Norethindrone And Ethinyl Estradiol
Pronunciation: (wim-ZYE-uh).
- Generic name
- Norethindrone and Ethinyl Estradiol
- Brand names
- Wymzya Fe
- Drug class
- Women's & Men's Health
Availability and supply rules vary by country
Trade names by country: United States
Australia: · Full directory
What Norethindrone and Ethinyl Estradiol is and how it works
Uses, formulations, monitoring, and supply rules can differ by patient, product, and country. Follow the exact local product information and professional advice.
Mechanism of action: how Norethindrone and Ethinyl Estradiol works
Wymzya tablets contain norethindrone (a progestin) and ethinyl estradiol (an estrogen). They suppress ovulation by inhibiting the secretion of gonadotropins (FSH and LH) from the pituitary gland. The progestin component thickens cervical mucus, impeding sperm penetration, and alters the endometrial lining, reducing the likelihood of implantation. (1)
What Norethindrone and Ethinyl Estradiol is used for
Prevention of pregnancy
This is the only FDA-approved indication for WYMZYA Fe: use by females of reproductive potential to prevent pregnancy. Correction to this page: acne and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) were previously listed here as indications, but the FDA label for WYMZYA Fe does not approve it for either — acne appears in the label only as a possible side effect, and PMDD is not mentioned at all (that indication applies to a different combined pill containing drospirenone, not to this norethindrone/ethinyl estradiol product). (1)
Before taking Norethindrone and Ethinyl Estradiol
Do not take / not appropriate for
- Absolute contraindications include history of thromboembolic disorders, stroke, coronary artery disease, breast or estrogen-dependent cancer, liver tumors or disease, undiagnosed abnormal genital bleeding, pregnancy, and hypersensitivity to any component. (Contraindication) (1)
Tell your clinician about
(1)How to take Norethindrone and Ethinyl Estradiol
- General Instructions: Take one tablet by mouth at the same time every day, with or without food. Follow the specific instructions provided with your pack.. Adult Dosing: One active tablet daily for 21 days, followed by 7 days of placebo or iron tablets. Start on the first day of your period or the first Sunday after your period begins.. Pediatric Dosing: Not recommended before menarche. For adolescents, dosing is the same as adults, but safety and efficacy should be confirmed by a healthcare provider.. Administration: Swallow the tablet whole with water. Do not skip doses. If vomiting or severe diarrhea occurs within 3-4 hours of taking a tablet, follow missed dose instructions.. When To Seek Review: If you become pregnant, or develop symptoms of a possible blood clot or other serious side effect, seek medical advice promptly; let the clinician you see advise on whether to continue or stop taking Wymzya.. Storage: Store at room temperature (20-25°C/68-77°F), away from moisture and heat. Keep out of reach of children.
- This page does not provide a dose calculator. Dosing must follow the prescriber, pharmacist, or product label.
Procedures and treatment changes
Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician. (1)
Missed dose
If you miss one active tablet, take it as soon as you remember and take the next tablet at the usual time (this may mean taking two tablets in one day). If you miss two or more active tablets, follow the instructions in your pack and use backup contraception for 7 days. Missing placebo tablets does not require action.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, and vaginal bleeding. Seek emergency medical attention or contact a poison control center immediately. There is no specific antidote; treatment is supportive. (1)
Side effects
Side effects and their urgency vary; report severe, persistent, or concerning symptoms to a healthcare professional.
