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Home > Drug Category > Birth Control Pills > Brevicon and Equivalent

Brevicon Information

Brevicon (norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol) is a combination oral contraceptive medication primarily used to prevent pregnancy. It contains two types of female hormones, an estrogen (ethinyl estradiol) and a progestin (norethindrone). Brevicon works by preventing ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovary). It also causes changes in the cervical mucus, making it more difficult for sperm to penetrate the uterus, and alters the lining of the uterus, making it less receptive to a fertilized egg.

Brevicon Side Effects

The most common side effects of Brevicon may include nausea, vomiting, headache, bloating, breast tenderness, fluid retention (swelling of the ankles/feet), and weight changes. Irregular menstrual periods, such as spotting or breakthrough bleeding, may also occur, especially during the first few months of use. Call your doctor right away if you have any of the serious side effects, such as:
• Blood clots: Symptoms like sudden vision changes, chest pain, pain and swelling in one leg, sudden shortness of breath, severe headache, slurred speech, or weakness/numbness in an arm or leg.
• Depression or significant mood changes.
• High blood pressure.
• Liver problems: Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine, light-colored stools, or persistent nausea and vomiting.
• Lump in the breast.
• Migraine headaches, especially new or worsening migraines or those with aura.
• Severe allergic reactions: Rash, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, or trouble breathing.

Brevicon Precautions

Do not use Brevicon if you are allergic to norethindrone, ethinyl estradiol, or any of its ingredients. Do not use Brevicon if you have a history of or current blood clots (in legs, lungs, eyes, or brain), heart attack or stroke, specific heart valve problems or heart rhythm abnormalities that can cause blood clots, uncontrolled high blood pressure, diabetes with blood vessel damage, active liver disease (including liver tumors or cancer), known or suspected breast cancer or other estrogen-dependent cancers, undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding, or migraine with focal aura. Smoking cigarettes while using oral contraceptives significantly increases the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects (heart attack, blood clots, stroke), especially in women over 35 years of age. Smoking is a Black Box Warning for Brevicon. Women who smoke and are over 35 should not use Brevicon. Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. Brevicon can interact with several medicines. Some drugs may decrease the effectiveness of Brevicon by reducing the amount of birth control hormones in your body, potentially leading to unintended pregnancy. These include certain antibiotics (e.g., rifampin), some anti-seizure medications (e.g., carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, topiramate), certain HIV medications, and St. John's Wort. Conversely, Brevicon may interact with the levels or effects of other medicines (e.g., lamotrigine, certain antifungals). You should not use Brevicon if you are taking any Hepatitis C virus combination drug regimens containing ombitasvir, paritaprevir, ritonavir, with or without dasabuvir, as this can significantly increase the risk of liver enzyme elevations. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Brevicon is contraindicated during pregnancy. If you become pregnant while taking Brevicon, stop taking it immediately and contact your doctor. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. Brevicon is not recommended during breastfeeding as hormones may pass into breast milk and affect the nursing infant or reduce milk production. Brevicon should not be used before the start of menstruation. For postpartum women who are not breastfeeding, Brevicon may be started no earlier than 4 weeks after delivery due to an increased risk of blood clots in the immediate postpartum period.

Use your medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Brevicon is typically taken once daily at the same time each day, as directed on the blister pack. It is crucial to take the pills consistently. If you miss pills, the risk of pregnancy increases; refer to the package insert or consult your healthcare provider for specific instructions on missed doses. Use a backup method of birth control (e.g., condoms, spermicide) for the first 7 days of the first cycle or if you miss pills. Brevicon can be taken with or without food. Store Brevicon at room temperature, protected from light and moisture. Keep all medicines out of reach of children.

Do I need a prescription to order Brevicon?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Brevicon.