What it means
A synthetic progestin. At 0.35 mg it is the progestin-only pill ("mini-pill"), a choice during breastfeeding or when estrogen is not safe. At higher doses it treats abnormal uterine bleeding, missed periods and endometriosis. It is also part of many combined pills. Irregular bleeding is common.
For the nurse
Teach that the mini-pill must be taken at the same time every day with no break; if it is taken more than 3 hours late, a backup method is needed for 48 hours. It does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.
At a glance
| Drug class | progestin |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Camila, Errin, Heather (0.35 mg pills); Aygestin (5 mg) |
| Also written | norethisterone, Aygestin, Camila |
Related terms
estrogen
A female sex hormone, made mainly by the ovaries, and the group of drugs that act like it.
etonogestrel
A progestin hormone used in a birth control implant placed under the skin of the upper arm.
levonorgestrel
A progestin hormone used in birth control pills, hormonal IUDs and the morning-after pill.
medroxyprogesterone
A progestin hormone given as a birth control injection every 3 months, or as tablets for menstrual problems.