Nausea
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Breast tenderness
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Headache
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Weight gain
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Mood changes
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Blood clots
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
High blood pressure
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Gallbladder problems
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Serious warnings
FDA BOXED WARNING — Cigarette Smoking and Serious Cardiovascular Events — serious
Symptoms: FDA BOXED WARNING — Cigarette Smoking and Serious Cardiovascular Events: WYMZYA Fe is contraindicated in women over 35 years old who smoke. Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular events from combined oral contraceptive use. This risk increases with age, particularly in women over 35 years old, and with the number of cigarettes smoked.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (1)
Increased risk of blood clots, stroke, and heart attack, especially in smokers over 35 (see FDA boxed warning above) — serious
Symptoms: Increased risk of blood clots, stroke, and heart attack, especially in smokers over 35 (see FDA boxed warning above). May increase blood pressure; monitor regularly. Not recommended for women with certain cancers or liver disease. May interact with other medications, including some antibiotics and anticonvulsants. Does not protect against HIV/AIDS or other sexually transmitted infections.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (1)
Contraindications recorded in the clinician database — serious
Symptoms: Contraindications recorded in the clinician database: Absolute contraindications include history of thromboembolic disorders, stroke, coronary artery disease, breast or estrogen-dependent cancer, liver tumors or disease, undiagnosed abnormal genital bleeding, pregnancy, and hypersensitivity to any component. Use with caution in women with risk factors for cardiovascular disease, migraine with aura, hypertension, diabetes with vascular involvement, or gallbladder disease.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (1)
Interactions
| Medicine or test | Effect | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Recorded interactions | Wymzya tablets may interact with medications such as rifampin, certain anticonvulsants (e.g., phenytoin, carbamazepine), some antiretrovirals, and St. John's Wort, which can decrease contraceptive effectiveness. Always inform your healthcare provider of all medications and supplements you are taking. | (1) |
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age
Pregnancy
Wymzya is not indicated for use during pregnancy. The FDA label states that epidemiologic studies and meta-analyses have not found an increased risk of birth defects (including cardiac anomalies and limb reduction defects) in women who inadvertently used low-dose combined oral contraceptives before conception or during early pregnancy. It should not be used to induce a withdrawal bleed as a pregnancy test, or to try to treat a threatened miscarriage. If you become pregnant, seek medical advice promptly. (1)
Breastfeeding
The FDA label advises nursing mothers to use other forms of contraception when possible until their child is weaned, because combined oral contraceptives can reduce milk production in breastfeeding mothers (this is less likely once breastfeeding is well established, but can occur at any time in some women). Small amounts of oral contraceptive hormones and/or their breakdown products are present in breast milk. Discuss your contraceptive options with your healthcare provider while breastfeeding. (1)
Children
Frequency: Not recommended for pediatric use.. Weight Based: Safety not established in children.. Max Daily Dose: Not recommended for pediatric use.. Max Single Dose: Not recommended for pediatric use.. Age Restrictions: Safety and efficacy have been established in women of reproductive age; efficacy is expected to be the same in post-pubertal adolescents under 18 as in users 18 and older. Use before menarche (a first period) is not indicated. (1)
Renal_impairment
The FDA label states that Wymzya's pharmacokinetics have not been formally studied in women with renal impairment. For hepatic impairment, pharmacokinetics have also not been formally studied, but steroid hormones may be poorly metabolized in patients with hepatic impairment; acute or chronic disturbances of liver function may require stopping combined oral contraceptive use until liver-function markers return to normal and the pill has been excluded as the cause. No numeric dose-adjustment table exists for either; renal and hepatic status should be assessed by the prescriber. (1)
Hepatic_impairment
The FDA label states that Wymzya's pharmacokinetics have not been formally studied in women with renal impairment. For hepatic impairment, pharmacokinetics have also not been formally studied, but steroid hormones may be poorly metabolized in patients with hepatic impairment; acute or chronic disturbances of liver function may require stopping combined oral contraceptive use until liver-function markers return to normal and the pill has been excluded as the cause. No numeric dose-adjustment table exists for either; renal and hepatic status should be assessed by the prescriber. (1)
Monitoring
(1)Storage
Store at 25°C (77°F); brief excursions between 15-30°C (59-86°F) are permitted. Keep this and all medications out of reach of children.
Professional information
Clinician-facing context only. This section does not replace current product labeling.
General
Indication: Prevention of pregnancy
Dose summary: One tablet taken orally once daily at the same time each day.
Renal context: The FDA label states that the pharmacokinetics of WYMZYA Fe have not been studied in women with renal impairment. No dose adjustment is specified; renal status should be assessed by the prescriber. (1)
Hepatic guidance
The FDA label states that the pharmacokinetics of WYMZYA Fe have not been studied in women with hepatic impairment. Steroid hormones may be poorly metabolized in patients with hepatic impairment; acute or chronic disturbances of liver function may require discontinuation of combined oral contraceptive use until liver-function markers normalize and the pill has been excluded as the cause.
