Norgestimate and Ethinyl Estradiol Side Effects

Possible side effects of norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol are listed below. Tell your doctor if these side effects are severe or persist after a few days.

• Headache
• Gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, stomach pain, diarrhea and constipation
• Fluid retention
• Breast changes (tenderness, enlargement, discharge)
• Vaginal changes (discharge, redness, irritation, burning, itching)
• Mood changes
• Breakthrough bleeding (spotting or bleeding between periods)
• Missed periods or painful periods
• Changes in appetite and weight
• Swelling of the gums (gingivitis)
• Acne
• Unusual hair growth

More serious side effects of norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol that require immediate medical attention are listed below. Call your doctor without delay or seek emergency medical care if you experience:

• Severe vomiting
• Sudden severe headache 
• Dizziness
• Speech problems
• Coughing up blood
• Crushing chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Weakness or numbness in an arm or leg
• Vision changes (double vision, loss of vision), bulging eyes
• Severe stomach pain, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, light-colored stools
• Unusual bleeding
• Rash
• Heavy menstrual bleeding that lasts more than 7 days

The above list may not include all the potential adverse effects of norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol. Contact your healthcare professional if your side effects are unusual or severe or if they do not get better over time. You can also report unusual side effects to the Food and Drug Administration at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol Overdose: In case of an overdose of norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol, call your doctor immediately. You can also call the local poison control center or national poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If a person cannot be awakened, has trouble breathing, has collapsed, or has had a seizure, call 911. Signs and symptoms of an overdose of birth control pills may include nausea and vaginal bleeding.

Source: FDA