Ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone contains a combination of female hormones that prevent ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovary). This medication also causes changes in your cervical mucus and uterine lining, making it harder for sperm to reach the uterus and harder for a fertilized egg to attach to the uterus.

Ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone are used as contraception to prevent pregnancy. It is also used to treat severe acne.

Ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Do not use birth control pills if you are pregnant or if you have recently had a baby.

Do not use this medication if you have any of the following conditions: a history of stroke or blood clot, circulation problems, a hormone-related cancer such as breast or uterine cancer, abnormal vaginal bleeding, liver disease or liver cancer, or a history of jaundice caused by birth control pills.

You may need to use back-up birth control, such as condoms or a spermicide, when you first start using this medication. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Taking hormones can increase your risk of blood clots, stroke, or heart attack, especially if you smoke and are older than 35.

Some drugs can make birth control pills less effective, which may result in pregnancy. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

This medication can cause birth defects. Do not use if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant, or if you miss two menstrual periods in a row. If you have recently had a baby, wait at least 4 weeks before taking birth control pills (6 weeks if you are breast-feeding).

You should not take birth control pills if you have:

• coronary artery disease, a severe or uncontrolled heart valve disorder, untreated or uncontrolled high blood pressure;

• a history of a stroke, blood clot, or circulation problems;

• a hormone-related cancer such as breast or uterine cancer;

• unusual vaginal bleeding that has not been checked by a doctor;

• liver disease or liver cancer;

• severe migraine headaches; or

• a history of jaundice caused by pregnancy or birth control pills.

To make sure you can safely take this medication, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• high blood pressure or a history of heart disease;

• high cholesterol, gallbladder disease, or diabetes;

• migraine headaches or a history of depression; or

• a history of breast cancer or an abnormal mammogram.

The hormones in birth control pills can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. This medication may also slow breast milk production. Do not use if you are breast-feeding a baby.