Frequently asked questions
How effective are Wymzya tablets at preventing pregnancy?
When taken exactly as directed, Wymzya tablets are over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. Missing doses or taking them at irregular times can reduce their effectiveness.
Can I use Wymzya tablets to treat acne?
No. WYMZYA Fe is not FDA-approved to treat acne — its only approved use is preventing pregnancy. The FDA label actually lists acne as a possible side effect for some users, not a benefit. If you want a combined pill specifically approved for acne, ask your prescriber about other options.
What should I do if I vomit after taking a tablet?
If you vomit within 3-4 hours of taking a tablet, take another tablet as soon as possible. If vomiting continues, follow missed dose instructions and use backup contraception.
Can I take Wymzya tablets while breastfeeding?
Combined oral contraceptives are generally not recommended during the first 6 weeks postpartum if breastfeeding, as they may reduce milk supply. Discuss alternatives with your healthcare provider.
Are there any foods or drinks I should avoid?
There are no specific foods or drinks to avoid, but grapefruit juice may affect hormone metabolism in rare cases. Always check with your provider.
What happens if I miss my period while taking Wymzya tablets?
If you miss a period and have taken all tablets correctly, pregnancy is unlikely. If you miss two periods in a row or have missed tablets, take a pregnancy test and consult your provider.
Can Wymzya tablets be used for emergency contraception?
No, Wymzya tablets are not intended for emergency contraception. Use a dedicated emergency contraceptive if needed.
What happens if I take too much Wymzya tablets?
Taking too much Wymzya tablets may lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and withdrawal bleeding. While serious overdose is uncommon with oral contraceptives, it is crucial to seek emergency medical attention immediately if you suspect an overdose or experience severe symptoms. Always adhere to the prescribed dosage.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Wymzya tablets?
Moderate alcohol consumption generally does not directly interfere with the effectiveness of Wymzya tablets. However, excessive alcohol intake can lead to vomiting, which might reduce the absorption of the contraceptive and potentially decrease its effectiveness. It's always advisable to discuss alcohol consumption with your healthcare provider.
Is Wymzya tablets safe during pregnancy?
Wymzya is not intended for use during pregnancy — its FDA label states there is little or no increased risk of birth defects in women who inadvertently used combined oral contraceptives in early pregnancy, so accidental early exposure has not been shown to cause fetal harm, but it should not be continued once pregnancy is confirmed. If you are pregnant or suspect you might be, seek medical advice promptly so your clinician can advise you.
What is the mechanism of action of Norethindrone and Ethinyl Estradiol?
Wymzya tablets contain norethindrone (a progestin) and ethinyl estradiol (an estrogen). They suppress ovulation by inhibiting the secretion of gonadotropins (FSH and LH) from the pituitary gland. The progestin component thickens cervical mucus, impeding sperm penetration, and alters the endometrial lining, reducing the likelihood of implantation. (1)
What is the generic name of Norethindrone And Ethinyl Estradiol?
The generic name is Norethindrone and Ethinyl Estradiol. It is sold under brand names including Wymzya Fe.
What class of drug is Norethindrone and Ethinyl Estradiol?
Norethindrone And Ethinyl Estradiol is classed as: Women's & Men's Health.
References
- Wymzya Tablets — Prescribing InformationNot specified in research notes · Not specified · accessed 2026-08-07 · source 1
- NORETHINDRONE ACETATE AND ETHINYL ESTRADIOL, AND FERROUS FUMARATE KIT [AMNEAL PHARMACEUTICALS LLC] — US prescribing information (DailyMed SPL)U.S. National Library of Medicine (DailyMed) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 2
- Aranelle — FDA approval record (Drugs@FDA ANDA076783)U.S. Food and Drug Administration · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 3
Brand names by country
Single-ingredient Norethindrone and Ethinyl Estradiol names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.
Priority countries
United States
- Junel 21 Day
- Fyavolv
- LUIZZA 1/20
- Loestrin 21 Day
- Aurovela 1/20
- Junel FE
- Jinteli
- Hailey 1.5/30
- Nortrel 21 Day