.

·Smoking increases the risk of serious heart and blood vessel problems when using this medication. Women over 35 who smoke should not use this drug.
·Stop use if a blood clot or vascular event occurs.
·Stop use if you develop jaundice (yellowing of skin/eyes).
·Stop use if you experience significant changes in blood pressure or headaches.
·The risk of blood clots is highest when first starting the pill or after a long break.
·This drug does not protect against HIV or other sexually transmitted infections.

Do not use if

·History of blood clots (deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism).
·Smoking if you are over age 35.
·Certain heart diseases or high blood pressure.
·Liver tumors or active liver disease.
·Undiagnosed unusual vaginal bleeding.
·History of breast cancer or other hormone-sensitive cancers.
·Pregnancy.

Side effects

Common

Headache or migraineBreast changes (pain, enlargement, or discharge)Vaginal infectionsStomach painMood changes or depressionWeight changesNauseaIrregular bleeding

Serious

·Blood clots (thromboembolism) or vascular problems
·Stroke or heart attack
·Liver disease or jaundice
·High blood pressure
·Vision changes (loss of vision, double vision)
·Severe headaches

Seek help if

·Severe headache
·Vision changes
·Sudden leg swelling or pain
·Chest pain
·Yellowing of skin or eyes

Interactions

·Certain drugs or herbal products (like St. John's wort, phenytoin, or carbamazepine) can make the pill less effective.
·Some medications used for Hepatitis C may affect liver enzyme levels when taken with this drug.
·Certain HIV/Hepatitis C medications can change how much hormone is in your body.
·The pill may increase the levels of certain drugs like cyclosporine or voriconazole in your blood.
·The pill may decrease the effectiveness of medications like lamotrigine, which is used for seizures.

FoodThe effect of food on how this medicine is absorbed has not been studied.

Special populations

PregnancyDo not use this medication if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking it, stop using the pills immediately.

BreastfeedingNorgestimate and ethinyl estradiol may reduce breast milk production. It is generally not recommended for nursing mothers.

PediatricIt is safe and effective for post-pubertal adolescents (ages 15 and up), but should not be used before a girl has started her period.

GeriatricThis medication has not been studied in postmenopausal women and is not intended for that group.

Talk to your doctor

Monitor

·Blood pressure
·Liver function (jaundice)
·Weight changes
·Mood changes
·Unusual bleeding

Questions to ask

·Is it safe for me to use this if I have high blood pressure?
·How will this interact with my current medications?
·Should I use a backup method of birth control?
·What should I do if I experience unusual headaches?

Pharmacokinetics

OnsetPeak serum concentrations are generally reached by 2 hours after administration.

Half-lifeEE (estinyl estradiol) has a half-life of approximately 15.9 hours; NGMN (norgestimate metabolite) has a half-life of 21.4 to 22.3 hours.

BioavailabilityNorgestimate and EE are rapidly absorbed following oral administration.

Protein bindingNGMN and NG are highly bound (>97%) to serum proteins; EE is extensively bound (>97%) to serum albumin.

MetabolismNorgestimate is extensively metabolized by first-pass mechanisms in the gastrointestinal tract and/or liver. EE is also metabolized to various hydroxylated products.

ExcretionMetabolites of NGMN and EE are eliminated by renal and fecal pathways.

Practical

OverdoseThere are no reports of serious harm from overdose, but it may cause nausea or irregular bleeding.

StorageStore as directed on the package (not explicitly detailed in text, but implies standard blister pack handling).

Ingredients

Allergens

lactose

Inactive

crosspovidonelactose anhydrousmagnesium stearatepregelatinized starchFD & C Blue No.2 lakeD & C Yellow No.10 aluminum Lake

Educational summary derived from FDA labeling, AI-assisted. Not medical advice — consult a healthcare professional. Updated 2026-04-26.