What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Ortho-Novum 1/50 (mestranol and norethindrone)?
This medication can cause birth defects. Do not use if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant, or if you miss two menstrual periods in a row. If you have recently had a baby, wait at least 4 weeks before taking birth control pills (6 weeks if you are breast-feeding). Do not use this medication if you have: • a history of a stroke, blood clot, or circulation problems; • a hormone-related cancer such as breast or uterine cancer; • abnormal vaginal bleeding; • liver disease or liver cancer; or • a history of jaundice caused by birth control pills. Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions: • high blood pressure, heart disease, congestive heart failure, angina (chest pain), or a history of heart attack; • high cholesterol or if you are overweight; • kidney disease; • a history of depression; • diabetes; • gallbladder disease; • seizures or epilepsy; • a history of irregular menstrual cycles; or • a history of fi
