This medication is used to prevent pregnancy. It is often
referred to as the "mini-pill" because it does not contain any estrogen.
Norethindrone (a form of progestin) is a hormone that prevents pregnancy by
changing the womb and cervical mucus to make it more difficult for an egg to
meet sperm (fertilization) or for the fertilized egg to attach to the wall of
the womb (implantation). Regular use of the "mini-pill" prevents the release of
an egg (ovulation) in about half of the women who use it.While the "mini-pill" is more effective than certain other
methods of birth control (e.g., condoms, cervical cap, diaphragm), it is less
effective than estrogen/progestin birth control because it does not
consistently prevent ovulation. It is usually used by women who cannot take
estrogen. For the most effective benefit, it is very important to take this
medication exactly as prescribed.Using this medication does not protect you or your partner
against sexually transmitted diseases (e.g., HIV, gonorrhea).
