A Choice for Nursing Mothers
An Oral Contraceptive Choice for Nursing Mothers (also available in Spanish )

An Oral Contraceptive Choice for Nursing Mothers
Ask your healthcare provider if NOR-QD®
(norethindrone tablets, USP) is an appropriate choice for you.

The Progestin-only Pill is an oral contraceptive appropriate for nursing mothers


Nursing mothers have a special need when it comes to oral contraception. The estrogen in combination pills may pass into breast milk and cause problems for the baby. Fortunately, there is an oral contraceptive appropriate for nursing mothers: the Progestin-only Pill (POP). This pill has no negative side effects on breast feeding and is safe for nursing infants.

The Women's Health Division of Watson Pharma, Inc., has put together this brochure to help give you a basic understanding of POPs. However, if you have any concerns or questions about your condition, or the potential risks associated with taking a POP in combination with other medications, you should always discuss this information with your doctor or primary healthcare provider, who can best determine what is appropriate for you.

What is a POP and how does it work?
A POP is a birth control pill that contains only one hormone, progestin. The progestin in a POP is a synthetic version of progesterone, a sex hormone produced naturally in a woman's body. Progestin works by preventing a woman's ovaries from releasing eggs (ovulating) in approximately half of all users and by thickening the cervical mucus, which may prevent sperm from reaching the egg. Progestin may also slow the movement of the egg through the fallopian tubes. It may also prevent fertilized eggs from implanting in the uterus (womb).

What time of day should I take the pill?

You can decide what time of day would be most convenient for you, but it is very important that you take the pill at the same time every day. Every time that you take a pill late, you increase your chances of becoming pregnant.

What should I do if I forget to take a pill?
If you are more than three hours late or if you have missed a pill, take it as soon as you remember. Continue taking POPs at your regular time. You should use a backup method (such as a condom or foam) every time that you have sex for the next 48 hours. If you have any question regarding a missed pill, continue taking POPs until you speak with your health-care provider.

Can I start using POP when I start breastfeeding?
If you are exclusively breastfeeding (not supplementing with formula or food) you may start taking POPs six weeks after delivery. If you are partially breastfeeding (supplementing with formula or food) you may start taking POPs three weeks after delivery.

Can I take other medications while taking POP?
If you take some medications, including medication for seizures or tuberculosis, your pills may not work as well. You should inform your healthcare provider of all medications that you are taking before taking a POP.

Is spotting or bleeding between periods normal?
The most common side effect of POPs is a change in your menstrual bleeding. Your periods may either be early or late and spotting between periods is normal. Keep taking your pills and contact your healthcare provider with any concerns.

NOR-QD (norethindrone tablets, USP):
The Progestin-only Pill from Watson


NOR-QD is an appropriate oral contraceptive choice for nursing mothers as well as any women who cannot tolerate estrogen, such as women with high blood pressure or women who are at risk of developing blood clots. NOR-QD is manufactured by Watson Pharma, Inc., makers of an extensive line of high-quality, effective oral contraceptives.

What are the advantages of NOR-QD?
NOR-QD allows mothers to nurse their children and to have the protection of an oral contraceptive. As a progestin-only oral contraceptive, NOR-QD decreases some of the risks associated with oral contraceptives that contain estrogen. But remember, NOR-QD helps prevent pregnancy. It does not protect a woman against HIV infection (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted diseases. If you have any additional questions, you should discuss them with your healthcare provider.

NOR-QD is easy to use
NOR-QD is taken once daily, every day. You can start taking it any day. There are no pill-free days or different-colored pills to consider. NOR-QD is compact enough to be carried in a purse and available in an easy-to-use 28-day format many women are familiar with.

Are there side effects with NOR-QD (norethindrone tablets, USP)?
As with all oral contraceptives, there are some side effects. Most, however, are not serious. The incidence of menstrual irregularity, headache, breast tenderness, nausea, and dizziness may be increased among POP users. If any of the above symptoms continue, you should contact your healthcare provider.

Who should not take NOR-QD?
Progestin-only contraceptives should not be used by women who have a known or suspected pregnancy, known or suspected carcinoma of the breast, undiagnosed abnormal genital bleeding, benign or malignant liver tumors, or acute liver disease. POPs are not recommended if you take medication for epilepsy (seizures) or for tuberculosis. Also avoid taking POPs if you are allergic or hypersensitive to any of their components. Cigarette smoking greatly increases the possibility of suffering heart attacks and strokes. Oral contraceptives do not protect against HIV infection (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted diseases. Please consult Patient Labeling in the package insert for complete details on NOR-QD.

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Site Last Updated: 2006-06-23
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